bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theorems of Wolff–Denjoy type for semigroups of nonexpansive mappings in geodesic spaces
Authors: Huczek Aleksandra , Wiśnicki Andrzej
Published: May 2023

We show that if is a one‐parameter continuous semigroup of nonexpansive mappings acting on a complete locally compact geodesic space that satisfies some geometric properties, then there exists such that S converge uniformly on bounded sets of Y to ξ. In particular, our result applies to strictly convex bounded domains in or with respect to a large class of metrics including Hilbert's and Kobayashi's metrics.
Regularity results for Choquard equations involving fractional p‐Laplacian
Authors: Biswas Reshmi , Tiwari Sweta
Published: May 2023

In this paper, first we address the regularity of weak solution for a class of p‐fractional Choquard equations:
where is a smooth bounded domain, and such that , and is a continuous function with at most critical growth condition (in the sense of the Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev inequality) and F is its primitive. Next, for , we discuss the Sobolev versus Hölder minimizers of the energy functional J associated with the above problem, and using that we establish the existence of the local minimizer of J in the fractional Sobolev space . Moreover, we discuss the aforementioned results by adding a local perturbation term (at most critical in the sense of Sobolev inequality) in the right‐hand side in the above equation.
Slowing of Frontal β Oscillations in Atypical Parkinsonism
Authors: Krösche Marius , Kannenberg Silja , Butz Markus , Hartmann Christian J. , Florin Esther , Schnitzler Alfons , Hirschmann Jan
Published: May 2023

Background

Diagnosis of atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS) mostly relies on clinical presentation as well as structural and molecular brain imaging. Whether parkinsonian syndromes are distinguishable based on neuronal oscillations has not been investigated so far.

Objective

The aim was to identify spectral properties specific to atypical parkinsonism.

Methods

We measured resting‐state magnetoencephalography in 14 patients with corticobasal syndrome (CBS), 16 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), 33 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, and 24 healthy controls. We compared spectral power as well as amplitude and frequency of power peaks between groups.

Results

Atypical parkinsonism was associated with spectral slowing, distinguishing both CBS and PSP from Parkinson's disease (PD) and age‐matched healthy controls. Patients with atypical parkinsonism showed a shift in β peaks (13–30 Hz) toward lower frequencies in frontal areas bilaterally. A concomitant increase in θ/α power relative to controls was observed in both APS and PD.

Conclusion

Spectral slowing occurs in atypical parkinsonism, affecting frontal β oscillations in particular. Spectral slowing with a different topography has previously been observed in other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that spectral slowing might be an electrophysiological marker of neurodegeneration. As such, it might support differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes in the future. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Extensor carpi radialis brevis motor branch transfer to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve to repair intrinsic hand palsy in neonatal lower brachial plexus and spinal cord injury: A case report
Authors: Soldado Francisco , Nguyen Trong‐Quynh , Gonzalez‐Morgado Diego , Rojas‐Neira Juliana , Nguyen Dinh‐Hung , Diaz‐Gallardo Paula
Published: May 2023

Concomitant lower neonatal brachial plexus palsy (Klumpke) and spinal cord injury is extremely rare but with a clearly established mechanism of injury pattern. No successful surgical techniques have been reported to date to restore intrinsic hand function. We report a case of successful transfer of the extensor carpi radialis brevis motor branch to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve to repair intrinsic hand palsy. Three‐month‐old boy with the diagnosis of left Klumpke paralysis and thoracic spinal cord injury associating left Horner's sign, intrinsic minus deformity of all the digits, and thenar muscle paralysis in the upper limb. Both lower limbs were fully paralyzed. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal cord narrowing from T1 to T5 and pseudo‐meningoceles involving the left C8 through T3 roots. Since no spontaneous recovery was apparent by 6.5 months and surgical exploration showed pronator quadratus denervation, the ECRB motor branch deep branch was transferred to the ulnar nerve (DBUN) with interposed a 7.5 cm‐long sural nerve graft. By 18 months post‐operatively, all the digits showed complete active IP extension. Thirty‐six months after surgery, no signs of first dorsal interosseous nerve or thenar muscle reinnervation were present, thus an extensor carpi ulnaris opponensplasty was performed. ECRB motor branch might be a valuable tool to restore finger intrinsic function in these uncommon cases.
Painlevé IV, Chazy II, and asymptotics for recurrence coefficients of semi‐classical Laguerre polynomials and their Hankel determinants
Authors: Min Chao , Chen Yang
Published: May 2023

This paper studies the monic semi‐classical Laguerre polynomials based on previous work by Boelen and Van Assche, Filipuk et al., and Clarkson and Jordaan. Filipuk et al. proved that the diagonal recurrence coefficient satisfies the fourth Painlevé equation. In this paper, we show that the off‐diagonal recurrence coefficient fulfills the first member of Chazy II system. We also prove that the sub‐leading coefficient of the monic semi‐classical Laguerre polynomials satisfies both the continuous and discrete Jimbo–Miwa–Okamoto ‐form of Painlevé IV. By using Dyson's Coulomb fluid approach together with the discrete system for and , we obtain the large asymptotic expansions of the recurrence coefficients and the sub‐leading coefficient. The large asymptotics of the associated Hankel determinant (including the constant term) is derived from its integral representation in terms of the sub‐leading coefficient.
Propagation threshold of a cooperative–competitive reaction–diffusion system
Authors: Guo Ruijie , Lin Guo
Published: May 2023

This paper focuses on the propagation threshold of a cooperative–competitive reaction–diffusion system based on a sexually transmitted disease model, which involves two stains and four unknown functions. Considering the competition‐exclusion process between two different strains, it is possible to obtain a cooperative system in proper domain after taking a linear transformation. However, the corresponding cooperative system is not always subhomogeneous and the invariant region is not always a rectangle. Using the propagation theory for monotone semiflows, we obtain a unique threshold no matter whether it is linearly selected, which allows us to numerically estimate the speed. The threshold is proved to be linearly selected under certain conditions by constructing proper upper solutions. Moreover, we numerically show that the threshold may be nonlinearly selected.
Noninvasive brain stimulation in the treatment of functional urological and pelvic floor disorders: A scoping review
Authors: Mazeaud Charles , Salazar Betsy H. , Khavari Rose
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Functional pelvic floor disorders (PFD) such as bowel and bladder dysfunctions can be challenging to manage with our current therapeutic modalities. Recently, noninvasive brain stimulation has emerged as a novel strategy for noninvasive pelvic floor management. Here, we assessed the current state of research on this topic.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted with Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase, in conjunction with clinicaltrials.gov, encompassing all manuscripts published without past time limit up until June 30, 2022.

Results

Of the 880 abstracts identified in a blind selection by two reviewers, 14 publications with an evidence level of 1 or 2 (Oxford scale) were eligible and included in this review. Review articles, case reports (<5 patients), letters, and protocol studies were excluded. PFDs were described as either pelvic pain or lower urinary tracts symptoms (LUTS) with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as the most common treatment modality. Despite heterogeneous therapeutic protocols, significant improvements were observed such as reduction in postvoid residual of urine, increased bladder capacity, improved voiding flow paraments, and decreased chronic pelvic, and bladder pain. No appreciable adverse effects were noted. However, low sample populations allowed only provisional conclusions.

Conclusion

Noninvasive transcranial neurostimulation for LUTS and pelvic pain is emerging as an effective tool for clinicians to utilize in the future. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the full significance of the indicated outcomes.
Trends over 20 years of antimicrobial prophylaxis for artificial urinary sphincter surgery
Authors: Sun Helen H. , Callegari Michael , Zhou Eric , Rhodes Stephen , Brant Aaron , Jesse Erin , Prunty Megan , Shoag Jonathan E. , Scarberry Kyle , Mishra Kirtishri , Gupta Shubham
Published: May 2023

Introduction and Objective

Perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis is crucial for prevention of prosthesis and patient morbidity after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement. While antibiotic guidelines exist for many urologic procedures, adoption patterns for AUS surgery are unclear. We aimed to assess trends in antibiotic prophylaxis for AUS and outcomes relative to American Urological Association (AUA) Best Practice guidelines.

Methods

The Premier Healthcare Database was queried from 2000 to 2020. Encounters involving AUS insertion, revision/removal, and associated complications were identified via ICD and CPT codes. Premier charge codes were used to identify antibiotics used during the insertion encounter. AUS‐related complication events were found using patient hospital identifiers. Univariable analysis between hospital/patient characteristics and use of guideline‐adherent antibiotics was done via chi‐squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests. A multivariable logistic mixed effects model was used to assess factors related to the odds of complication, specifically the use of guideline‐adherent versus nonadherent regimens.

Results

Of 9775 patients with primary AUS surgery, 4310 (44.1%) received guideline‐adherent antibiotics. The odds of guideline‐adherent regimen use increased 7.7% per year with 53.0% (830/1565) receiving guideline‐adherent antibiotics by the end of the study period. Patients with guideline‐adherent regimens had a decreased risk of any complication (odds ratio [OR]: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74–0.93) and surgical revision (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74–0.96) within 3 months; however, no significant difference in infection within was noted (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.68–1.17) within 3 months.

Conclusions

Adherence to AUA antimicrobial guidelines for AUS surgery appears to have increased over the last two decades. While guideline‐adherent regimens were associated with decreased risk of any complication and surgical intervention, no significant association was found with risk of infection. Surgeons appear to be increasingly following AUA recommendations for antimicrobial prophylaxis for AUS surgery, however, further level 1 evidence should be obtained to demonstrate conclusive benefit of these regimens.
A blockchain‐enabled security management framework for mobile edge computing
Authors: Alzubi Jafar A. , Alzubi Omar A. , Singh Ashish , Mahmod Alzubi Tareq
Published: May 2023

Mobile edge computing (MEC) integrates mobile and edge computing technologies to provide efficient computing services with low latency. It includes several Internet of Things (IoT) and edge devices that process the user data at the network's edge. The architectural characteristic of MEC supports many internet‐based services, which attract more number of users, including attackers. The safety and privacy of the MEC environment, especially user information is a significant concern. A lightweight accessing and sharing protocol is required because edge devices are resource constraints. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a blockchain‐enabled security management framework for MEC environments. This approach provides another level of security and includes blockchain security features like temper resistance, immutable, transparent, traceable, and distributed ledger in the MEC environment. The framework guarantees secure data storage in the MEC environment. The contributions of this paper are twofold: (1) We propose a blockchain‐enabled security management framework for MEC environments that address the security and privacy concerns, and (2) we demonstrate through simulations that the framework has high performance and is suitable for resource‐constrained MEC devices. In addition, a smart contract‐based access and sharing mechanism is proposed. Our research uses a combination of theoretical analysis and simulation experiments to demonstrate that the proposed framework offers high security, low latency, legitimate access, high throughput, and low operations cost.
Considerations on the identifiability of fracture and bond properties of reinforced concrete
Authors: Dobrilla Simona , Matthies Hermann G. , Ibrahimbegovic Adnan
Published: May 2023

This work tackles the issue of identifiability of fracture and bond properties in reinforced concrete. The basis for modeling of fracture is a computational model capable of describing damage and failure mechanisms in concrete, as well as bond‐slip which is a result of degradation of the concrete‐steel interface. The discrete approximation combines ED‐FEM for concrete crack representation in each element and X‐FEM representation of bond‐slip along a particular reinforcement bar. The uncertain model parameters are modeled as random variables and identified via Bayesian inference with the help of observations from tensile tests on concrete tie beams with a single embedded reinforcement bar. We discuss how the choice of observation type affects the parameter identifiability and propose combinations which improve the estimation capabilities and reduce the discrepancy between the computed and observed quantities of interest.
A comparative analysis of resource networks of intermediary support organizations for nonprofit development: Evidence from incubators for nonprofit organizations
Authors: Liu Zejin , Van de Walle Steven
Published: May 2023

Incubators for nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are agencies that provide diverse services to support the creation, survival, and early stage growth of NPOs. A primary task of such agencies is to provide NPO clients access to resources through networking. Drawing on the literature on intermediary support organizations (ISOs) and tie formation and a comparative case study of three incubators for NPOs in China, this study examines differences in their resource networks for supporting NPOs and the various factors associated with those different network characteristics. The analysis shows that the types of organizations that play a pivotal role in each case's resource network—business organizations, governmental organizations, and NPOs—are different. Each of these distinctive network characteristics is individually associated with organizational influence, resource dependence, and institutional design. These differences in resource networks and the mechanisms underlying network formation contribute to the literature on ISOs.
Inadequate number of staff and other reasons for implicit rationing of nursing care across hospital types and units
Authors: Zeleníková Renáta , Jarošová Darja , Mynaříková Eva , Janíková Eva , Plevová Ilona
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to find differences in perceived reasons for implicit rationing of nursing care across hospital types and units.

Design

A descriptive multicentre study.

Methods

The study in 14 Czech acute care hospitals was conducted from September 2019 to October 2020. The sample consisted of 8316 nurses working in medical and surgical units. Items for rating the reasons for implicit rationing of nursing care were selected from the MISSCARE Survey. Nurses were asked to rate each item on a scale from 0 (a not significant reason) to 10 (the most significant reason).

Results

The most significant reasons for implicit rationing of nursing care were ‘Inadequate number of staff’, ‘Inadequate number of assistive personnel’ and ‘Unexpected patient admission and discharge’. Most reasons were rated as more significant by nurses from non‐university hospitals. Nurses from medical units perceived all reasons for implicit rationing of nursing care as more significant.
Risk perception in the era of COVID‐19 and related factors among nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhao Lishuang , Huang Hui , Liu Pengcheng , Xu Lanying , Deng Wei , Tian Fengmei , Tan Liping
Published: May 2023

Aim

Our study aimed at investigating the risk perception of nurses and related factors in the era of COVID‐19 period.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Four hundred and forty‐two participants completed an online questionnaire relating to their risk perception on public health emergencies. Data were collected between 25 November 2020 and 1 December 2020. Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test and Ordinal logistic regression analysis were used to examine factors impacting on risk perception.

Results

65.2% of nurses' risk perception of COVID‐19 was the moderate level even below the moderate level in the postperiod of COVID‐19. Kruskal–Wallis test results indicated significant differences in gender, age, education status, working years, professional title, postlevel, COVID‐19 contact experience, marital status and health status (p < 0.05). Ordinal logistic regression showed that gender, education status, professional title, work department, COVID‐19 contact experience, character, health status and nursing work environment are associated with risk perception (p < 0.05).

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Psychological experiences of nurses caring for patients with COVID‐19: Integrative review based on qualitative research
Authors: Lim Serah , Park Hyeran , Kim Sanghee
Published: May 2023

Aim

To analyse the literature on nurses' psychological experiences caring for COVID‐19 patients, focusing on qualitative research.

Design

An integrative review.

Review Methods

Whittemore & Knafl's approach was used.

Data Sources

Six databases were searched using the terms ‘nurses’, ‘psychological experiences’ and ‘COVID‐19’.

Results

Ten studies were selected and analysed. Five characteristics related to nurses' negative psychological experiences, four characteristics related to positive psychological experiences and seven coping strategies of nurses were identified.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the need for psychological, social, financial and organizational support for nurses to improve mental well‐being and the level of nursing care.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Factors associated with professional identity among ICU nurses during COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Baoyi , Tao Hongmei , Xie Minyi , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Meifen , Zhang Yanyan
Published: May 2023

Aim

To determine the associated factors of professional identity among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in China.

Design

Multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study invited 348 ICU nurses in five hospitals in China from May to July 2020. Online self‐report questionnaires were adopted to collect their demographic and occupational characteristics, perceived professional benefits and professional identity. Based on univariate and multiple linear regression analysis, a path analysis was performed to determine the associated factors' effects on professional identity.

Results

The mean score of professional identity was 102.38 ± 16.46. Perceived professional benefits, doctor recognition level and family support level were associated with ICU nurses' professional identity. The path analysis revealed that perceived professional benefits and doctor recognition level had direct effects on professional identity. In addition, doctor recognition level and family support level had indirect effects on professional identity through the mediation of perceived professional benefits.
The association between character strengths and job crafting among nurses in tertiary hospitals: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Li Minli , Sun Huimin , Zhou Junhui
Published: May 2023

Aim

This study was to investigate the association between character strengths and job crafting among nurses in tertiary hospitals in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted.

Methods

From February 2021 to April 2021, 1006 nurses from four tertiary hospitals in China were recruited to complete a series of online questionnaires assessing their job crafting and character strengths. The analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Results

The mean scores for task crafting, cognitive crafting and relationship crafting were 3.19 ± 0.58, 3.50 ± 0.55 and 3.58 ± 0.51. There is a moderate level of job crafting and character strengths among Chinese nurses working at tertiary hospitals. Additionally, it was revealed by the SEM that character strengths contributed to 81% of the variance of job crafting and job crafting was positively correlated with nurses' character strengths. The study shows the need to develop nurses' character strengths to enhance job crafting behaviours.
The impact of the use of continuous pulse oximetry monitoring to monitor patients at high risk of respiratory depression on nursing practice
Authors: Hardy Marie‐Soleil , Dallaire Clémence , Bouchlaghem Mohamed Amine , Hajji Issam
Published: May 2023

Aim

To describe the impact on nursing practice of using continuous pulse oximetry monitoring to monitor patients at high risk for respiratory depression after surgery.

Design

A convergent mixed method design.

Methods

Thirty (30) hours of non‐participant structured observation and explanatory interviews were conducted with 10 nurses from the surgery care unit and intensive care unit.

Results

We found that nursing practice to evaluate and monitor at‐risk patients through continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is mainly linked to technical care. Nurses generally meet the frequency of bedside monitoring required by established protocols. During the structured non‐participant observation periods, it was observed that 90% of the alarms were false (unsustained desaturations). This was confirmed by the nurses during the explanatory interviews. Noisy environments, high number of false alarms, poor communication between nurses and various operational failures might have a negative impact on nursing practice.

Conclusion

Several challenges must be overcome for this technology to achieve the desired outcomes of continuous surveillance and rapid detection of respiratory depression episodes for post‐surgical patients.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Adolescent pregnant women's perception of health practices: A qualitative study
Authors: Abdolalipour Somyieh , Mousavi Sanaz , Hadian Tahereh , Meedya Shahla , Mohammad‐Alizadeh‐Charandabi Sakineh , Mohammadi Eesa , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: May 2023

Aim

To explore adolescent pregnant women's perception of health practices.

Design

A qualitative study.

Method

Fifteen pregnant women in Tehran (capital of Iran) were selected based on purposive sampling to participate in semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews. The content of interviews was recorded and transcribed and then analysed using conventional content analysis.

Results

The first theme extracted was health practice with main categories of balanced rest/activity pattern, observance of an appropriate diet, sensitivity to personal health, observance of an appropriate pattern of social interactions, religious and spiritual orientations, recreational and leisure time activities, and stress management; second theme was perceived benefits with main categories of a sense of physical health improvement, a sense of mental health improvement, positive attitudes towards the effect of nutrition on pregnancy and childbirth health; and third theme was effective factors with main categories of facilitators of health practices and inhibitors of health practices.

Conclusions

Most pregnant adolescents' perception of health practices is at a satisfactory level; however, some inhibitors of health practice were explored in this study. These should be improved by adopting appropriate approaches in health policies.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Disturbances of nursing students in internship during emerging disease COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Feizollahzadeh Hossein , Hassankhani Hadi , Barsaei Masoomeh
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine the experiences of nursing students in internship during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

Purposeful sampling was conducted among undergraduate nursing students at Tabriz School of Nursing in November 2021. Students participated in 14 in‐depth open‐ended interviews and stated their experiences and opinions on internships during the COVID epidemic until full data saturation. Data analysis was performed using the conventional content analysis method. This study followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist.

Results

Findings were extracted and classified into five main categories, including a lack of facilities and equipment, psychological disturbances, physical risk, disturbances in education and learning activities and movement to continue clinical learning in the situation.

Conclusion

Nursing students in clinical training during the COVID epidemic have experienced physical and mental health issues, as well as educational challenges. During an infectious disease epidemic period, education administrators should adopt appropriate strategies to protect students' health and facilitate their educational and learning activities.
CiteSpace‐based visual analysis of hypothermia studies in surgical patients
Authors: Zhou Yifeng , Hu Zhengzhong , Yuan Hao , Qin Yuelan , Peng Jin
Published: May 2023

Aim

This study was conducted to understand the research hotspots, research trends and research frontiers for hypothermia in surgical patients and provide a reference for developing effective measures to reduce the incidence of hypothermia in these patients.

Design

Using CiteSpace software, a visual analysis of 1288 included articles related to hypothermia in surgical patients was performed.

Methods

CiteSpace software is a Java application that supports knowledge research, data visualization and analysis of literature databases. The following data were retrieved: title, abstract, year, keywords, author, academic institution, journal and citations. The included literature was analysed using CiteSpace visualization software, knowledge mapping, collaborative network analysis, cluster analysis and highlighting keywords for visualization.

Results

A total of 1288 articles related to hypothermia in surgical patients were included, with the largest number of articles published in the United States (448), followed by in Germany (104) and China (102). The top three institutions, journals and authors were from the United States. The most common keywords were perioperative ‘hypothermia’, ‘risk factors’ and ‘anesthesia’.
Measurement instruments to evaluate diaper dermatitis in children: Systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Reick Sibylle , Burckhardt Marion , Palm Rebecca , Kottner Jan
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to summarize and evaluate the empirical evidence on the measurement properties of diaper dermatitis (DD) measurement instruments in children.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE were systematically searched until 14 June 2021. Citation searching was conducted in Scopus. The risk of bias, the reported measurement properties and the quality of evidence were evaluated using the COSMIN framework. The reporting follows the PRISMA 2020 statement.

Results

We identified 1200 records in the databases and 108 records during citation searching and included four studies describing three measurement instruments for DD in children and their measurement properties. We considered the content validity inconsistent for all three instruments. The study authors reported internal consistency, reliability and construct validity for one instrument. We rated the quality of evidence from very low to moderate.
A common ecogeographic trend in the internal nasal cavity variation across Mesolithic to Bronze Age Eastern European and Caucasian populations
Authors: Manakhov Pavel D. , Evteev Andrej A.
Published: May 2023

The ecogeographic trends in the shape of the internal nasal cavity and external facial skeleton were explored in a sample of Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age skulls from Northeastern Europe and the Caucasus and tested against a background of the variation in recent populations from the same area. The volume, surface area, and several linear dimensions of the internal nasal cavity as well as a set of 3D landmarks of the external mid‐face were collected in a sample of computed tomography (CT) scans of 121 adult male skulls from six modern human populations of Eastern Europe, Anatolia, and Caucasus (74 individuals) and seven ancient burial sites (47 individuals). Various measures of the association between nasal cavity morphology and climate revealed moderate to high levels of correlation. The modern populations from colder climates and all but one ancient group display a substantial decrease in the nasal cavity heights and widths, volume and nasal protrusion, a relative narrowing of the nasal cavity, and a substantial increment in length of the maxillary part of the cavity. These groups also exhibit a less protruding external nose, smaller orbits, and a vertically taller zygomatic region. Our results show that the suite of morphological features associated with living in a cold climate is more strongly pronounced in ancient Europeans compared with the Medieval or modern groups of the same continent.
Size effect and scaling in quasi‐static and fatigue fracture of graphene polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Qiao Yao , Guo Kaiwen , Salviato Marco
Published: May 2023

This work investigated how the structure size affects the quasi‐static and fatigue behaviors of graphene polymer nanocomposites, a topic that has been often overlooked. The results showed that both quasi‐static and fatigue failure of these materials scale nonlinearly with the structure size due to the presence of a significant fracture process zone (FPZ) ahead of the crack tip induced by graphene nanomodification. Such a complicated size effect and scaling in either quasi‐static or fatigue scenario cannot be described by the linear elastic fracture mechanics, but can be well captured by the size effect law (SEL) which considers the FPZ. Thanks to the SEL, the enhanced quasi‐static and fatigue fracture properties were properly characterized and shown to be independent of the structure size. In addition, the differences on the morphological and mechanical behaviors between quasi‐static fracture and fatigue fracture were also identified and clarified in this work. The experimental data and analytical analyses reported in this article are important to deeply understand the mechanics of polymer‐based nanocomposites and even other quasi‐brittle materials (e.g., fiber‐reinforced polymers or their hybrid with nanoparticles, and so forth), and further advance the development of computational models capable of capturing size‐dependent fracture of materials under various loads.
Differences in target estimands between different propensity score‐based weights
Authors: Austin Peter C.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Propensity score weighting is a popular approach for estimating treatment effects using observational data. Different sets of propensity score‐based weights have been proposed, including inverse probability of treatment weights whose target estimand is the average treatment effect, weights whose target estimand is the average treatment effect in the treated (ATT), and, more recently, matching weights, overlap weights, and entropy weights. These latter three sets of weights focus on estimating the effect of treatment in those subjects for whom there is clinical equipoise. We conducted a series of simulations to explore differences in the value of the target estimands for these five sets of weights when the difference in means is the measure of treatment effect.

Methods

We considered 648 scenarios defined by different values of the prevalence of treatment, the c‐statistic of the propensity score model, the correlation between the linear predictors for treatment selection and the outcome, and by the magnitude of the interaction between treatment status and the linear predictor for the outcome in the absence of treatment.

Results

We found that, when the prevalence of treatment was low or high and the c‐statistic of the propensity score model was moderate to high, that matching weights, overlap weights, and entropy weights had target estimands that differed meaningfully from the target estimand of the ATE weights.

Conclusions

Researchers using matching weights, overlap weights, and entropy weights should not assume that the estimated treatment effect is comparable to the ATE.
Preparation of ternary polyaniline@CuO−zeolite composite, discussion of characteristics, properties and their applications in supercapacitors and cationic dye adsorption
Authors: Dahou Fatima Zohra , Belardja Mohamed Sifeddine , Moulefera Imane , Sabantina Lilia , Benyoucef Abdelghani
Published: May 2023

Copper oxide−zeolite (CuO−ZT) reinforced polyaniline (PANI) matrices were prepared by in situ oxidative polymerization and the samples were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, XRD, TGA, UV–visible spectrophotometry, SEM and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory; the optical bandgap was also evaluated. Moreover, the synthesis and exploration of electrodes are increasingly being considered for the development of conducting‐polymer‐based supercapacitors, which has attracted significant interest in energy conversion and storage technology. Here, hybrid materials used in the preparation of the electrode materials on the capacitive properties were investigated. It is found that the PANI@CuO exhibits a high specific capacitance of 311.5 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 current density between 0.0 and 1.0 V compared to PANI@CuO−ZT (222.7 F g−1). Further, the PANI@CuO presented an excellent cycling stability at 1.0 A g−1 (1500 cycles; 81.9%) in a two‐electrode system. Accordingly, producing a PANI matrix on CuO presented a simple and viable way to ameliorate the capacitive performance of the supercapacitor. Conversely, the adsorptive removal of malachite green and methyl violet dyes by PANI@CuO−ZT adsorbent could be described by the pseudo‐first‐order and Temkin models. The maximum adsorptive capacity of malachite green and methyl violet dyes was 249.7 and 198.2 mg g−1, respectively. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Stakeholder perspectives of adaptations of a burnout intervention for special education teachers
Authors: Ruble Lisa , Love Abigail , McGrew John H. , Yu Yue , Fischer Melanie W. , Salyers Michelle P.
Published: May 2023

The high attrition and turnover rates of qualified special education teachers (SETs) is a significant concern exacerbated by COVID‐19. Unfortunately, there are limited studies available on research‐based interventions to decrease burnout. The purpose of this study was to describe our processes and results for adaptations and modifications of BREATHE, a burnout intervention originally developed for community mental health workers, into Burnout Reduction: Enhanced Awareness, Tools, Handouts, and Education: Evidence‐based Activities for Stress for Educators (BREATHE‐EASE) for special educators with guidance from the Framework for Reporting Adaptation and Modifications to Evidence‐Based Interventions (FRAME). We applied the FRAME within a hybrid Type 1 trial for characterizing our approach. Four focus groups (N = 30; 83% female) were conducted separately according to job title (SETs; school administrators), with semi‐structured questions tailored to each group. Emergent thematic analysis was used to identify core themes related to adaptations, and results were presented to a subset of focus group members. Modifications involved content, context, and implementation changes for the adapted intervention, with most changes identified for content. FRAME was helpful for providing a systematic approach to integrate stakeholder‐informed adaptations of a burnout intervention, addressing significant concerns of SET stress, burnout, and attrition.
Cerebral palsy and executive functions: Inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility skills
Authors: Çapa Tayyare Begüm , Gerçek Evrim , Dursun Erbil , Akçin Nur
Published: May 2023

Executive functions (EFs) are an umbrella term that includes various cognitive abilities (such as inhibition, planning, goal‐setting, monitoring, and shifting). There is common agreement that there are three main EFs: inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Further studies have reported that compared to typically developing peers, children with cerebral palsy (CP) show deficits in EF skills. This study aims to evaluate children with CP's inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility skills. Forty children with CP between the ages of 7–13 were included in the present study. EF scores of the CP group were compared with scores of typically developing peers matched one‐to‐one by age and sex. The EF skills were evaluated with Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), Stroop color–word test (SCWT) TBAG Form, and executive function behavior rating scale parent form (BRIEF‐P). It was determined that there was a significant difference in the WCST total trials, total errors, categories completed, and percent conceptual level responses scores (p < .05); SCWT‐TBAG scores (p < .05), and BRIEF‐P all scores (p ≤ .01) of children with CP. The results of this study suggest that children with CP are disadvantaged with EF skills in terms of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.
Paraprofessionals' use of classroom management in a small‐group intervention
Authors: Mesa Michael P. , Phillips Beth M. , Lonigan Christopher J.
Published: May 2023

Although previous research suggests the use of classroom management strategies can support student engagement and learning, gaps in the literature still exist including the frequency of classroom management strategies in small‐group instruction. The purpose of this descriptive study was to measure the frequency of paraprofessionals' (n = 94) classroom management strategies within the context of a small‐group intervention for kindergarteners at‐risk of reading difficulties. This study contributes to the field by finding that trends described in previous studies continue to be demonstrated in this targeted instructional setting, in particular, regarding the infrequent use of praise with students at‐risk of academic failure. The results of paired‐sample sign tests suggest that when providing corrective feedback, paraprofessionals were more likely to specifically label the behavior being reprimanded. However, paraprofessionals infrequently labeled the specific behavior being reinforced when praising students.
Pediatric leukemia: What school psychologists should know
Authors: Alexandra Bobb‐Woodson , Denise Maricle
Published: May 2023

Pediatric cancer is the second leading cause of death among children ages 1–14 (Whitehead et al., 2016). Approximately 10,500 children ages 1–14 and 5090 adolescents ages 15–19 have been diagnosed with cancer in 2021 (American Cancer Society, 2021). An estimated 28% of childhood cases and 13% of adolescent patients will be diagnosed explicitly with Leukemia (American Cancer Society, 2021). Leukemia is a broad term that encompasses the malignant disease of bone marrow and other structures responsible for blood production (Olin et al., 2018). Children and adolescents experiencing pediatric leukemia often undergo treatment that produces biological, psychosocial, and cognitive impacts. Due to the occurrence of this disease in school‐aged children and the wide‐ranging consequences they face, school psychologists may be called upon to work with students and their families while they go through treatment during school‐aged years. This article will discuss pediatric leukemia, treatment options, long‐term impacts of treatment for patients, and considerations for working with children in the school system.
The impact of chemotherapy on cognitive performance post‐surgery in patients with colorectal cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Dwek Marie‐Rose , Newman Stanton P. , Brini Stefano , Holder Pru , Machesney Michael , Propper David , Rixon Lorna R. , Hirani Shashivadan P. , Hurt Catherine S.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Subjective reports of cognitive impairment following chemotherapy are frequent in cancer patients. Objective cognitive impairment has been observed in cancer patients regardless of treatment regimen suggesting the relationship between cognitive impairment and chemotherapy is not clear cut. Little research has explored the effects of chemotherapy on cognition following surgery in colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study explored the effects of chemotherapy on cognitive performance in a sample of CRC patients.

Methods

136 participants were recruited into a prospective cohort study: 78 CRC patients undergoing surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, 58 CRC patients undergoing surgery only. A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to participants 4 weeks post‐surgery (T1), 12 weeks after first chemotherapy (T2) and 3 months after last chemotherapy (T3) or equivalent time‐points.

Results

Using the criterion of scoring at least two standard‐deviations below the group norm on at least one neuropsychological test, 45%–55% of all CRC patients showed cognitive deficits 10 months after surgery (T3) and 14% on at least 3 tests. However, cognition did not significantly differ between patients who had chemotherapy and those who did not. A time by group interaction effect was found on the composite cognition score using multi‐level modelling suggesting a greater improvement in cognition in the surgery only group over time (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

CRC patients display cognitive impairment 10 months after surgery. Chemotherapy did not worsen cognitive impairment but did appear to slow cognitive recovery relative to those undergoing surgery only. The findings demonstrate a clear need for supportive cognitive interventions for all CRC patients following treatment.
Appearance‐related psychosocial distress after facial non‐melanoma skin cancer surgery: A 1‐year prospective study
Authors: D’Hondt Valérie , Veldhuizen Inge J. , Theelen F. F. M. , Herlaar Stéphanie , Lee Erica H. , Houterman Saskia , Brinkhuizen Tjinta , Hoogbergen Maarten M.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Patients undergoing Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) for facial non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) experience appearance‐related psychosocial distress due to its post‐surgical esthetic changes. However, little is known about its development over a longer follow‐up period. This study prospectively assessed appearance‐related psychosocial distress in patients undergoing MMS for facial NMSC over a 1‐year follow up period.

Methods

Patients who had MMS for facial NMSC between September 2020 and October 2021 were invited to answer the FACE‐Q Skin Cancer ‐ appearance‐related psychosocial distress scale preoperatively, 2 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.

Results

A total of 217 patients completed the questionnaire at baseline. In addition, 158 (72.8%), 139 (64.1%), and 120 (55.3%) questionnaires were successfully answered 2 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery, respectively. Patients with a peripheral lesion presented higher appearance‐related psychosocial distress scores at baseline than patients with a central lesion (p = 0.02). There was a decreasing trend in appearance‐related psychosocial distress over time, but without a significant result (baseline—2‐week; p = 0.73, 2‐week—6‐month; p = 0.80, 6‐month—1‐year; p = 0.17, baseline—1‐year; p = 0.23). Patients with secondary intention healing and graft reconstruction methods experienced more appearance‐related psychosocial distress over time than patients with primary wound closures (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Patients still experience appearance‐related psychosocial distress 1 year after MMS. These patients may benefit from targeted counseling. Additionally, predictors of more appearance‐related psychosocial distress, such as secondary intention healing and graft reconstruction methods, may benefit from additional psychological care.
Effect of a high‐fat and high‐calorie food on the pharmacokinetics of a novel, potent GABA analog HSK16149 in healthy subjects
Authors: Wu Qingqing , Zhu Huijuan , Song Rong , Zhang Mengqi , Li Fangqiong , Zeng Weifang , Wang Wei , Jia Jingying , Yu Chen , Liu Yanmei
Published: May 2023

HSK16149 is a novel, potent gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a high‐fat and high‐calorie meal on the pharmacokinetics of HSK16149 in healthy Chinese subjects. An open‐label, two‐period crossover design was applied in this study. Twenty‐six subjects were enrolled and were randomly divided into two groups: a fasted‐fed group and a fed‐fasted group, with 13 subjects in each group. Subjects took a single oral dose of 45 mg of HSK16149 under fasted or fed conditions on Day 1 and Day 4. A series of blood samples were collected for PK analysis. Safety was evaluated throughout the study by physical examinations, clinical laboratory tests, 12‐lead ECGs, vital signs, and adverse events (AEs). The parameters AUC0‐∞, AUC0‐t, and Cmax of HSK16149 were compared to assess the bioequivalence of HSK16149 under fasted and fed conditions. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and their 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of AUC0‐t and AUC0‐∞ under the fed condition compared with the fasted condition were 95.84% (91.94–99.90%) and 95.79% (91.89–99.84%), respectively, which were all within the bioequivalent interval (80.00–125.00%). The GMR (90% CI) of Cmax under the fed condition compared with the fasted condition was 66.04% (59.45–73.36%), which was not within the bioequivalent range (80.00–125.00%). All adverse events were transient and resolved. This study demonstrated that HSK16149 can be administered with or without food.