bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of various estimates of the I2 statistic for quantifying between-study heterogeneity in meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yipeng , DelRocco Natalie , Lin Lifeng
Published: March 2024

Assessing heterogeneity between studies is a critical step in determining whether studies can be combined and whether the synthesized results are reliable. The [Formula: see text] statistic has been a popular measure for quantifying heterogeneity, but its usage has been challenged from various perspectives in recent years. In particular, it should not be considered an absolute measure of heterogeneity, and it could be subject to large uncertainties. As such, when using [Formula: see text] to interpret the extent of heterogeneity, it is essential to account for its interval estimate. Various point and interval estimators exist for [Formula: see text]. This article summarizes these estimators. In addition, we performed a simulation study under different scenarios to investigate preferable point and interval estimates of [Formula: see text]. We found that the Sidik–Jonkman method gave precise point estimates for [Formula: see text] when the between-study variance was large, while in other cases, the DerSimonian–Laird method was suggested to estimate [Formula: see text]. When the effect measure was the mean difference or the standardized mean difference, the [Formula: see text]-profile method, the Biggerstaff–Jackson method, or the Jackson method was suggested to calculate the interval estimate for [Formula: see text] due to reasonable interval length and more reliable coverage probabilities than various alternatives. For the same reason, the Kulinskaya–Dollinger method was recommended to calculate the interval estimate for [Formula: see text] when the effect measure was the log odds ratio.
Using joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data to investigate the causal effect of salvage therapy after prostatectomy
Authors: Rizopoulos Dimitris , Taylor Jeremy MG , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Morgan Todd M
Published: March 2024

Prostate cancer patients who undergo prostatectomy are closely monitored for recurrence and metastasis using routine prostate-specific antigen measurements. When prostate-specific antigen levels rise, salvage therapies are recommended in order to decrease the risk of metastasis. However, due to the side effects of these therapies and to avoid over-treatment, it is important to understand which patients and when to initiate these salvage therapies. In this work, we use the University of Michigan Prostatectomy Registry Data to tackle this question. Due to the observational nature of this data, we face the challenge that prostate-specific antigen is simultaneously a time-varying confounder and an intermediate variable for salvage therapy. We define different causal salvage therapy effects defined conditionally on different specifications of the longitudinal prostate-specific antigen history. We then illustrate how these effects can be estimated using the framework of joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data. All proposed methodology is implemented in the freely-available R package JMbayes2.
The acceptance of evolution: A developmental view of Generation X in the United States
Authors: Miller Jon D. , Laspra Belén , Polino Carmelo , Branch Glenn , Pennock Robert T. , Ackerman Mark S.
Published: March 2024

The public acceptance of evolution remains a contentious issue in the United States. Numerous investigations have used national cross-sectional studies to examine the factors associated with the acceptance or rejection of evolution. This analysis uses a 33-year longitudinal study that followed the same 5000 public-school students from grade 7 through midlife (ages 45–48) and is the first to do so in regard to evolution. A set of structural equation models demonstrate the complexity and changing nature of influences over these three decades. Parents and local influences are strong during the high school years. The combination of post-secondary education and occupational and family choices demonstrate that the 15 years after high school are the switchyards of life.
Business Analytics in Steel Product Fabrication Cluster
Authors: Bhaskaran E.
Published: March 2024

Forty micro and small steel products manufacturing enterprises in Salem District of Tamil Nadu, South India faced problems in value addition of the steel products like windows, grill gates, truss work and panel boards manufactured by them. They formed M/s Salem Steel Cluster Pvt Ltd; Salem, a special purpose vehicle, in 2012 by getting funds from the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Government of India through the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation under Micro Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. The objective is to find the physical and financial performance of the Steel Product Fabrication Cluster (SPFC) before and after Cluster Development Approach (CDA) to find the productivity of the cluster by taking independent variables like number of units, employment and production and dependent variable like turnover, and to find the performance of SPFC before and after CDA. To find business analytics models like Diagnostic Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Inferential Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics and Decision Analytics. The methodology adopted is by collecting primary data like number of units, employment in numbers, production in crores and turnover in crores before and after CDA and analysing using Compound Annual Growth Rate, Descriptive Analysis, Correlation Analysis, Trend Analysis, Regression Analysis, Structural Equation Modelling and T-Test. There is a Difference in Difference between controlled units which have not adopted CDA and experimental units which have adopted CDA, where there is an increase in number of units, employment, profit and turnover. To conclude, there is an increase in number of units, employment, production and turnover after CDA when compared to before CDA, which leads to an increase in productivity thereby Sustainable Development Goals of 1, 4, 5, 8 and 9 are achieved.
Gender Inequality in Out-of-pocket Expenditure on Healthcare Among Persons with Disabilities in India
Authors: Yadav Jeetendra , John Denny , Menon Geetha R. , Singh Ravinder
Published: March 2024

Background

People with disabilities (PWDs) often face higher risk of financial burden towards healthcare. Higher out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) is a barrier towards accessing medical services, resulting in healthcare inequities between men and women. There is a lack of studies on gender disparities in healthcare burden among PWD in India. The present study examines gender inequality towards healthcare expenditure among PWDs in India.

Methods

Unit level data from the Persons with Disabilities in India Survey under the National Sample Survey, 76th round that covered 118,152 households involving 576,569 individuals of whom 106,894 had at least one disability was used. We performed secondary analysis using descriptive statistics, bivariate estimates, Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition and multilevel log-linear regression to meet the objective of the study.

Results

OOPE as a percent of monthly per capita expenditure was higher among males across all states of India except in Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep and Mizoram. This varied from 0.6% in Jammu and Kashmir to 20% in Nagaland. Multilevel analysis confirms that OOPE was significantly lesser among females ( β = –0.070, 95% confidence interval = – 0.129 to 0.01) compared to males after controlling demographic and disability-related predictors. PWDs reported higher healthcare burden as a percent of total household expenditure in India, and relatively less amount was spent on female healthcare compared to male healthcare.

Conclusion

A substantial gender inequality for healthcare expenditure is found among PWDs in India. This makes for an urgent call to health researchers and policymakers towards gender-sensitive research, policy formulation and program implementation for PWDs in India.
Are Palestinian Nurses Burned Out or Engaged: The Impact of Job Demands on Job Performance?
Authors: Abukhalifa Anas Mahmoud Salem , Kamil Nurul Liyana Mohd
Published: March 2024

The impact of job demands on job performance is not always straightforward but relies on whether employees are burned out or engaged. Although such relationships were established previously based on job demands–resources (JD-R) theory in Western developed countries, evidence from Eastern developing countries is very limited. During the peak of COVID-19, this study was conducted to examine the impact of job demands on nurses’ job performance via the mediating role of work burnout and work engagement. By employing the tenets of the JD-R theory, the theory was tested through collecting data from 202 nurses who were working in Palestine. The SPSS statistical software (version 25) and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyse the collected data. The findings disclosed that work burnout was negatively related to job performance, and work engagement was positively related to job performance. Unexpectedly, job demand had a negative relationship with work burnout and a positive relationship with work engagement. However, work burnout and work engagement mediated the relationship between job demand and job performance. A discussion of the findings, contributions, implications, limitations and future directions is provided.
Numbing Effect of Emotional Exhaustion on COVID-19 Fear and Contrasting Effect on  Job Satisfaction and Quality of Work Life  Among Indian Healthcare Workers
Authors: Saini Garima , Dash Sanket Sunand , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: March 2024

The study conceptualises COVID-19 fear among healthcare workers as a job resource (meaningfulness of work) and job demand (physical and emotional demands), while exploring its effect on healthcare workers’ job satisfaction and quality of work life. The potential numbing effect of emotional exhaustion on COVID-19 fear is studied in the proposed framework. Data were collected from 202 Indian healthcare workers using standardised scales and analysed using Smart PLS 2.0. The results indicate that COVID-19 fear has a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction and a significant negative association with quality of work. The study results validate the hypotheses that COVID-19 fear simultaneously acts as a job resource and job demand. COVID-19 fear had an indirect, negative effect on job satisfaction via reduced quality of work. Emotional exhaustion in healthcare workers reduced healthcare workers’ COVID-19 fears, suggesting a numbing effect of emotional exhaustion on the arousal of emotions. The study is among the first, to the best of our knowledge, that identify the same factor (COVID-19 fear) as both a job resource as well as a job demand for an occupational group (healthcare workers). The ability of COVID-19 fear to simultaneously increase the meaningfulness of the job for healthcare workers and reduce their quality of work life suggests that healthcare administrators need to espouse policies that simultaneously enable healthcare workers to perceive strong emotions that make the meaning of their job salient and buffer them from the emotional, cognitive and physical demands consequences.
Perinatal Mental Disorders: The ‘Non Liquet’  Facet of Mental Health Legislative Instruments  in India
Authors: Behl Ritika , Nemane Vivek , Sims Deborah
Published: March 2024

Due to the impetus provided by the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals, maternal health has become the subject matter of various legislative instruments worldwide. However, perinatal mental disorders have remained an underestimated public health issue in many countries. High prevalence rates of such perinatal disorders in India have been reported by various evidence-based studies. This makes it imperative to analyse the provisions of the mental healthcare legislative instruments that have been brought into force in India. This article aims to evaluate and analyse coverage of perinatal mental disorders under the provisions of the legislative instruments, especially statutes, providing for mental health in India. Websites of the Government of India, various Indian Ministries and other government agencies were visited to obtain relevant documents regarding the mental health policy and legislation. None of the mental health legislative instruments in India underscore perinatal mental disorders as a public health concern, whereby failing to identify the unique characteristics of perinatal mental disorders. They consequently do not provide for nationwide detection and treatment measures. There is an immediate and pertinent need to highlight perinatal mental disorders through legislative instruments. The National Mental Health Policy, 2014 provides for comprehensive healthcare services; however, it excludes measures for perinatal mental health services. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 should be amended to explicitly include women during the perinatal period, along with originally provided mental health services for children and elderly individuals.
Perfusion Index as a Predictor of Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Newborns
Authors: S Lalitha Rajalakshmi , Venugopalan Lakshmi , Subramaniyam Gnanasambandam , Krishnamoorthy Nedunchelian
Published: March 2024

Aim

To assess the value of perfusion index (PI) and arrive at the ideal cut-off value of delta PI (DPI) (pre and postductal difference in PI) in identifying hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA).

Methods

Prospective observational study was conducted on 156 preterm newborns of <37 weeks in the NICU of tertiary care center, from August 2019 to March 2020 after ethical clearance. 156 preterm babies were classified into noPDA, HsPDA and Non-HsPDA based on echocardiogram findings and compared with DPI value on Day 1 to 3 of life. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to establish cut-offs for DPI in diagnosing HsPDA. A P value <.05 is considered for statistical significance.

Results

There was a significantly lower PI in both preductal and post ductal limbs with HsPDA compared to other groups. A DPI Cut-off of 0.75 on day 2 of life has a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 100% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and a negative predictive value of 89%.

Conclusion

PI is a simple non-invasive bedside index predict the presence of a HsPDA in preterm newborns and DPI of >0.75 indicates for presence of HsPDA.
The Use of Vignettes to Improve the Validity of Qualitative Interviews for Realist Evaluation
Authors: Martin Élisabeth , Bergeron Dave , Gaboury Isabelle
Published: March 2024

Although realist evaluation (RE) requires multiple data collection methods, qualitative interviews are considered most valuable and are most frequently used. The guiding principles of RE may limit the emergence of new Context–Mechanism–Outcome (CMO) configurations by evoking particular underlying mechanisms. This paper proposes a new method for conducting semi-structured interviews in the RE context by drawing on the literature and examining the ability of vignettes to explore perceptions about specific situations. Vignettes are developed based on researchers’ knowledge of the setting and program theory and are updated through an iterative process throughout data collection. Interviews focus on situations illustrated in the vignette to capture variations in interviewees’ perceptions. This method constrains interviewees to using retroduction to identify the hidden underlying mechanisms that link contextual elements to outcomes based on their experiences. This method allows researchers to focus on CMO configurations without evoking mechanisms, which contributes to the rigor of the method.
Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes Associated With Phenobarbital With Taper Compared to No Taper for the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Thaller Matthew , Wong Adrian , Yankama Tuyen , Eche Ifeoma Mary , Elsamadisi Pansy
Published: March 2024

Background:

Phenobarbital (PHB) has been shown to be an effective treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), with multiple dosing strategies used (e.g., single-dose and symptom-triggered). Studies have often used tapered doses, typically following a front-loaded dose, despite PHB’s long half-life which should lead to an ability to auto-taper.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes associated with two PHB dosing strategies (taper [T], no taper [NT]) for AWS.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study compared adult patients admitted to the ICU from October 2017 to May 2019 who received an initial loading dose of PHB for AWS. The use of PHB was at the discretion of the clinician per our institutional guidelines. Prior to November 2018, patients were prescribed a PHB taper, while after this period, the taper was no longer recommended. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring rescue PHB or adjunctive medications for AWS. Secondary outcomes included number of adjunctive agents used, prevalence of severe manifestations of AWS, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and incidence of potentially significant drug interactions.

Results:

A total of 172 patients were included (T: n = 81, NT: n = 91). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, including history of severe AWS and cumulative benzodiazepine dose pre-PHB. There was no difference in the primary outcome between groups (T: 70.4% vs NT: 59.3%, P = 0.152). The median number of adjunctive agents per patient, severe manifestations, and ICU and hospital length of stay did not differ between groups. Twenty-five patients (14.5%) had potentially significant drug interactions.

Conclusion and Relevance:

The use of a PHB loading dose without a taper may be comparable to a taper strategy on clinical outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to further delineate the optimal dose of PHB for AWS.
Cytomegalovirus Treatment in Solid Organ Transplantation: An Update on Current Approaches
Authors: Hardinger Karen L. , Brennan Daniel C.
Published: March 2024

Objective:

The article reviews the safety and efficacy of treatments for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in solid organ transplantation.

Data Sources:

A literature review was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Clinicaltrials.gov from database inception through January 2024, using terms CMV, therapy, and solid organ transplantation.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Clinical trials, meta-analyses, cohort studies, case reports, and guidelines were included. Letters to the editor, reviews, and commentaries were excluded.

Data Synthesis:

After abstract screening and full-text review of 728 citations for eligibility, 53 were included. Valganciclovir and intravenous ganciclovir are drugs of choice for CMV management and, until recently, the availability of alternative options has been restricted due to toxicity. For instance, foscarnet and cidofovir serve as second-line agents due to potential bone marrow and renal toxicity. In patients with refractory or resistant CMV, maribavir, a novel oral agent, has proven efficacy and a lower adverse effect profile. However, in refractory or resistant CMV, foscarnet and cidofovir are preferred in invasive disease (CMV gastritis, CMV retinitis, and CMV encephalitis), high viral loads, and inability to tolerate oral preparations.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Consensus guidelines have not been revised since approval of novel antivirals in solid organ transplantation. Valganciclovir and ganciclovir remain drugs of choice for initial CMV therapy. Foscarnet, cidofovir, and maribavir are treatments for refractory or resistant-CMV.

Conclusions:

Selection of CMV antiviral treatment should be determined by patient-specific factors, including severity of illness, resistant or refractory disease, dose-limiting adverse effects, and the preferred route of administration.
A Rare Case Report of Intraosseous Spindle and Epithelioid Rhabdomyosarcoma With TFCP2 Rearrangement: A Pathological Diagnostic Conundrum and Literature Review
Authors: Si Cheng , Wang Yihuan , Zhu Jinghua
Published: March 2024

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor with striated muscle differentiation, which is histologically classified as alveolar, embryonal, pleomorphic, and spindle cell/sclerosing histological subtype. Rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 rearrangement, which usually occurs in the bone, is a newly identified rare spindle and epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma with characteristic clinicopathological features and molecular alterations. We report a 39-year-old female patient who underwent local excision of the mandibular lesion. Microscopically, the intraosseous tumor was composed of spindle-shaped, epithelioid, and rhabdomyoblastic cells with atypical nuclei and atypical mitotic figures. In addition, TFCP2 rearrangement was revealed by the fluorescence in situ hybridization. The tumor was thus correctly diagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 rearrangement. The patient was scheduled to undergo radiotherapy, and triple-agent chemotherapy after surgery, and no tumor recurrence or metastasis was detected during the 3-month postoperative follow up. Since this tumor is relatively rare and newly recognized, it can be easily misdiagnosed or missed and might be a conundrum of pathological diagnosis. Familiarity with its clinicopathological features and molecular alterations is essential for its correct diagnosis. Therefore, we summarized the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular alterations of 43 cases of this rare rhabdomyosarcoma variant in the English-language literature. In addition, the differential diagnosis of this lesion is crucial either.
Do Patients With Insulin-Dependent and Non–Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Have Different Risks for Complications After Total Ankle Arthroplasty?
Authors: Qureshi Ibraheem , Lin Charles C. , Anil Utkarsh , Butler James J. , Walls Raymond J.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Patients with diabetes undergoing total ankle arthroplasty tend to be at greater risk for complications than those without diabetes. However, the effect of diabetes severity and how it impacts the risk for perioperative complications is less clear. The purpose of this study was to compare (1) complications, (2) length of hospital stay, and (3) readmissions within 30 days for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) patients without diabetes, patients with non–insulin-dependent diabetes, and patients with insulin-dependent diabetes.

Methods:

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, a total of 1803 patients undergoing TAA between 2007 and 2019 were collected. The relationship between diabetes status (no diabetes [n = 1,589], insulin-dependent [n = 169], and non–insulin-dependent [n = 45]) and outcomes were compared. Multivariate linear regression models were used to adjust for confounding variables such as age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking, steroid use, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anesthesia type, dyspnea, and outpatient status. Statistical significance was set at P <.05.

Results:

Insulin-dependent diabetes was an independent risk factor for increased odds of infection within 30 days (odds ratio 6.47, 95% CI 0.79-33.66; P = .043). Hospital length of stay was also increased in patients with non–insulin-dependent diabetes (β = 0.21, 95% CI 0.02-0.40; P = .031) and insulin-dependent diabetes (β = 0.40, 95% CI 0.04-0.76; P = .028). However, neither diabetic state demonstrated a statistically significant increase in readmissions or wound complications within 30 days.

Conclusion:

Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes included in this cohort were at increased risk of having an infection within 30 days after TAA. Additionally, patients with diabetes status had an increased hospital length of stay. These results can inform patients on their potential outcomes after total ankle arthroplasty based on their diabetes status.
Conventional vs Augmented Reality–Guided Lateral Calcaneal Lengthening Simulated in a Foot Bone Model
Authors: Polt Maksym , Viehöfer Arnd F. , Casari Fabio A. , Imhoff Florian B. , Wirth Stephan H. , Zimmermann Stefan M.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Acquired adult flatfoot deformity (AAFD) results in a loss of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and dysfunction of the posteromedial soft tissues. Hintermann osteotomy (H-O) is often used to treat stage II AAFD. The procedure is challenging because of variations in the subtalar facets and limited intraoperative visibility. We aimed to assess the impact of augmented reality (AR) guidance on surgical accuracy and the facet violation rate.

Methods:

Sixty AR-guided and 60 conventional osteotomies were performed on foot bone models. For AR osteotomies, the ideal osteotomy plane was uploaded to a Microsoft HoloLens 1 headset and carried out in strict accordance with the superimposed holographic plane. The conventional osteotomies were performed relying solely on the anatomy of the calcaneal lateral column. The rate and severity of facet joint violation was measured, as well as accuracy of entry and exit points. The results were compared across AR-guided and conventional osteotomies, and between experienced and inexperienced surgeons.

Results:

Experienced surgeons showed significantly greater accuracy for the osteotomy entry point using AR, with the mean deviation of 1.6 ± 0.9 mm (95% CI 1.26, 1.93) compared to 2.3 ± 1.3 mm (95% CI 1.87, 2.79) in the conventional method ( P = .035). The inexperienced had improved accuracy, although not statistically significant ( P = .064), with the mean deviation of 2.0 ± 1.5 mm (95% CI 1.47, 2.55) using AR compared with 2.7 ± 1.6 mm (95% CI 2.18, 3.32) in the conventional method. AR helped the experienced surgeons avoid full violation of the posterior facet ( P = .011). Inexperienced surgeons had a higher rate of middle and posterior facet injury with both methods ( P = .005 and .021).

Conclusion:

Application of AR guidance during H-O was associated with improved accuracy for experienced surgeons, demonstrated by a better accuracy of the osteotomy entry point. More crucially, AR guidance prevented full violation of the posterior facet in the experienced group. Further research is needed to address limitations and test this technology on cadaver feet. Ultimately, the use of AR in surgery has the potential to improve patient and surgeon safety while minimizing radiation exposure.

Clinical Relevance:

Subtalar facet injury during lateral column lengthening osteotomy represents a real problem in clinical orthopaedic practice. Because of limited intraoperative visibility and variable anatomy, it is hard to resolve this issue with conventional means. This study suggests the potential of augmented reality to improve the osteotomy accuracy.
Togethering Situation in Diffractive Inquiry
Authors: Revsbæk Line , Beavan Katie
Published: March 2024

Making knowledge includes creating the practices of knowing. Setting up our apparatus, we create diffractive encounters between the oscillating fields of Mary Parker Follett’s pragmatist theorizing about evolving situations; Barad’s account of diffraction; and our two scholars’ bodies, separately engaged in researching organizational socialization and family business. This article illustrates our collaborative writing to experiment with diffracting situations in empirical studying. From Follett’s concept, we offer the creative integration of gesammting (togethering) situations in diffraction. This article illustrates the uneasy boundary-performance in postqualitative inquiry and arrives at integratively selving as a practice of emerging generative futures.
Witches, Victims, and Villains: #MeToo and the Political Polarization of Sexual Violence
Authors: Shoaf Hannah , Pierce Hayley , López Jane Lilly
Published: March 2024

#MeToo sought to combat sexual violence but evolved into a polarizing movement in the United States. Using a random sample of 5,153 tweets with #MeToo posted between 2017 and 2019 to explore the language and themes individuals use to polarize conversations around sexual violence, we find that MeToo supporters used rights-and-justice-focused language to advocate for survivors. In contrast, MeToo detractors employed legal and violent language to victimize the alleged perpetrators and villainize victims of sexual violence and their supporters. This demonstrates how “linguistic hijacking” unfolded online, with movement opponents co-opting key terms (like “victim”) to undermine movement supporters’ goals.
The Beginnings of Attention Deficit in a Dutch 18th Century Medical Treatise
Authors: van Kernebeek Michiel W. , Crunelle Cleo L.
Published: March 2024

Objective:

An early description, possibly the earliest, of attention deficit disorder in a 1753 Dutch medical book by Cornelius Kloekhof is presented.

Method:

The author of this text is briefly introduced and contextualized. The text is translated from Latin and afterwards, its impact on later scientific literature is discussed.

Results and Conclusions:

Kloekhofs description of attention deficit was one of the first and thoroughly inspired the subsequent literature, such as Adam Weikard, making this text an important moment in the rich history of ADHD.
Inherited retinal dystrophies and orphan designations in the European Union
Authors: Moseley Jane , Leest Tim , Larsson Kristina , Magrelli Armando , Stoyanova-Beninska Violeta
Published: March 2024

Inherited Retinal Dystrophies (IRD) are diverse rare diseases that affect the retina and lead to visual impairment or blindness. Research in this field is ongoing, with over 60 EU orphan medicinal products designated in this therapeutic area by the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) at the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Up to now, COMP has used traditional disease terms, like retinitis pigmentosa, for orphan designation regardless of the product's mechanism of action. The COMP reviewed the designation approach for IRDs taking into account all previous Orphan Designations (OD) experience in IRDs, the most relevant up to date scientific literature and input from patients and clinical experts. Following the review, the COMP decided that there should be three options available for orphan designation concerning the condition: i) an amended set of OD groups for therapies that might be used in a broad spectrum of conditions, ii) a gene-specific designation for targeted therapies, and iii) an occasional term for products that do not fit in the above two categories. The change in the approach to orphan designation in IRDs caters for different scenarios to allow an optimum approach for future OD applications including the option of a gene-specific designation. By applying this new approach, the COMP increases the regulatory clarity, efficiency, and predictability for sponsors, aligns EU regulatory tools with the latest scientific and medical developments in the field of IRDs, and ensures that all potentially treatable patients will be included in the scope of an OD.
Seismic behavior of horizontally spliced single-side superposed shear wall using a concealed column
Authors: Xu Kai , Zhi Lunhai , Ma Wei , Zhou Kang
Published: March 2024

The single-side superposed (SSS) shear wall is an innovative precast concrete sandwich panel that better meets the requirements of building industrialization. However, the seismic behavior of SSS shear walls remains inadequately understood. In this paper, a full-scaled horizontally spliced SSS shear wall using a concealed column and an integral SSS shear wall of the same dimensions were tested. The seismic behavior was investigated considering various aspects including hysteresis performance, bearing capacity, ductility performance, energy dissipation capacity, and stiffness degradation curve. The simulation models were established by the Abaqus, which provided the verification and further research for the test. Furthermore, two innovative splicing forms were proposed to optimize the existing specimens through the Abaqus. The experimental results indicated that implementing the vertical joint would lead to a decrease in the yield-bearing capacity by 24%, but it would also enhance the ultimate bearing capacity by 12.7%. Meanwhile, the deformation capacity would improve by 9.7%. The numerical simulations demonstrated that the suggested splicing methods effectively meet the demands of building industrialization.
A numerical research on transient transport of high-temperature particles associated with air gouging process
Authors: Han Kun , Zhuang Jiawei , Zhang Li’an , Diao Yongfa
Published: March 2024

The high-temperature particles produced by air gouging processes are common pollutants in cleaning workshops, which could endanger workers’ health. In this research, a two-way coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian method based on discrete phase modelling (DPM) was used to investigate the transport characteristics of high-temperature particles generated from air gouging processes. The particle group in the movement was divided into core zone and boundary zone, and the kinetic mechanism of particles in different zones was analysed. The results show particles in the boundary zone are more susceptible to the vortex entrainment effect than particles in the core zone, and some particles could be moved from the vortex diffusion zone to the vortex recirculation zone. The smaller the particle size, the better the followability to the hot airflow. The slower the temperature decay of particles, the more significant the thermophoresis effect, which could enhance the diffusion behaviour of the small particles. By analysing the average residence time of particles in the breathing zone, the influence of different factors on the average vertical diffusion height [Formula: see text] of particles is summarized, and a nonlinear regression prediction model of [Formula: see text] is established. The results can contribute to health risk assessment and industrial ventilation design.
Optimizing thermal insulation in building facades: An examination of human-environment dynamics in Nanjing city, Eastern Asia
Authors: Wang Dawei , Wang Panxiu , Ditta A. , Chen Gang
Published: March 2024

The external building walls are significant in mitigating adverse weather conditions. Current research on the thermal insulation of exterior walls often overlooks crucial factors such as human comfort, seasonal changes and environmental dynamics. This study introduced a performance evaluation approach for external walls that considered the human thermal zone, annual air temperature and solar radiation. Taking Nanjing City as a case study, the thermal insulation performance of five distinct types of building exterior walls was investigated. The findings highlight the impact of various insulated wall systems on thermal insulation. While different insulated walls exhibited significant variations in effectiveness during extreme weather episodes, these variations were minor over the course of the year. Analysis revealed a spectrum of performance for insulated exterior walls, ranging from excellent to poor: Outer Insulated Wall > Inside Insulated Wall = Sandwich Insulated Wall = Self-Insulated Wall > Mortar-Insulated Wall. The disparity in thermal insulation performance amongst four wall types was minimal, with the mortar-insulated wall demonstrating the lowest performance. The highest temperature recorded for the mortar-insulated wall surpassed 32.2°C over 68 days. This research contributes insights into the nuanced performance of various insulated walls, paving the way for decision-making in climate resilience strategies.
Modelling and characterization of novel honeycomb structures with mass gradient produced by additive manufacturing
Authors: Portela Luís Aser , Copin Etienne , Fátima Vaz M , Deus Augusto M
Published: March 2024

The dissemination of additive manufacturing methods has facilitated the design and production of complex structures which have a high strength-to-weight ratio. Cellular materials such as honeycombs have low-weight and high capacity to absorb energy which makes them desirable for the aerospace and automotive industries. The present work covers the study and comparison of metal-based regular honeycombs and functionally graded honeycombs. The latter encompass radial and linear/longitudinal gradients. Three repeating unit cells were studied: regular hexagons, Plateau and lotus. The structures were produced in aluminium using the laser powder bed fusion technique. Selected samples were submitted to a stress-relieving heat treatment. Numerical and experimental methods were used to assess the in-plane compressive properties. Finite element analysis was used to obtain the simulated force–displacement curves of each structure, allowing for the calculation of specific stiffness, absorbed energy and yield strength. The experimental method consisted of the compression of three specimens of three types of regular structures with and without stress-relieving heat treatment. The heat treatment reduced the yield strength and stiffness whilst increasing the ductility of the samples. The mechanical behaviour of the structures was found to depend upon a combined effect of the type of gradient, relative density, and unit cell structure. The results showed that an increase in the relative density would enhance the specific mechanical properties. The lotus configuration displayed the highest specific mechanical properties, as its geometry reduces the stress concentrations. The numerical results showed a reasonable match with the experimental results.
Difficult ‘By Design’: Viewpoints of Crown Attorneys and Defense Counsel Working With Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Youth Justice System
Authors: Bendo Daniella , Goodwin-De Faria Christine , Baruth Caitlin , Moore Madison
Published: March 2024

Despite the overrepresentation of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the youth criminal justice system, little is known about their experiences. Drawing on interviews with defense counsel and crown attorneys, we examine how Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) guides the work of justice professionals and the extent to which this legislation responds to youth with IDD. Findings provide insight into some of the realities and challenges justice professionals face in their role. We consider how gaps between the YCJA and its application in practice may be addressed for youth with IDD in the youth criminal justice system.
Corrosion performance of carbon steel and 304 stainless steel in activated methyldiethanolamine solution using autoclave tests
Authors: Adel-Mehraban Fereshteh , Saeidi Roya , Moradmand Mohsen , Zhiani Mohammad , Raeissi Keyvan
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated the corrosion performance of carbon steel (CS) and 304 stainless steel (304 SS) under high temperature and pressure (inside an autoclave) in a CO2-saturated solution of activated methyldiethanolamine (aMDEA). The aim was to determine the effect of temperature, presence of chloride ions, degradation of the aMDEA and amount of dissolved oxygen on the corrosion resistance of these materials. The results indicated that raising the temperature between 50 and 120°C led to a higher corrosion rate of both CS and 304 SS. However, the corrosion rate of 304 SS decreased and remained stable at higher temperatures as the corrosion reaction became mass-controlled. Oxygen loading results in the passivation of both CS and 304 SS. The amine degradation products were found to accelerate the corrosion rate of CS at 50°C due to a chelation effect of iron ions, and also increase the corrosion rate of 304 SS at 120°C by causing the passive film rupture. The SCC test on U-shaped 304 SS samples showed transversal microcracks with a depth of more than 25 µm after 2 months of immersion in an autoclave containing CO2-saturated aMDEA at 120°C, which confirmed the SCC risk of 304 SS.
100 Years of the American Public Health Association’s Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section: Celebrating the Past, Forging the Future
Authors: Auld M. Elaine , Galer-Unti Regina A. , Alperin Melissa , Mickalide Angela
Published: March 2024

The American Public Health Association’s Public Health Education and Health Promotion (APHA PHEHP) Section celebrates its 100th anniversary by reflecting on its humble beginnings and early contributions to the field of health education. This article highlights the often-unsung history of our field and its fledgling beginnings, which is important to scholars and students alike. First codified as the Health Education and Publicity Section in the early 1920s, we trace the history and challenges of using new modes of publicity such as motion pictures and innovative exhibits to help curb the spread of infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, venereal disease). Evart G. Routzahn, credited as the Section’s father, worked tirelessly to increase the Section’s visibility (renamed the Health Education Section in 1927 and the Public Health Education and Health Promotion Section in 1990) and in advancing the professionalization of health education during a time when there were no formal professional preparation programs in health education. Over the years, the Section has played significant roles in strengthening the practice of health education and communication; advancing APHA’s overall leadership, infrastructure, and governance; and contributing to the unified voice and advocacy for the health education profession and health equity. We conclude by describing contemporary initiatives that reflect the continued spirit and vibrancy of the Section in setting the stage for the next 100 years.
Identifying Social Network Characteristics Associated With Youth Physical Activity Skill Competency at a Summer Care Program
Authors: Jackson Deja , Park Jeong-Hui , Patterson Megan S. , Umstattd Meyer M. Renée , Prochnow Tyler
Published: March 2024

While literature suggests that youth physical activity (PA) behaviors are affected by network influences, less is known about network influences on perceived skill competency, a component of physical literacy and self-efficacy. This study aims to provide an understanding of potential network characteristics which are associated with youth PA skill competency. Youth ( n = 158) between the ages of 8 and 12 years recruited from two summer care programs (i.e., Boys & Girls Clubs) participated in researcher-administered surveys. Youth self-reported their age, sex, involvement in team sports, weekly PA, and skill competency assessed using a version of the PLAYself measure. Youth were also asked to report up to five people in the summer program and five out of the program with whom they interacted the most. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between skill competency and demographics, PA, and social network characteristics. Skill competency was significantly associated ( R2 = .17) with age (β = −.06, p = .01), sex (β = −.06, p = .01), sports team involvement (β = .16, p < .001), and weekly PA (β = −.20, p < .001). Skill competency was also significantly associated with the number of connections with whom the youth played frequently (β = .09, p < .001), the number of connections that helped the youth to be active (β = .18, p < .001), and the heterogeneity of the type of relationships within the youth’s network (β = .11, p < .001). Skill competency scores were significantly associated with both individual variables and social network composition. In addition, youth with networks comprising several types of relationships (heterogeneity) reported a significantly high skill competency. PA interventions can be most effective when considering the reinforcing aspects of networks and skill competency.
ddml: Double/debiased machine learning in Stata
Authors: Ahrens Achim , Hansen Christian B. , Schaffer Mark E. , Wiemann Thomas
Published: March 2024

In this article, we introduce a package, ddml, for double/debiased machine learning in Stata. Estimators of causal parameters for five different econometric models are supported, allowing for flexible estimation of causal effects of endogenous variables in settings with unknown functional forms or many exogenous variables. ddml is compatible with many existing supervised machine learning programs in Stata. We recommend using double/debiased machine learning in combination with stacking estimation, which combines multiple machine learners into a final predictor. We provide Monte Carlo evidence to support our recommendation.
Management of Concussion in the Young Athlete
Authors: Lamothe Meghan A. , Erickson Jillian , Emami Kouros
Published: March 2024

Sports-related concussion continues to be a rapidly growing public health concern in nearly all sports, and at all levels, in children and adolescents. Evidence-based clinical guidelines are constantly evolving but those specific to the pediatric population are less robust. There are nuances to treatment of the developing pediatric brain in the context of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The purposes of this review are to (1) analyze the differences in concussion symptom presentation and recovery in children versus adults, (2) describe the role of the physical therapist in management of pediatric concussion, (3) examine current recommendations for return to participation in school and return to sport, and (4) highlight the psychological implications of concussion in the young athlete. We find that additional research is needed in nearly all aspects of concussion in the young athletic population. The current evidence stresses the importance of an active approach to recovery using a stepwise progression.
Lifestyle Medicine and Japan’s Longevity Miracle
Authors: Shirai Tamami , Tsushita Kazuyo
Published: March 2024

With Japan’s economic growth, its life expectancy increased from 1965, and since 1980, Japan has become one of the longest-lived countries in the world. Strong government-led initiatives such as low-cost health insurance, widely distributed health screenings, a new law to prevent non-communicable diseases established in 1956, Shokuiku (Japanese culinary education), and stress-measuring systems in the workplace contributed to the population’s longevity. In addition to these public initiatives, Japan has benefited from evolving lifestyle practices over its long history. These include Washoku (Japanese traditional food), which utilizes the complex interaction of individual nutrients unique to Japan as well as numerous metabolically active compounds, the interrelation of Japan’s population levels with its plant-dominant diet, a mindful culture connected with nature, and the principle of hara-hachi-bu (Confucianism-based caloric restriction habit; “eat until 80% full”), and so on. In 2002, Japan took the remarkable action of stipulating by law that citizens must deepen their interest in and understanding of the importance of healthy lifestyle habits, be aware of their own health status, and strive to improve their health throughout their lives. Today, to protect its future, Japan must face a new challenge: a population that is declining and is the world’s fastest-aging.