bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Narrative Bibliotherapy Reduce Vulnerability to Eating Disorders? Evidence from a Reading Experiment
Authors: Riestra-Camacho Rocío , Carney James , Troscianko Emily
Published: September 2023

No research has yet experimentally evaluated the role of narrative fiction in relation to eating disorders (EDs). This study used a between-participants design to assess vulnerability to EDs before and after reading two contemporary U.S. young adult sports novels. ED vulnerability was measured using the EAT-26 and a tailored questionnaire. The experimental group ( n = 32) received the books with text-specific reading guides. The control group ( n = 33) received only the novels. Our hypothesis was that post-reading measures would be lower (improved) in both groups, but more markedly in the experimental group. Scores were typically lower in the experimental group and higher in the control group, but these differences were not statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. These findings underline the need to expand empirical evidence on the effects of narrative reading in the context of EDs, while the innovative methods trialed here open up new methodological avenues.
“It Makes You Feel Alive and Younger…but It’s Stressful …My Back and Legs Ache”: A Focus Group Study Encouraging Resistance Training Around Retirement
Authors: Frost Rachael , Lowe Anna , Pinto Pereira Snehal M.
Published: September 2023

Muscle weakness is a key component of age-related conditions such as sarcopenia and frailty. Resistance training is highly effective at preventing and treating muscle weakness; however, few adults meet recommended levels. Retirement may be a key life-stage to promote resistance training. We carried out a virtual focus group study to explore motivators and barriers to resistance training around the time of retirement, with the aim of determining strategies and messages to increase its uptake. The five focus groups ( n = 30) were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. We found that resistance training was positively viewed when associated with immediate and long-term health and wellbeing benefits and had a social dimension; but there was a lack of understanding as to what constitutes resistance training, the required intensity level for effects; the role of pain; and the consequences of muscle weakness.
Regenerating the Environment: Are Planners Prepared? A Study of American Municipal Planners’ Environmental Knowledge, Know-How, and Practices
Authors: Laurian Lucie , Göçmen Aslıgül
Published: September 2023

Planners are in positions to lead the implementation of place-based environmentally sustainable practices. This paper explores the impacts of planners’ education, knowledge, and know-how on local sustainability implementation in practice, using a survey of 253 municipal planners. While most have basic factual knowledge, many do not have practical experiences with, and would not know how to undertake, a variety of sustainable practices. Formal environmental training increases knowledge and know-how, which in turn supports practice. This provides a strong rationale for strengthening environmental training in the core requirements of planning education.
Self-management Experience of Nurses Living with Migraine: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dione Marionette Ngole , Donelle Lorie , Smye Victoria , Befus Deanna
Published: September 2023

Background

Migraine is a neurobiological condition characterized by a constellation of unpredictable symptoms and is the second cause of disability worldwide. Migraine is prevalent among nurses. However, literature exploring nurses’ experience of living with migraine is scarce which has important individual and systems implications for health and wellness and patient safety. Self-management is essential in chronic disease management as the patient engages in various strategies to be able to live with their condition.

Purpose

This study explored the experiences of living and working with migraine among female nurses in Ontario, with particular attention to their priorities and strategies for self-management.

Methods

Interpretive description methodology was employed to guide this study and informed a thematic analysis approach to examine the self-management experiences of nurses living with migraine.

Results

Nurses engaged in various self-management strategies including pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies and highlighted the role of technology in migraine self-management. Participants described experiences of living with migraine as an invisible condition including feelings of not being understood, stigmatization, and the absence of formal support at the workplace.

Conclusion

The implications of these findings support the incorporation of a critical approach to relational engagement that is person-centred including nonjudgemental, strength-based care as a practice approach when caring for persons living with migraines and the need to include experiential learning in educational curriculums as a strategy to reduce stigma against migraines.
Pay Transparency and Pay Communication
Authors: Schumann Lori
Published: September 2023

A culture of well-communicated pay transparency drives better workforce outcomes and will enable the organization to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage over its competitors. This white paper discusses how organizations can prepare for the legal requirements related to The Pay Transparency Act, as well as ways to properly communicate pay in a transparent manner with employees.
Factors Associated with Nurses’ Motivation to Provide Care for Patients with Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use-Related Problems
Authors: Mahmoud Khadejah F. , Finnell Deborah. S. , Sereika Susan M. , Lindsay Dawn , Cipkala-Gaffin Janet , Mitchell Ann M.
Published: September 2023

Background:

There is a high human and economic cost associated with alcohol use and alcohol use-related problems. Nurses have a pivotal role in addressing the needs of this patient population. Purpose: The study aimed to examine the correlation between nurses’ demographics/background characteristics, personal attitudes, professional attitudes, and their motivation to provide care to patients with alcohol use and alcohol use-related problems.

Methods:

A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design was utilized. Nurses were recruited from four Southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals. The study variables were examined using questionnaires that explored nurses’ demographic/background characteristics, their personal and professional attitudes, and motivation to care for patients with alcohol use and alcohol use-related problems.

Results:

The sample included 234 nurses. Demographic/background characteristics were identified as associated with nurse’s alcohol use-related motivation, including gender, primary work setting and specialization. Previous personal experience with alcohol use-related problems (nurses themselves or co-workers), familiarity, perceived dangerousness, fear, social distance, personal responsibility beliefs and disease model were also associated with nurses’ alcohol use-related motivation to care for these patients. In addition, all professional attitudes were associated with nurses’ motivation toward caring for patients with alcohol use and alcohol use-related problems.

Conclusions:

The study revealed that certain demographic/background characteristics and personal and professional attitudes were associated with nurses’ motivation to provide care to this patient population. This study provides the foundation for future studies aimed at exploring predictors of nurse’s motivation to care for patients with alcohol use and alcohol use-related problems.
Conceptualizing State Re-Engagement With Public Higher Education
Authors: Taylor Barrett J. , Cantwell Brendan
Published: September 2023

Three trends have characterized state policymaking for higher education in the 21st century: divestment, accountability, and race neutrality. These policy agendas are often justified as an attempt to optimize system efficiency and performance by making institutional actors (agents) responsive to the demands of state officials (principals). In this manuscript, we present quantitative evidence that these three policy initiatives have not achieved their stated purpose. We use contemporary social theory to explain why this is the case. Finally, we call for deeper re-engagement of states and their higher education systems in place of transactional and technocratic models.
Control of a nonlinear active suspension system based on deep reinforcement learning and expert demonstrations
Authors: Tan Zhao , Wen Guilin , Pan Zebang , Yin Shan , Wu Xiaojian , Tohti Gulbahar
Published: September 2023

A well-controlled active suspension system has the potential to provide better ride comfort. Benefiting from its powerful feature extraction and nonlinear generalization capabilities, the deep reinforcement learning (DRL), such as deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG), has shown great potential to make decisions adaptively and intelligently in the control of active suspension system. However, the DDPG is troubled by the problem of low training efficiency due to the high proportion of illegal strategies. This paper proposed a novel DDPG controller for a nonlinear uncertain active suspension system by combining DRL with expert demonstrations. Specifically, the improved training method integrated with both a pre-training mechanism based on PID expert samples and an adaptive experience replay mechanism, is put forward for the DDPG to achieve both the goals of imitating the expert and improving the training efficiency. Moreover, considering the ride comfort and the state constraints as targets, a mixed reward function is designed to guide RL agents for learning effective actions. It is shown that the proposed training methods effectively accelerate the convergence of the DDPG. Furthermore, the comparison experiments demonstrate that the proposed controller provides great vibration attenuation, and has better adaptiveness to various working conditions and parametric uncertainty.
Experimental investigation of cement blain and operational parameters for optimal efficiency of circular vibrating screen
Authors: Idrees Muhammad , Ullah Hamid
Published: September 2023

The effect of blain and the operational parameters (i.e. amplitude of vibration, screen deck angle and cement blain) on the efficiency of screen is determined experimentally. A feed rate of 33,333 grams per second (g/s) and mesh size of 0.1 cm × 0.1 cm are kept constant while amplitude of vibration, screen deck angle and value of blain are varied with the aim to determine the optimum efficiency of the vibrating screen. A screen efficiency of 94.3% is obtained at a blain value of 2900 cm²/g for a screen with mesh size of 0.1 cm × 0.1 cm, vibration amplitude of 5.89 cm/s, screen deck angle of 6° and feed rate of 33,333 g/s. The optimum value for amplitude of vibration (6.89 cm/s) is obtained for a cement blain of 3000 cm²/g. The screen efficiency obtained at this amplitude of vibration is 96.3%. This value is obtained when the screen is positioned at a slope of 6° with feed rate of 33,333 g/s. Optimum value of screen slope (9°) is obtained for a cement blain of 3000 cm²/g when the screen vibrates at 6.89 cm/s and feed rate of 33,333 g/s. The optimum screen efficiency of 97% is obtained at the screen angle of 9o, vibration amplitude of 6.89 cm/s, a blain value of 3000 cm²/g, screen mesh size of 0.1 cm × 0.1 cm and feed rate of 33,333 g/s. Furthermore, relationship between cement blain and density is determined. The annual operational cost is reduced from 14176$ to 7659$ for 320 working days per year which presents 46% reduction in cost.
Assessing dynamic characteristics for friction draft gears with worn wedge shoes
Authors: Liangliang Yang , Xiaocui Huang , Maohai Fu , Shihui Luo , Wenchang Zeng
Published: September 2023

A friction draft gear model was developed to assess the degraded dynamic characteristics of worn draft gears in the vehicle impact condition. It presents an approach to simulate multiple typical wear profiles of wedge shoes and reflect their effects on the draft gear performance. Based on the rated design indexes and existing overhaul regulations of MT-2 type friction draft gears in China, the safety wear limits for wedge shoes with different wear profiles were classified and assessed. The results indicate that wedge shoes with uniform or concave wear can significantly worsen draft gear performance, and the existing maintenance limit of 1 mm only applies to wedge shoes with uniform wear but not to the most common wedge shoes with concave wear. Also, for wedge shoes with concave wear, when the wear area covers 50%, 75%, and 100% of the total main friction surface, the corresponding safety wear limits are 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.3 mm, respectively. Therefore, it is proposed to design multiple graded and dynamic maintenance limits to ensure the service safety of MT-2 type friction draft gears.
Making pushbacks public: Secrecy, material witnesses and devices of dis/appearance
Authors: Glouftsios Georgios
Published: September 2023

In early 2021, the European Parliament established the Frontex Scrutiny Working Group (FSWG) to monitor all aspects of the functioning of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The FSWG organized a series of public hearings and carried out a ‘fact-finding’ investigation to gather information and evidence about pushbacks of refugees in the Aegean Sea. By unpacking some of the controversies that emerged during the hearings of the FSWG, I explore how secrecy was practised and strategically employed to obscure the responsibility of Frontex for the reported pushbacks, and how it was contested through the presentation of related evidence. I explain how secrecy and related controversies and struggles over making pushbacks public involve a variety of actors that enrol and interact with a heterogeneous set of objects, including digital, visual and archival traces of violence at sea, as well as databases used to record information about maritime incidents. I argue that secrecy regarding pushbacks is not just about keeping information about people and objects involved in security operations hidden. Secrecy is also produced through the selective recording, (mis)categorization and circulation of information in the name of transparency.
Effect of Upright Positioning on the Process and Outcome of Labour Among Parturient in Primary Health Care Setting
Authors: Muhammed Auwalu , Habibu Hannatu Sarki , Ibrahim Abdullahi Haruna , Abdulrashid Idris
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The position of the woman during labour is an essential part of maternal care, but some care providers often neglect it. There are also some recommended birthing positions, but there is a lack of data on how midwives translate the findings into practice.

Objective

This study aimed to compare upright and supine births concerning the birth process and outcomes among women who have given birth in primary health care settings.

Material and Methods

This is a quantitative comparative study among parturient in primary health care setting. An observational checklist was used as a data collection tool. A total of 40 parturient (20 each for upright and recumbent position groups) were selected as the study participants. Data were analysed using an independent t-test and chi-square test.

Results

Findings indicated that although the uterus contracts more frequent in an upright position, there was no substantial difference between the groups concerning the progress of labour ( p > .05). However, findings suggested that the upright position is associated with a shorter duration in the third stage of labour compared to the recumbent position ( p < .05). Blood lost was <500 mils for 75% of the upright position and 55% of the recumbent position group ( p = .054).

Conclusion

Upright position may shorten the duration of the third stage of labour (compared to recumbent position) among parturients. Hence, midwives can utilise the upright/vertical protocol during their practice to ensure better outcome of the labour and minimise blood loss for the parturient.
Including an Adventure Education Training Program in Physical Education Teacher Education Programs
Authors: González-Rivas Ramon Alfonso , Núñez Enriquez Oscar , Marttinen Risto , Baena-Extremera Antonio , Zueck-Enríquez María del Carmen , Gastélum-Cuadras Gabriel
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Different international guidelines indicate the need for improving educational procedures. This study aims to contribute to the professional development training program of higher education professors from a Physical Education Teacher Education degree in México.

Methodology

This qualitative study used a participatory action research design through four cycles: (a) diagnosis; (b) elaboration of the action plan; (c) implementation and evaluation; and (d) feedback. The participants were the professor, six experts, and 17 students. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with students and the professor, the analysis of the class syllabus, and nonparticipatory observations.

Findings

The importance of carrying out a diagnostic cycle allowed us to identify the specific needs of the class. Similarly, the model of development and evaluation of academic competencies (M-DECA) allowed the professor to develop specific pedagogical and disciplinary competencies from the training program.

Conclusion

A continuous professional development training program for university professors in pedagogical and disciplinary strategies generates better learning results. The inclusion of innovative content in the class syllabus was also crucial.
A Quantitative Study on Mental Health, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life among Family Members of Patients With First-Episode Cancer
Authors: Uchida Tomohiro , Jingu Keiichi , Uno Akari , Lin Kang , Fengxia Liu , Shijie Wang , Jingge Li , Akawaza Kohei , Yoshii Hatsumi
Published: September 2023

This study investigated mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life among family members of patients with first-episode cancer. A survey was conducted with 39 family members of patients with cancer, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC). HADS scores indicated that 17 participants (43.6%) had adjustment and/or major depressive disorders. PSQI scores showed that 16 participants (42.1%) had sleep disturbances. However, CQOLC scores were higher than those in previous studies on families of patients with various stages of cancer. Although families of patients with first-episode cancer may not experience difficulties in their lives, their mental and physical conditions may be impaired. Healthcare providers should focus on the impact on the mental health and sleep needs of patients’ families caused by dealing with a loved one with cancer and offer support.
Evaluation of Basal Plus Versus Sliding Scale Insulin Therapy on Glucose Variability in Critically Ill Patients Without Preexisting Diabetes
Authors: Webster Rachel E. , Belfer Julie J. , Schmidt Kyle J.
Published: September 2023

Background:

There is limited evidence evaluating the impact of insulin treatment strategies on glucose variability in critically ill patients without preexisting diabetes.

Objective:

Compare basal plus insulin (BPI) and sliding scale insulin (SSI) impact on glycemic control outcomes in critically ill patients without preexisting diabetes experiencing hyperglycemia.

Methods:

This multicenter, retrospective review analyzed critically ill patients with hyperglycemia who received either BPI or SSI. Patients with a hemoglobin A1C >6.5% during the admission of interest or in the previous 3 months, or a diagnosis of diabetes at the time of discharge were excluded. The primary outcome was glucose variability during the intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Secondary outcomes included hypoglycemia frequency, frequency of goal glucose levels, mortality, and length of stay.

Results:

The analysis included 228 patients (39 in BPI, 189 in SSI). Average glucose variability was higher in the BPI group compared with the SSI group (85.8 mg/dL ± 33.1 vs 70.2 mg/dL ± 30.7; P = 0.009), which remained when controlling for baseline confounding (−12.1 [5.6], 95% CI −23.2 to −0.99; P = 0.033). Hypoglycemia incidence was similar between groups. BPI patients had a lower incidence of glucose values within goal range than SSI patients ( P = 0.046). There was no difference in length of stay or hospital mortality.

Conclusions and Relevance:

The use of SSI compared with a BPI regimen may result in reduced glycemic variability in critically ill patients without preexisting diabetes. Future prospective studies, with a larger sample size, are warranted to confirm our exploratory findings and characterize clinically significant benefits.
Targeted Therapies for Previously “Undruggable” KRAS-Mutated Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Review of Sotorasib and Adagrasib
Authors: Mausey Natalie , Halford Zachery
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel KRAS-targeting agents, sotorasib and adagrasib, in treating KRAS G12C-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Data Sources:

A comprehensive English-based literature search of PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov between January 2000 and July 2023 was conducted using the terms sotorasib, Lumakras, AMG 510, adagrasib, Krazati, and MRTX849.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Relevant prescribing information, clinical trials, and treatment guidelines were evaluated.

Data Synthesis:

Sotorasib and adagrasib received accelerated US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval following pivotal phase I/II clinical trials. Sotorasib, a first-in-class KRAS inhibitor, demonstrated an overall response rate (ORR) of 41% and a progression-free survival (PFS) of 6.3 months. In a phase III confirmatory trial, sotorasib showed significantly longer PFS compared with docetaxel (5.6 vs. 4.5 months; P = 0.0017). Adagrasib produced an ORR of 42.9% and a PFS of 6.5 months. Both drugs present unique safety profiles, with common toxicities, including diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and hepatotoxicity.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

With KRAS mutations being among the most common oncogenic alterations in NSCLC, sotorasib and adagrasib offer new therapeutic avenues for this previously “undruggable” target. Current treatment guidelines list sotorasib and adagrasib as second-line options in patients with confirmed KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC. Additional studies are required to further differentiate the safety and efficacy profiles of these 2 agents and identify their optimal place in therapy.

Conclusion:

Sotorasib and adagrasib demonstrated promising outcomes in targeting the constitutively active KRAS G12C oncogenic driver, underscoring the need for further research to optimize their therapeutic application in this high-risk population.
Development of the Impact of Diagnosis Scale–Revised (IODS-R)
Authors: Arnold Samuel R. C. , Huang Yunhe , Lawson Lauren P. , Higgins Julianne M. , Hwang Ye In (Jane) , Richdale Amanda , Trollor Julian N.
Published: September 2023

No tools quantify the experience, psychological, and practical impact of receiving a diagnosis from a non-deficit perspective. Autism is increasingly late diagnosed in adulthood. The Impact of Diagnosis Scale (IODS) was initially developed for borderline personality disorder. We aimed to develop a revised version suitable for autistic adults and potentially other diagnostic groups. Following a trial of a preliminary revision, the researchers and autistic research advisors co-produced an expanded pool of 46 items, scored on 7-point Likert-type scale, within 6 hypothesized domains. Scale reduction processes were applied to data from 125 formally diagnosed autistic adults. Following iterative rounds of factor analysis using maximum likelihood estimation with Promax rotation, 22 items were retained across 4 domains to comprise the IODS-R. The IODS-R adds new understanding to the experience of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood. It may be useful for evaluating diagnostic services and other diagnostic groups.
Energy harvesting induced by the vibration of reciprocating-piston compressor subjected to repetitive impulse
Authors: Mayyas Mohammad , Abouheaf Mohammed
Published: September 2023

In this study, discrete event time-variant parameter of a lumped SISO dynamical system is obtained for a novel energy harvester. The harvester utilizes the resonance vibration of a coupled fluid-mechanic system, which is comprised of a reciprocating-piston, a tunable oscillator and twin electric turbine generators. The system model is simplified by an underdamped spring-mass-damper with tunable parameters subjected to periodic or arbitrary impulse forces. We developed a method that solves general problems underlining non-homogenous ordinary second order differential equation with discrete event time-variant parameters. The method uses the superposition to compile the general solution by segmenting the problem into ODE equations with constant coefficient. Each segment corresponds to a change in system, and it is solved analytically with recursively updated initial conditions. We utilized this method to tune the system’s natural frequency such that the accumulated energy is maximum within desired time range. We obtained the general solution of the displacement response due to varying parameters and input impulse force. We obtained the displacement peaks and their time of occurrence that could help understand the structural design limitation. We showed system displacement responses (constructive and destructive) corresponding to various impulse repetition patterns. We derived the relationship between energy, volume displacement, and volumetric flow rate (or piston velocity) and provided illustrative case studies. One finding shows that for a given impulse condition the accumulative energy exhibits local maximum and minimum within a narrow band of natural frequency range. The simulations showed the feasibility of generating considerable power from electric turbine when the air flow is driven by a resonating piston.
Inviting Me In
Authors: Saldaña Johnny
Published: September 2023

Saldaña outlines the influence Norman K. Denzin had on my academic and artistic career.
“Norman as Academic Shane”
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith
Published: September 2023

On hearing the news of Norman Denzin’s death, the author engages a performative reflection, as film analysis, comparing the character of Shane from the 1953 Western movie to Norman Denzin. A social justice theme is played out in the text, keying in on Norman’s commitment to analyzing the Western motif.
Literacy Measures That Leverage the Strengths of Spanish-Speaking Latino Kindergarteners
Authors: Leyva Diana , Yeomans-Maldonado Gloria , Weiland Christina , Shapiro Anna , Leech Kathryn , Pilot Isabella , Wolf Sophie
Published: September 2023

Researchers largely rely on child language and literacy measures to determine the effectiveness of interventions for Latino dual language learners. However, some of these measures may miss certain strengths of these students. This study identified two unstandardized language and literacy tasks (IDELA food and animal vocabulary and personal narratives) that might leverage some eco-cultural assets of Latino children; it also examined concurrent associations between these tasks and standardized language and literacy tests. Participants were 237 Latino kindergarteners ( M age = 67.22 months, SD = 4.12; 51% female). Positive associations were found between standardized tests and the IDELA food and animal vocabulary ( β = 0.92–1.40; large magnitude) and personal narrative tasks ( β = 0.28–0.46; medium magnitude), controlling for important covariates, including the language of administration of assessment. Further research might use these tasks as complementary assessments to gauge the impact of interventions on the language and literacy skills of Latino dual-language learners in kindergarten.
Results of intrastromal corneal ring implantation in advanced keratoconus With the aim of postpoing or avoiding corneal transplantation
Authors: Soares Jordana Sandes Barbosa , Chaves Luís Fernando Oliveira Borges , Torquetti Leonardo , Cunha Paulo Ferrara de Almeida da , Toledo Marcia , Rocha Guilherme , Magacho Leopoldo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the surgery of intracorneal ring segment implantation with 320° of arc (320-ICRS) in patients with advanced keratoconus stage IV and maximum keratometry (Kmax) above 60 D.

Methods

A prospective, interventional case series study evaluating 25 eyes of 19 patients with keratoconus stage IV and Kmax > 60D in which 320-ICRS were implanted using VisuMax® femtosecond. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometric values (mean - mean-K, flat - K1, and steep - K2), maximum keratometry (Kmax), tomographic astigmatism, refractive astigmatism and asphericity (Q) were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure.

Results

The UDVA improved from 1.03 ± 0.28 LogMAR (20/200) to 0.54 ± 0.21 LogMAR (20/60), (p < 0.001), the CDVA (with glasses) improved from 0.63 ± 0.29 LogMAR (20/80) to 0.31 ± 0.16 LogMAR (20/40),(p = 0.004), K1 reduced from 54.41 ± 4.46 D to 49.36 ± 4.11 D (p < 0.001), K2 reduced from 61.15 ± 4.37 D to 53.715 ± 4.05 D, (p < 0.001), mean-K reduced from 57.55 ± 4,17 D to 51.44 ± 3,94 D (p < 0.001), Kmax reduced from 69.80 ± 8.20 D to 63.43 ± 6.31 D (p < 0.001) and asphericity (Q) changed from −1.57 ± 0.35 to −0.77 ± 0.56 (p < 0.001). A total of 89.9% patients reached BCVA wearing scleral contact lens  0.2 LogMAR(20/25).

Conclusion

320-ICRS to treat advanced keratoconus appears to be an efficacious and safe procedure, being a surgical alternative to delay or even prevent corneal transplantation.
Samespace: Creating a new entrepreneurial space in a rural town
Authors: Bosworth Gary
Published: September 2023

Samespace is a new coworking venue created in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in a small town in North-East England, it was founded by an entrepreneur who wanted a better working environment to run his own business. The case focuses on sources of self-identified opportunity recognition and the transferability of entrepreneurial skills to address personal needs. As the business has become established, opportunities for the next phase of growth are explored in relation to the need for collaboration with different actors, including some whose business model may be quite far removed from one's own. The teaching note relates to the nature of opportunity and new venture creation as well as aspects of entrepreneurial growth. Drawing on coworking as a contemporary growth sector in the rural economy, it is suited to final-year undergraduate and masters’ level courses in entrepreneurship. The case study also provides a valuable example of entrepreneurship for students of rural development and rural economies in other disciplines such as geography, social and political sciences or economics.
“He went from being a monster to a person:” Using narrative analysis to explore how victim-offender dialogue (VOD) participants transform through the VOD process
Authors: Littman Danielle Maude , Valdovinos Miriam , Sliva Shannon
Published: September 2023

Restorative justice practices such as victim-offender dialogue (VOD) have gained traction in the past few decades as routes towards healing amidst high incarceration and recidivism rates and growing public dissatisfaction with punitive carceral structures. However, little work has sought to understand the nuanced experiences of those who engage in VOD processes, in their own words. In this manuscript, we use narrative analytic methods to explore how a dyad involved in VOD process—the individual who engaged in a crime, and a mother and daughter impacted by this crime—transformed over the course of the process (before, 2 weeks after, and 6 months after the dialogue). We found that, for the participating dyad, engaging in the VOD process cracked open the humanity of the other through the vehicles of religion and forgiveness. Our findings echo—and expand—prior work on “forgiveness” in RJ processes, and suggest the need for future research which explores the nuanced role of religion in VOD. Finally, we advocate for the expansion of facilitated dialogue processes as a process with the potential to catalyze individual and community healing.
Health policy narratives contributing to health inequities experienced by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities: New evidence from COVID-19
Authors: Marquis Sandra , O'Leary Renee , Bandara Nilanga Aki , Baumbusch Jennifer
Published: September 2023

This paper discusses three cultural narratives that threaten the health of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and which have become more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. These meta-narratives are the medical model of health/disability; the population health approach to health inequalities; and policies premised on the assumption of the importance of national economic growth as an incentive for reducing health inequalities. Evidence exists that health research is more likely to become policy if it fits within a medical model and addresses national economic growth. These two criteria are particularly problematic for people who have IDD. The paper also proposes a research model to facilitate the inclusion of IDD related issues in future policy regarding health inequalities.
A review of the recent development in self-healing rubbers and their quantification methods
Authors: Mohd Sani Noor Faezah , Majid Noor Aishatun , Rehman Abdul , Hayeemasae Nabil , Radhakrishnan Subramaniam , Kulkarni Malhari B , Khimi Raa
Published: September 2023

The emerging self-healing concept in rubber materials appears to be a good option for reducing rubber waste since it can enhance the longevity of the product's structure in conjunction with standard development goals to ensure sustainable consumption and efficient use of resources. Self-healing elastomers are fabricated to heal cracks and damage both at the micro and macroscopic levels to restrict failure by incorporating healing agents extrinsically or intrinsically. The major successful techniques to fabricate self-healing rubber were reviewed. The review also focuses on testing and analysis methods to understand the healing phenomena and quantification methods to measure the healing performance. The review also includes an overview of the self-healing elastomers for tyre applications.
Narcissism and Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Oliver Eliza , Coates Alexander , Bennett Joanne M. , Willis Megan L.
Published: September 2023

This review aimed to examine the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and trait narcissism, and whether the strength of this relationship differs depending on narcissism type (grandiose or vulnerable), the type of violence perpetrated, or the perpetrator’s gender. Scopus, Medline, PsycInfo, and Academic Search Complete databases were searched on August 11, 2022. Studies were included if they were in English, measured IPV perpetration and trait narcissism, and examined the relationship between trait narcissism and IPV perpetration. Studies were excluded if they were review papers, conference extracts, book chapters, or if the data was not specific to trait narcissism. The AXIS tool was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the studies. Twenty-two studies ( N = 11,520 participants) were included in the random effects meta-analysis revealing a significant, weak, positive relationship between trait narcissism and IPV perpetration, r = .15. Subgroup analyses revealed physical IPV perpetration was not significantly related to trait narcissism while cyber and psychological IPV perpetration were significantly, positively, weakly related to trait narcissism. No significant difference in the strength of the relationship with IPV perpetration was found between males and females. The relationship between trait narcissism and IPV perpetration was significantly greater for vulnerable narcissism than grandiose narcissism. Overall, the quality of the included studies was high, and risk of bias was low. All measures were self-report and underreporting could be present given both narcissistic traits and IPV perpetration are considered socially undesirable. Future research examining these relationships should specify IPV and narcissism types.
Intergenerationology: The Scientific Study of Circular Movement Between Generations
Authors: Nesser Whitney , Yi Eun-Hye Grace
Published: September 2023

In this article, we propose a new term, “intergenerationology.” Intergenerationology is proposed as a unified term to describe the numerous research and practice models concerning many aspects of circular movement between generations. We define the term intergenerational, with historical context related to research, practice, and policy in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. We also describe how different disciplines have interacted with regard to generations from different yet complementary points of view. Having the term intergenerationology will (a) enable the acceleration and unification of intergenerational studies and practice across disciplines by promoting easy communication among disciplines, (b) encourage more research from diverse science disciplines by giving a name to a popular area of study within them, and (c) provide a recognized term for researchers and practitioners to define their specific teaching, practice, and research interests.
Quality of Life in People with Diabetes Mellitus and Unilateral Transtibial Amputation - Aspects of Using the Berg Balance Scale
Authors: Bokan Vesna , Muzurović Emir , Nejkov Sonja , Rizzo Manfredi , Papanas Nikolaos
Published: September 2023

Approximately 40%-60% of all amputations are lower limb amputations (LLAs) related to diabetes mellitus (DM). The importance of quality of life (QoL) is increasingly recognized as after amputation. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare QoL (evaluated by Berg Balance Scale, BBS) in DM patients with unilateral transtibial amputation (TTA) using prosthesis (group A) with that of patients amputated due to other causes (group B). Overall, 32 patients completed two questionnaires: the 36-Item Health Survey (SF - 36) for QoL assessment and the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale-Revised (TAPES-R). In group A, patients were significantly older ( P < .05) with shorter periods of prosthesis use ( P < .05) and had significantly lower ( P = .008) adjustment to limitation (TAPES-R). Correlations were found between BBS score and SF-36, including physical functioning ( P < .001, r = 0.682), energy and fatigue ( P < .001, r = 0.643) and emotional well-being ( P < .001, r = 0.644). In the TAPES-R, a large negative correlation was found between BBS and activity restriction ( P = .001, r = -0.595). Poorer balance ability, greater activity limitation, and worse psychosocial adjustment to the prosthesis were found in patients with unilateral TTA and DM compared to TTA prosthesis users without DM.
‘Somewhere. Some time. Somehow. Something has to change’: Prima Facie and the cruel optimism of feminist legal advocacy
Authors: Kennedy Rosanne , Serisier Tanya
Published: September 2023

In her play Prima Facie, playwright and lawyer Suzie Miller uses theatre to critique legal responses to sexual violence. This article thus offers an analysis of the play as both feminist theatre and feminist advocacy. We examine the rhetorical and performative strategies it deploys, arguing that they are effective because they mobilise long-standing feminist tropes which use a representative figure of the traumatised victim and the repetition of statistics to position the audience as potential victims of violence. Such strategies, however, fail to account for the complexity of sexual violence, intersectional understandings of it, or its relationship to other structural forms of harm that flow from turning to the state, as articulated by Black feminist scholars. These limitations also function in the play’s loop between an indictment of law’s failings and recuperating the law as a privileged site for responding to sexual violence. We read this tension as exemplifying the play’s enactment of a cruelly optimistic relationship to law, which is, we argue, a recurring feature in feminist cultural advocacy around sexual violence. However, we also suggest that reading the play through the words of its protagonist can open visions of justice beyond what Carol Smart has described as the ‘siren call of law’.
Iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy: A multinational case series and individual patient data analysis of the literature
Authors: Pikija Slaven , Pretnar-Oblak Janja , Frol Senta , Malojcic Branko , Gattringer Thomas , Rak-Frattner Kinga , Staykov Dimitre , Salmaggi Andrea , Milani Riccardo , Magdic Jozef , Iglseder Sarah , Trinka Eugen , Kraus Theo , Toma Andreea , DiFrancesco Jacopo C. , Tabaee Damavandi Payam , Fabin Natalia , Bersano Anna , de la Riva Juez Patricia , Albajar Gomez Ines , Storti Benedetta , Fandler-Höfler Simon
Published: September 2023

Background:

The transmission of amyloid β (Aβ) in humans leading to iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (iCAA) is a novel concept with analogies to prion diseases. However, the number of published cases is low, and larger international studies are missing.

Aims:

We aimed to build a large multinational collaboration on iCAA to better understand the clinical spectrum of affected patients.

Methods:

We collected clinical data on patients with iCAA from Austria, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain. Patients were included if they met the proposed Queen Square diagnostic criteria (QSC) for iCAA. In addition, we pooled data on disease onset, latency, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers from previously published iCAA cases based on a systematic literature review.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients (22% women) were included in this study. Of these, 19 (70%) met the criteria for probable and 8 (30%) for possible iCAA. Prior neurosurgical procedures were performed in all patients (93% brain surgery, 7% spinal surgery) at median age of 8 (interquartile range (IQR) = 4–18, range = 0–26 years) years. The median symptom latency was 39 years (IQR = 34–41, range = 28–49). The median age at symptom onset was 49 years (IQR = 43–55, range = 32–70). Twenty-one patients (78%) presented with intracranial hemorrhage and 3 (11%) with seizures.

Conclusions:

Our large international case series of patients with iCAA confirms a wide age boundary for the diagnosis of iCAA. Dissemination of awareness of this rare condition will help to identify more affected patients.
Scaphoid fracture and nonunion: new directions
Authors: Gray Robert R. L. , Halpern Abby L. , King Stefan R. , Anderson Joshua E.
Published: September 2023

The scaphoid is the largest of the carpal bones, articulating with both proximal and distal carpal rows. If scaphoid fractures are not appropriately diagnosed and treated, there is a risk of nonunion, osteonecrosis and degenerative arthritis. Operative management of the scaphoid fracture is primarily determined by the fracture location and amount of displacement. There is increased momentum for dual screw fixation constructs, intended to provide greater stability and reduce the risk of nonunion. Our current practice is to utilize two screws without graft as a first-line treatment for scaphoid nonunion with or without humpback deformity and cyst formation. This review will discuss the management of acute scaphoid fractures and the treatment of nonunion.
Exploring maturity of electronic medical record use among allied health professionals
Authors: Schwarz Maria , Ward Elizabeth C , Coccetti Anne , Simmons Joshua , Burrett Sara , Juffs Philip , Perkins Kristy
Published: September 2023

Background:

Electronic medical records (EMRs) have the potential to improve and streamline the quality and safety of patient care. Harnessing the full benefits of EMR implementation depends on the utilisation of advanced features, defined as “mature usage.” At present, little is known about the maturity of EMR usage by allied health professionals (AHPs).

Objective:

To examine current maturity of EMR use by AHPs and explore perceived barriers to mature EMR utilisation and optimisation.

Method:

AHPs were recruited from three health services. Participants completed a 27-question electronic questionnaire based on the EMR Adoption Framework, which measures clinician EMR utilisation (0 =  paper chart, 5 =  theoretical maximum) across 10 EMR feature categories. Interviews were conducted with both clinicians and managers to explore the nature of current EMR utilisation and perceived facilitators and barriers to mature usage.

Results:

Questionnaire responses were obtained from 193 participants AHPs. The majority of questions (74%) showed a mean score of <3, indicating a lack of mature EMR use. Pockets of mature usage were identified in the categories of health information, referrals and administration processes. Interviews with 21 clinicians and managers revealed barriers to optimisation across three themes: (1) limited understanding of EMR opportunities; (2) complexity of the EMR change process and (3) end-user and environmental factors.

Conclusion:

Mature usage across EMR feature categories of the EMR Adoption Framework was low. However, questionnaire and qualitative interview data suggested pockets of mature utilisation.

Implications:

Achieving mature allied health EMR use will require strategies implemented at the clinician, EMR support, and service levels.
The systemic tenets of the key supply chain social responsibility approaches
Authors: Basta Mohamed , Lapalme James , Paquet Marc
Published: September 2023

Social responsibility issues keep reoccurring despite the popularity of numerous approaches perceived widely as adequate. In this paper, the authors conducted a systematic literature review to explore this phenomenon from a systems thinking standpoint. The findings revealed that each approach is founded on a different systemic paradigm, makes different assumptions on the nature of social responsibility issues, and has different objectives when resolving them. Therefore, employing any of these approaches alone will certainly fail given their underlying systemic limitations. The findings also revealed that these approaches are complementary from a critical systems thinking perspective, hence, researchers and practitioners can use their tools and methods together in the form of tailored interventions to better address efficiency, subjectivity, and fairness when resolving social responsibility issues. This paper concludes by proposing a practical framework based on critical systems practice which encompasses four systemic paradigms allowing the inclusion of a spectrum of perspectives, and assumptions.