bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entry visa categories, current experiences and future expectations of highly educated migrants and their intention to stay
Authors: Shui Kenny , Lam Ka Wang Kelvin , Chen Judy , Fong Eric
Published: May 2023

With more jobs requiring educational credentials, highly educated migrants are sought by many governments. This study is drawn from recently collected data between 2018 and 2020 in Hong Kong on highly educated migrants from Mainland China. We explored how entry visa categories, current experience and future expectation of highly educated migrants are related to their intention to stay. The findings suggest that all three aspects of their migration experience are related to their intention to stay. The findings also indicate that immigration policies, in particular visa categories, play a significant role in the intention of highly skilled migrants to stay. Thus, the government should pay attention to the types of visas that are likely to influence the retention of the highly educated in Hong Kong and the number of visas that are issued each year.
In situ temperature measurement of a deforming interface with thermoelectricity
Authors: Taysom Brandon Scott , Ma Xiaolong , Whalen Scott
Published: May 2023

Accurate temperature measurement is critical to understanding the thermomechanical conditions and microstructural evolution that materials experience during severe plastic deformation (SPD). Others have previously measured the interface between a non-deforming tool and metal workpiece using thermocouples, infrared measurement, and the thermoelectric principle. Measuring temperature within the deforming material itself, especially at a high-shear deforming interface, has proven to be extremely difficult, thus limiting the application of these measurements to fundamental SPD research. In this study, the thermoelectric principle is used to directly measure temperature at the interface between copper and nickel billets undergoing SPD. This is done by utilizing the deforming materials themselves as two halves of a thermocouple junction. The spatial resolution of this measurement is shown via microscopy to be less than 1 micron. Temperature changes are sensed almost instantly, with time delays on the order of the data logger frequency (0.01 seconds). Process variations that are both very brief (<0.05 seconds) and minute (<3°C) are able to be detected by this method.
The Vertical and Horizontal Equity of Property Assessment Caps
Authors: Borg Mary O. , Borg John Rody
Published: May 2023

Do assessment caps make the property tax more regressive? Are they fair to all taxpayers, or do some groups get more benefit than others. This paper examines these issues using a sample from the Jacksonville, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Regression models are run using housing values averaged at the census block level and matched to census block socioeconomic and demographic data obtained from the US Census. Results show that when permanent income is used as the measure of ability to pay, the SOH benefit makes the property tax fairer, but when current income is used as the income measure, it makes the tax less fair. In addition, the assessment caps cause some serious horizontal inequities. For, example, homes in 100% Black census blocks receive, on average, 6.6 percentage points less value from the SOH benefit relative to their home’s value than the homes in 100% White census blocks.
Smallholder farmers’ knowledge, practices and perceptions associated with grain storage and hermetic technology in southern Ghana: Implications for awareness and training
Authors: Heve William K , Ninsin Kodwo D , Osei-Owusu Jonathan , Aidoo Owusu F , Akolaa Rosemary A , Larbi Lloyd
Published: May 2023

Hermetic grain storage (HGS) bags are simple and appropriate to effectively protect stored grains against pests and aflatoxins in areas where effective facilities are lacking. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and perceptions associated with current practices, awareness-facilitating agents, and HGS bags in interior southern Ghana. The main objective was to provide information that can be included in sensitization and awareness creation programs to increase adoption of HGS bags for sustainable production of grain crops, food security, income-generation, and livelihood improvement across farming communities in selected areas in southern Ghana. Therefore, 925 smallholder farmers were randomly selected and interviewed across three districts (or municipals), which included West Akim Municipal, Ayensuano District, and Suhum Municipal in southern Ghana, using a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection and analysis. The results showed that 95.24% of farmers were still using ineffective grain storage approaches to store grains. Average awareness level about HGS bags among farmers was ≤30%, whereas adoption of HGS bags was very low (4.76%). However, awareness and adoption were mostly observed in West Akim Municipal. Although awareness was significantly dependent on numerous demographic and farming factors, it had significant positive correlations with ‘female farmers’ and respondents’ age-range (36–50 years) only; it suggests that if these two factors are considered in sensitization programs, they will increase awareness about HGS bags. The most performing awareness-facilitating agent was the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, followed by famers’ neighbors. Nonetheless, farmers (who were aware of or adopted HGS bags) were facing challenges or limitations. Hence, the need for training smallholder farmers has been discussed.
Models of care for people with dementia approaching end of life: A rapid review
Authors: Lewis Suzanne , Triandafilidis Zoi , Curryer Cassie , Jeong Sarah Yeun-Sim , Goodwin Nicholas , Carr Sally , Davis Daneill
Published: May 2023

Background:

People with dementia have different care and support needs at their end of life compared to people with other life-limiting illnesses, and general palliative care models may not meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers and families. Some dementia-specific end-of-life care models have been implemented, and a summary of existing models was undertaken to inform development of a local model.

Aim:

To identify best-practice models of care for people in the advanced and end stages of dementia, and their families and carers.

Design:

A rapid review with narrative summary of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature was conducted.

Data sources:

Ten databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 and April 2022. Inclusion criteria were: all care settings; AND the model focuses on people with end-stage or advanced dementia; AND contained multiple components.

Results:

Nineteen articles or reports, describing twelve dementia-specific models of end-of-life care in a range of care settings were identified for inclusion in the review. There is strong evidence that the principles of best practice palliative care for people with advanced dementia are well known, but limited examples of translation of this knowledge into integrated models of care. The key issues that emerged from the findings were: referral and admission to care, integration of care, sustainability and evaluation.

Conclusions:

Findings can be used to inform development of improved end-of-life care pathways for people with dementia, but well-designed research studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated models of care for this vulnerable population.
Percentiles for paraspinal muscle parameters at the L3 vertebra level in patients undergoing lumbar computed tomography scanning
Authors: Yao Ning , Li Xintong , Huang Pengju , Wang Ling , Cheng Xiaoguang , Yu Aihong
Published: May 2023

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for analyzing muscle parameters.

Purpose

To clarify sex-specific paraspinal muscle area (PMA), paraspinal muscle index (PMI), and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) percentiles.

Material and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 760 individuals (45% men; age range = 20–92 years; mean age = 53.4 ± 21.1 years) with a body mass index (BMI) in the range of 16.4–38.1 kg/m2. CT scans were retrospectively used to establish PMA, PMI, and MFI at L3 level using a deep-learning (DL) tool. Sex-specific distributions for these parameters were assessed based on associations between age/BMI and individual muscle parameters, after which age- and BMI-specific percentile estimates were determined. The 5th percentile was regarded as the cutoff for PMA/PMI, and the 95th percentile was regarded as the cutoff for MFI.

Results

Sex-specific PMA, PMI, and MFI cutoffs in the paraspinal muscles group were 52.9 cm2, 15.0 cm2/m2, and 33.3%, respectively, in men, and 33.2 cm2, 9.5 cm2/m2, and 41.2% in women. Age was moderately negatively correlated with PMA and was strongly negatively correlated with PMI, but age was strongly positively correlated with MFI. BMI was moderately positively correlated with PMA/PMI in men and strongly positively correlated in women; BMI was weakly positively correlated with MFI, thus enabling the establishment of age- and BMI-specific cutoff percentiles.

Conclusion

Sex-specific PMA, PMI, and MFI percentiles and age- and BMI-specific cutoff values for these parameters were successfully established for an outpatient population.
Governing through ESG and the green spirit of asset manager capitalism
Authors: Archer Matthew
Published: May 2023

The outsize influence of asset managers raises important questions about the relationship between fund managers and the companies in which they are invested, with recent theorists of asset manager capitalism suggesting an emergent disinterest in the performance of individual firms among large asset managers. Investors’ growing focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data in financial decisions offers one window into this relationship. Drawing on interviews with the ESG team and a group of portfolio managers at a large European bank, I argue that ESG analysis is seen as valuable not because of some unique social, environmental, or even financial benefits, but because it helps asset managers more effectively govern the companies in which they are invested by objectifying and depoliticizing their interventions in the governance of invested companies. This contributes to emerging theories of asset manager capitalism by calling attention to the strategies asset managers develop to exercise control over invested companies.
Integrating Urban Analytics into Postgraduate Urban Design Pedagogy: A Mixed-Methods Teaching Approach to Addressing Urban Liveability
Authors: van Ameijde Jeroen , Cheng Sifan , Wang Haowen
Published: May 2023

As climate change, health, and social inequities call for more integrated planning approaches, data-driven urban analytics can support more socially sustainable urban design strategies. This article reports on an innovative pedagogical initiative, which introduced data-driven methods in academic teaching practices. Developed as a library of self-learning resources to complement existing study methods, the tools have been tested for their capacity to address social science issues, extracting insights from data on the underlying causes of urban problems. Our approach helped bridge the gap between research and schematic design phases and produced valuable learning outcomes related to liveability in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods.
In vitro genotoxicity assessment of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Demir Abdussamed Yasin , Karadayi Mehmet , Isaoglu Mine , Karadayi Gokce , Gulluce Medine
Published: May 2023

There are various studies on the toxicological potentials of conventionally synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, which are useful tools for many medical applications. However, knowledge about the biologically synthesized ones is still limited. In this study, the potential of producing ZnO nanoparticles via a green synthesis method, which enables safer, environmentally, economical and controlled production by using the Symphoricarpos albus L. plant, was investigated. For this purpose, aqueous extract was obtained from the fruits of the plant and reacted with zinc nitrate precursor. Characterization of the synthesized product was carried out by SEM and EDAX analyzes. In addition, the biosafety of the product was also investigated by using the Ames/ Salmonella, E. coli WP2, Yeast DEL, seed germination, and RAPD test systems. The results obtained from SEM studies showed that spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 30 nm were synthesized as a result of the reaction. EDAX findings confirmed that these nanoparticles were composed of Zn and O elements. On the other hand, according to the findings of the biocompatibility tests, the synthesized nanoparticle did not show any toxic and genotoxic effects up to a concentration of 640 μg/ml in any of the test systems. Accordingly, considering the findings of our study, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of S. albus fruits can be used for the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, the products obtained successfully passed the biocompatibility tests in our study, and additionally, more comprehensive biocompatibility tests should be performed before industrial scale production.
The Creation of an Addiction Nursing Fellowship Program for Registered Nurses: A Unique Approach to Enhancing the Addiction-Treatment Workforce
Authors: Fox Jason M. , Wason Kristin , Beers Donna , Faulds Maggie , Lincoln Nicole , Tomanovich Mary , Gaden Nancy W. , Komaromy, MD Miriam
Published: May 2023

In 2020, Boston Medical Center and the Grayken Center for Addiction launched an addiction nursing fellowship to enhance registered nurses’ knowledge and skills related to the care of patients with substance use disorders and to improve patient experience and outcomes. This paper describes the development and essential components of this innovative fellowship, to our knowledge the first of its kind in the United States, with the goal of facilitating replication in other hospital settings.
The Transformation of Cattle Feet to Torpedo Oil: A Case Study in Nazi German Wartime Recycling
Authors: Denton Chad B.
Published: May 2023

In January 1940, the Wehrmacht had only a two-month supply of torpedo oil, an irreplaceable lubricant derived solely from the feet and shinbones of slaughtered cattle. The Wehrmacht resolved this shortage by appointing the man responsible for its supply during the First World War: Alfons Knetsch. This case study shows not only the importance of knowledge transfer from one war to the other but also how competing industrial interests shaped Nazi recycling policy and how an efficient, vigorously managed recycling organization could buy time for the research and development of substitutes, overcoming seemingly impossible raw material bottlenecks.
Climate Change Analysis in Rangit Basin of Sikkim Himalaya
Authors: Upadhyay Aakash , Rai Suresh Chand
Published: May 2023

Climate change (CC) is a topic of discussion not only among academicians but also among the general public. It is becoming more evident in increasing agricultural challenges, extreme events, and water scarcity. The changing climatic trends may threaten small farmers and traditional communities living in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas. Although the scientific community is looking to understand the change better, at the same time, it is equally important to know how locals perceive the climate threat and adaptive capacity. This article intends to analyse and perceive CC in the Rangit Basin, Sikkim. A primary survey of 210 respondents was conducted across three altitudinal zones (low: up to 1,000 m, middle: 1,000–2,000 m, and high: above 2,000 m) to understand the local perception, associated agricultural challenges, and analysis of meteorological data. As primary tools, interviews, household surveys, and FGD were undertaken. The study concludes that these farmers perceive a change in climate, which varies across villages and altitudes. The temperature (0.0001) analysis shows an increasing trend, whereas precipitation also shows a slightly increasing trend (0.126), but a decline in the winter season. Local adaptive measures, indigenous knowledge, and practices could play a vital role in mitigating and adapting to change. Also, the policy interventions at various levels could help these farmers cope, mitigate, and adapt to climate vulnerabilities.
A Request for Gender-Affirming Treatment in End-of-Life Care: A Case Study From an Inpatient VA Hospice Program
Authors: Brecher David B. , Romero Melissa S.
Published: May 2023

Hospice care involves focusing on our patients’ goals of care and good symptom management. This coincides with a focus on their comfort, dignity, and respect. Working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) patients on a hospice service can be challenging for medical staff. Many of these potential challenges relate to lack of training of medical professionals. These patients often receive discriminatory care compared to those who do not identify as LGBTQ+. This case study describes an assigned-male-at-birth Veteran admitted to a Veterans Affairs Community Living Center (CLC) hospice service who, after admission, informed staff of the strong desire to go forward with gender reassignment. Despite a prognosis of 6 months, working with the Veteran to help achieve these goals, supporting the medical plans for providing gender-transition information, and focusing on addressing the Veteran with appropriate pronouns were critical to our medical team’s support for our Veteran at this difficult time.
The Role of Teacher Self-Efficacy in the Implementation of Inclusive Practices
Authors: Herzig Johnson Stephanie
Published: May 2023

Inclusive education continues to be a highly discussed topic in schools. While most teachers and administrators are supportive of inclusive education, teachers are experiencing challenges that are impacting its success. This research approaches the study of inclusive education implementation from the perspective of the teacher. Using Bandura’s self-efficacy model as a theoretical framework, this research is grounded in the premise that teacher self-efficacy is a critical indicator of teacher effectiveness and the success rate of change initiatives. I used a microethnographic discourse analysis approach to study five second grade classroom and special education teachers as they implemented the inclusive education model in their classrooms. Data collection included a questionnaire, teacher interviews and observations of teachers’ collaborative interactions at professional learning community meetings. The findings indicate that three elements, tied to teachers’ levels of self-efficacy, impact inclusion success: Teachers’ experiences, both personal and vicarious; their perceived administrative support; and their levels of stress. The results of this study have implications for school administrators as they design professional development opportunities to support teachers in the implementation of inclusive education initiatives.
Anti-sway control of variable rope length container crane based on phase plane trajectory planning
Authors: Huang Wenbo , Niu Wangqiang , Zhou Xianwen , Gu Wei
Published: May 2023

An overhead crane system is a complex time-varying system if it includes simultaneous hoisting and moving operations. To address the problem that time-varying systems usually have no exact analytical solution, an anti-swing method based on linear approximation of the phase plane trajectory is proposed. Specifically, the phase plane trajectory of the swing angle is first analyzed and it is found that the double-step acceleration method with unequal acceleration amplitude and acceleration time has a combination of limit loops in the phase plane trajectory of the swing angle when the rope length varies, so the average rope length of each section is used to approximate the natural oscillation frequency. Next, the input shaping technique is used to shape the input signal into the desired output signal so that the load swing angle can follow the planned trajectory. The desired acceleration amplitude and switching time are then derived based on the geometric relationship between the swing angle in the phase plane and the specific physical constraints. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified by numerical simulations.
The clinical and financial impact of remote clinical oncology pharmacist engagement in community-based practices within The US Oncology Network
Authors: Carroll Melissa , Koselke Elizabeth , Howell Josh , Cho Judy , Roman Andrea , Keisler Meredith , Patel Toral , Patel Vimal , Mitchem Tiffany , Yarbro Laura , Hough Shannon
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The integration of clinical oncology pharmacists into multidisciplinary healthcare teams is not well-described in the community practice setting. This study aims to analyze the clinical and financial impact of a remote-based clinical oncology pharmacist in four community oncology practices within The US Oncology Network.

Methods

Oncology-trained clinical pharmacists electronically reviewed chemotherapy orders for clinical optimization and financial stewardship within four community oncology practices. Each pharmacist was appointed at 0.5 full-time equivalents per practice. Financial, clinical, and workload metrics were tracked to monitor the impact of pharmacist engagement.

Results

Over 12 months, 5716 order reviews were completed with an intervention rate of 57%. The most common interventions identified by the pharmacists were interventions with clinical impact on the patient (36%), followed by dose rounding (35%) and therapeutic interchange (30%). Overall, interventions improved the cumulative practice margins by $1,455,033 and reduced total medication costs by $5,962,551. The average program return on investment was 415% (range 100–915%).

Conclusion

Community oncology practices seek to provide high-value care in a lean, resource-constrained model. An oncology clinical pharmacist is a cost-effective and clinically invaluable care team member in community oncology practice. Pharmacists in this setting identified opportunities to improve medication safety and regimen optimization and demonstrated a significant tremendous financial impact on small-scale budgets in community oncology.
Medication-related problems among patients with cervical cancers at oncology centers of University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital: A hospital-based retrospective study
Authors: Kefale Belayneh , Engidaw Melaku Tadege , Tesfa Desalegn , Molla Mulugeta , Tegegne Gobezie T.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Though drugs play indispensable role in the treatment of cervical cancer, they are associated with medication-related problems (MRPs). Hence, the present study was aimed to investigate MRPs among patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

A hospital-based retrospective study was employed at the oncology center of University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. All patients with cervical cancer diagnosis from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, were included. Stata version 16/MP for Windows was used for description and analysis. Logistic regression analysis was employed.

Results

A total of 124 patients with cervical cancer were included. Paclitaxel and cisplatin (69.4%) combination were the most widely used treatment regimen. MRPs were found in 59.7% patients, with a mean of 2.22 ± 1.13. Subtherapeutic dose (24.4%), the need for additional drug therapy (22.6%), and adverse drug reactions (22%) were the most prevalent MRPs. Being >50 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 15.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.25–105.09, p = 0.005), treated with ≥5 medications (AOR = 7.00, 95% CI = 2.65–18.49, p < 0.001), and being stage III (AOR = 15.43, 95% CI = 2.92–81.47, p = 0.001) and stage IV (AOR = 8.41, 95% CI = 1.35–52.44, p = 0.023) were independent predictors of MRPs.

Conclusion

More than half of patients with cervical cancer had one or more MRPs. Being older, patients taking polypharmacy, stage III and IV patients were significantly associated with the development of MRPs. As most of the cervical patients experienced one or more MRPs, clinical pharmacy service should be strengthened to optimize drug therapy to reduce unwanted adverse events.
Two mattress suture: A useful technique to prevent bleeding in tunneled catheter insertion
Authors: Khavanin Zadeh Morteza , Chehrehgosha Haleh
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

The implant of tunneled catheters, may be associated with some complications such as bleeding after insertion. We aimed this study to present a modified method for catheter insertion to prevent bleeding after the procedure.

Method:

The study included the analysis of retrospective results of 5339 tunneled catheter insertion procedures in our center, 5005 of which were performed using the standard method, and in 334 cases, the modified technique was applied.

Results:

Applying a two-mattress suture was a safe and easy to apply and useful method for tunneled catheter insertion in our center. We reported only one bleeding around the catheter entry site with this modified technique of tunneled catheter removal. While the standard and routine technique was associated with 39 cases of bleeding.

Discussion and Conclusion:

In our practice, the two-mattress suture procedure is the simplest and best method of central venous catheter insertion in hemodialysis patients and it is associated with less bleeding around the catheter entry site, so, it can be applied over the world.
Chest-to-arm tunneling technique for central venous access devices in neonates
Authors: Rodriguez Perez Carmen , Pezzotti Elena , Risso Francesco Maria
Published: May 2023

Background:

Chest-to-arm (CTA) tunneling technique has been described recently as an alternative option to exit site of the catheter in the infraclavicular area.

Method:

We report our experience with ultrasound-guided centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) placed using CTA tunneling in six neonates. All central venous catheters were positioned with ultrasound guidance and real-time tip location.

Results:

There were no insertion-related complications; all devices were correctly positioned at the first attempt. During the follow-up, we found no catheter-related thrombosis, infections, or catheter malfunction. No tip position-related complications. Only one case of secondary malposition was reported.

Conclusion:

In our experience, the CTA tunneling technique is reliable, safe, and feasible in the neonate even from the first hours of life, as well as for preterm newborns; it could be a valid alternative to the usual exit site.
Vulnerability to Food Insecurity among Older People: The Role of Social Capital
Authors: Wills Wendy , Dickinson Angela
Published: May 2023

Food insecurity is a public health issue in Western countries, including the UK. Being food-insecure means older adults may not access sufficient nutritious, safe, and socially acceptable food, leading to a higher risk of malnutrition. We conducted a qualitative study of 25 households with men and women aged 60–95 years to investigate how older adults access food and to explore social capital, which might contribute to food security or prevent malnutrition. We conducted participant-led kitchen tours, interviews, photo, and video elicitation across multiple household visits. In addition, we brought stakeholders together from a range of sectors in a workshop to explore how they might respond to our empirical findings, through playing a serious game based on scenarios drawn from our data. This was a successful way to engage a diverse audience to identify possible solutions to threats to food security in later life. Analysis of the data showed that older people’s physical and mental health status and the local food environment often had a negative impact on food security. Older people leveraged social capital through reciprocal bonding and bridging social networks which supported the maintenance of food security. Data were collected before COVID-19, but the pandemic amplifies the utility of our study findings. Many social elements associated with food practices as well as how people shop have changed because of COVID-19 and other global and national events, including a cost-of-living crisis. To prevent ongoing adverse impacts on food security, focus and funding should be directed to re-establishment of social opportunities and rebuilding bridging social capital.
Investigating energy absorption of thin-walled steel structures with combined mechanisms including inversion, folding and expansion
Authors: Waleed Ibrahem , Ruhaima Ali Abdul Kadhim , Farhan Zainab A , Ismael Nadia Salim , Alhassan Muataz S , Skikara Makram , Albahash Zeid Fadel , Ahmed Ahmed Najat
Published: May 2023

In this research, thin-walled steel energy absorbers were investigated. The introduced structures absorb energy through the processes of inversion, folding and expansion. Each absorber consists of two end-capped frusta and a cylindrical shell. The intended absorbers were experimentally made and then tested. The mechanical properties of the used materials were extracted by performing tensile tests and then used for simulation. The simulations of this research were carried out using LS-DYNA software. After comparing the experimental and numerical results, a good agreement between the results was observed and then the obtained results were discussed. The intended absorbers were examined in terms of the thickness of the lower frustum, the height of the middle shell and the angle of the upper frustum. The obtained results showed that by increasing the thickness of the lower frustum, energy absorption in the inversion process increased. In addition, the investigations related to the effect of height on the collapse properties showed that increasing the height of the middle shell with a thickness of 2 mm for the lower frustum led to a decrease in energy absorption. Also, in the investigations carried out on the half angle of the frustum, it was found that the contribution of energy absorption in the expansion process was low.
Taking the Long View: The Role of Replication in Research
Authors: Weaver David H.
Published: May 2023

This essay argues for the importance of replication in journalism, media, and communication research, and illustrates how the author’s research and that of others has benefited from replication. It begins by citing several research methods books on the value of replication and then turns to the different kinds of research done by the author in the past half century and how these studies have benefited from replication. It ends by citing other prominent programs of communication and media research that have also used replication to increase knowledge of subjects such as the cultivation effects of television, the effects of movies and television on children, media uses and gratifications research, studies of television and social behavior, and research on journalism and communication education.
The Contingency Theory of Strategic Conflict Management: Review From Three Decades of Theory Development, Extension, and Application
Authors: Pang Augustine , Jin Yan , Cameron Glen T.
Published: May 2023

Contingency theory explains how theory can explain, relate, and capture interactions between an organization and its multiple publics regarding real-world issues. Over the past three decades, it has emerged as an empirically tested perspective, grounded on how intuitive, nuanced, and textured strategic conflict management is practiced. It represents a paradigmatic shift in thinking from normative thought. This essay first consolidates the theoretical development and explication by mapping out the key tenets of the theory, and then discusses the growth of the theory through extension and application. The last section contemplates new directions as the theory develops.
Exploring Categories of Family Violence Across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review
Authors: Warren Amy , Blundell Barbara , Chung Donna , Waters Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Family violence may be experienced at any stage of the lifespan; however, these experiences are often understood differently based on the age of the victim and who perpetrates the abuse. The significance of age is evident in the three categories of child abuse, domestic and family violence (DFV), and elder abuse. Each of these categories has its own definition which determines who is considered a victim or a perpetrator, and the behaviors counted as violent and abusive. These definitions influence how practitioners view victim-survivors’ experiences of violence, and the subsequent available responses. This article reports the findings of a scoping review of international literature published between 2011 and 2021, which explored how family violence is categorized and defined. The review was conducted as part of a larger study exploring how violence against women in intimate and family contexts is conceptualized and experienced, as well as the available responses. Forty-eight articles were included in the final review, and five categories of violence in family and intimate contexts were identified. These were child abuse, DFV, elder abuse, adolescent-to-parent violence, and sibling abuse. Comparison of definitions across categories found similarities in terms of the relationship between victim and perpetrator, behavior, intention, and harm caused to the victim. Review findings suggest that definitions of various forms of family violence do not differ greatly. Further research is needed to determine whether responses to family violence across the lifespan can and should be streamlined.
Effectiveness and safety of secondary prevention of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants use by drug type in Asian patients
Authors: Nam Ki-Woong , Kwon Hyung-Min , Lee Yong-Seok , Won Sung-Ho , Moon Hye-Sung
Published: May 2023

Background:

Although widely used in clinical fields, real-world data on the role of warfarin and non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for the secondary prevention of thromboembolic complications in ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are scarce.

Aims:

This retrospective cohort study compared the effectiveness and safety of secondary prevention of NOAC and warfarin in ischemic stroke patients with NVAF.

Methods:

From the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database, we included 16,762 oral anticoagulants-naive acute ischemic stroke patients with NVAF between July 2016 and June 2019. The main outcomes included ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause of death.

Results:

In total, 1717 warfarin and 15,025 NOAC users were included in the analysis. After 1:8 propensity score matching, during the observation period, all types of NOACs had a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism than warfarin (edoxaban: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–0.93, rivaroxaban: aHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70–0.96, apixaban: aHR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69–0.91, and dabigatran: aHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69–0.97). Edoxaban (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62–0.96), apixaban (aHR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60–0.90), and dabigatran (aHR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51–0.86) had lower risks of major bleeding and all-cause of death.

Conclusions:

All NOACs were more effective than warfarin in the secondary prevention of thromboembolic complications in ischemic stroke patients with NVAF. Except for rivaroxaban, most NOACs demonstrated a lower risk of major bleeding and all-cause of death than warfarin.
Building Bridges and Mending Fences: Cultural Conflict and Cultural Brokering between Academic and Immigrant Communities
Authors: VanLandingham Mark J. , Nguyen Trang , Tran Cam-Thanh , Pham NhuNgoc K. , Bui Bonnie , Anglewicz Philip
Published: May 2023

Our objective is to illustrate how to create and maintain a healthy flow of carefully curated communication between a research team and a community of interest using the principles of cultural brokering. We begin with a brief critical review of the existing literature on cultural brokering between immigrant and academic communities. We follow this review with a case study of cultural brokering between a research team at Tulane University and the Vietnamese American immigrant community in New Orleans. We draw upon specific examples from an ongoing collaboration to illustrate types of cultural conflict that are common to academic and community collaborations, and we discuss how different types and features of cultural brokering have helped to resolve these conflicts and keep the project(s) moving forward. We summarize a set of traits, potential roles/contributions, and training and operating strategies for a cultural broker.
An evaluation of menopause service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pedder Hugo , Robinson Lynne , Abernethy Kathy , Hamoda Haitham , Marsden Jo
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the experience of remote outpatient menopause service delivery by clinicians and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Two surveys explored the experiences of patients and clinicians separately. Patients attending menopause clinics in the UK were directed to an online survey which included questions on demographics and on their experience of their most recent appointment. A clinician survey was shared to members of the British Menopause Society (BMS) via email and was made available on the BMS website. It contained questions on clinic characteristics and clinicians’ experience of delivering remote menopause consultations. Surveys were available for completion between 01/12/2020 and 10/02/2021.

Results

Of 180 patients who completed the patient survey, 52% felt remote consultations were the same or better than face-to-face consultations, and 90% of patients felt a choice between remote and face-to-face consultations should be offered. Patients overall were satisfied with many aspects of care, though numerous problems were highlighted with appointment administration. Of 76 clinicians who completed the clinician survey, most found remote patient consultations either no different or a bit worse than face-to face consultations but found that they offered more flexibility. In some cases, significant rescheduling was necessary to accommodate for the clinical needs of the consultation.

Conclusion

A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to managing the delivery of menopause care is not supported by patients or clinicians. There must be a robust process in place to avoid problems with appointment scheduling and associated communications. Lessons learned from the pandemic can help to provide holistic menopause care.
CT features of primary pleural gritty meningioma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Qin Xiaojun , Zeng Chun , Wei Miao , Li Xian , Qiu Dongni
Published: May 2023

Primary ectopic meningiomas, although widely reported in multiple sites of the body, are particularly rare in the pleura. Here, we report a 35-year-old asymptomatic woman who was found to have a large mass in the right pleural area on physical examination chest radiography. Chest CT scan showed a large irregular mass from the right second anterior costal pleura to the right supradiaphragm, in which calcified plaques of varying sizes were widely and heterogeneously distributed. The mass was connected to the pleura (anterior rib pleura, mediastinal pleura, diaphragmatic pleura) in a wide base, with oblique “Z” changes in the coronal view. After the contrast agent injection, the mass exhibited mild enhancement on both arterial and venous phase scans. Furthermore, a linear enhancement that was indicative of “pleural tail sign” changes in the pleura adjacent to the mass was observed. The disease was preoperatively misdiagnosed as malignant pleural mesothelioma, and the postoperative pathological diagnosis was right pleural meningioma (gritty type). Therefore, we carefully analyzed its imaging features and differential diagnosis by consulting relevant literature.
Independent Prognostic Factors Associated With Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Prospective Evaluation of Elderly Deformity Surgery (PEEDS) Study
Authors: Hassan Fthimnir M. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Berven Sigurd H. , Kelly Michael P. , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Dahl Benny T. , de Kleuver Marinus , Spruit Maarten , Pellise Ferran , Cheung Kenneth M. C , Alanay Ahmet , Polly David W. , Sembrano Jonathan , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Qiu Yong , Lewis Stephen J. ,   AO Spine Knowledge Forum Deformity
Published: May 2023

Study Design

Prospective, multicenter, international, observational study

Objective

Identify independent prognostic factors associated with achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) among adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients ≥60 years of age undergoing primary reconstructive surgery.

Methods

Patients ≥60 years undergoing primary spinal deformity surgery having ≥5 levels fused were recruited for this study. Three approaches were used to assess MCID: (1) absolute change:0.5 point increase in the SRS-22r sub-total score/0.18 point increase in the EQ-5D index; (2) relative change: 15% increase in the SRS-22r sub-total/EQ-5D index; (3) relative change with a cut-off in the outcome at baseline: similar to the relative change with an imposed baseline score of ≤3.2/0.7 for the SRS-22r/EQ-5D, respectively.

Results

171 patients completed the SRS-22r and 170 patients completed the EQ-5D at baseline and at 2 years postoperative. Patients who reached MCID in the SRS-22r self-reported more pain and worse health at baseline in both approaches (1) and (2). Lower baseline PROMs ((1) – OR: .01 [.00-.12]; (2)- OR: .00 [.00-.07]) and number of severe adverse events (AEs) ((1) – OR: .48 [.28-.82]; (2)- OR: .39 [.23-.69]) were the only identified risk factors. Patients who reached MCID in the EQ-5D demonstrated similar characteristics regarding pain and health at baseline as the SRS-22r using approaches (1) and (2). Higher baseline ODI ((1) – OR: 1.05 [1.02-1.07]) and number of severe AEs (OR: .58 [.38-.89]) were identified as predictive variables. Patients who reached MCID in the SRS22r experienced worse health at baseline using approach (3). The number of AEs (OR: .44 [.25-.77]) and baseline PROMs (OR: .01 [.00-.22] were the only identified predictive factors. Patients who reached MCID in the EQ-5D experienced less AEs and a lower number of actions taken due to the occurrence of AEs using approach (3). The number of actions taken due to AEs (OR: .50 [.35-.73]) was found to be the only predictive variable factor. No surgical, clinical, or radiographic variables were identified as risk factors using either of the aforementioned approaches.

Conclusion

In this large multicenter prospective cohort of elderly patients undergoing primary reconstructive surgery for ASD, baseline health status, AEs, and severity of AEs were predictive of reaching MCID. No clinical, radiological, or surgical parameters were identified as factors that can be prognostic for reaching MCID.
Isolated Osteotomy Versus Combined Osteotomy and Cartilage Repair for Osteoarthritis or Focal Chondral Defects of the Medial Compartment of the Knee Joint: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dhillon Jaydeep , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Fasulo Sydney M. , Belk John W. , Scillia Anthony J. , McCulloch Patrick C.
Published: May 2023

Background:

The extent to which concomitant cartilage repair provides an improvement in clinical outcomes after osteotomy is unclear.

Purpose:

To compare studies reporting clinical outcomes after isolated osteotomy with or without cartilage repair for osteoarthritis (OA) or focal chondral defects (FCDs) of the knee joint.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The search was done to identify comparative studies that directly compared outcomes between isolated osteotomy—high tibial osteotomy or distal femoral osteotomy—and osteotomy with concomitant cartilage repair for OA or FCDs of the knee joint. Patients were evaluated based on reoperation rate, magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue score, macroscopic International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society score, and patient-reported outcomes.

Results:

In total, 6 studies—level 2 evidence (n = 2);, level 3 evidence (n = 3);, and level 4 evidence (n = 1)—met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 228 patients undergoing osteotomy alone (group A) and 255 patients undergoing osteotomy with concomitant cartilage repair (group B). The mean patient age was 53.4 and 54.8 years, respectively, and the mean preoperative alignment was 6.6° and 6.7° of varus in groups A and B, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 71.5 months. All studies assessed medial compartment lesions with varus deformity. One study compared osteotomy alone for patients with medial compartment OA versus osteotomy with autologous chondrocyte implantation for patients with FCDs of the medial compartment. Three other studies included a heterogeneous cohort of patients with OA and FCDs in both groups. Only 1 study isolated its comparison to patients with medial compartment OA and 1 study isolated its comparison to patients with FCDs.

Conclusion:

There is limited evidence with substantial heterogeneity between studies on clinical outcomes after osteotomy alone versus osteotomy with cartilage repair for OA or FCDs of the knee joint. At this time, no conclusion can be made regarding the role of additional cartilage procedures in treating medial compartment OA or FCDs. Further studies are needed that isolate specific disease pathology and specific cartilage procedures.