bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Physical Frailty and Cognitive Function in a Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of American Older Adults
Authors: Karanth Shama , Braithwaite Dejana , Katsumata Yuriko , Duara Ranjan , Norrod Paul , Aukhil Ikramuddin , Abner Erin
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Cognitive impairment and frailty are prevalent in older persons. Physical frailty is associated with cognitive decline; however, the role of effect modifiers such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and cognitive reserve is not well understood. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2014) were obtained for participants aged ≥60 years. Complete availability of cognitive scores was an inclusion criterion. Physical frailty was defined by the presence of exhaustion, weakness, low body mass, and/or low physical activity, and categorized into three groups: robust (0 present), pre-frail (1–2 present), or frail (3–4 present). Four cognitive test scores were converted to z-scores, and global cognition (composite z-score) was calculated by averaging the four-individual z-scores. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to estimate the associations between frailty and cognitive function. Frailty was also evaluated as a risk factor for self-reported subjective memory complaint (SMC) using logistic regression. All models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, alcohol use, income, marital status, diabetes, hypertension, and history of stroke. Effect measure modification analyses were conducted by age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and occupational cognitive demand. Results: The study population comprised 2,863 participants aged ≥60 years. 50.6% of the participants were categorized into robust, 43.2% pre-frail, and 6.2% frail. After adjusting for covariates, compared to robust participants, frail and prefrail participants had lower adjusted mean global cognitive z-scores, β^ = −0.61, 95% CI: −0.83, −0.38 and β^ = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.30, −0.12, respectively. Both prefrail and frail participants had higher odds of SMC compared to the robust participants. We did not see strong evidence that the association between frailty and cognition was modified by the factors we studied. Discussion/Conclusion: Both pre-frailty and frailty were associated with lower cognitive performance and were more likely to report subjective memory complaints relative to persons without frailty. These findings provide additional evidence that physical frailty may serve as a prognostic factor for cognitive deterioration or dementia, and prevention of frailty may be an important public health strategy.
Online Scratch Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Computational and Creative Thinking
Authors: Karakaya Cirit Didem , Aydemir Selçuk
Published: October 2023

This paper investigated the effect of online Scratch activities on college students’ computational and creative thinking. The study adopted a mixed research design including one group pretest-posttest. The sample consisted of 24 child development undergraduates (23 female and 1 male) in the 2019-2020 academic year. The research was carried out in "Teaching Science and Mathematics in Preschool Education” course and lasted 12 weeks. The participants developed Scratch projects based on eight learning outcomes (four math and four science). Data were collected using the Computational Thinking Scale, the Marmara Creative Thinking Dispositions Scale, and reflective journals. The quantitative data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The results showed that Scratch activities helped students develop computational and creative thinking.
Projected Change in the Burden of Excess Cardiovascular Deaths Associated With Extreme Heat by Midcentury (2036–2065) in the Contiguous United States
Authors: Khatana Sameed Ahmed M. , Eberly Lauren A. , Nathan Ashwin S. , Groeneveld Peter W.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Climate change is causing an increase in extreme heat. Individuals with cardiovascular disease are at high risk of heat-related adverse health effects. How the burden of extreme heat–associated cardiovascular deaths in the United States will change with the projected rise in extreme heat is unknown.

METHODS:

We obtained data on cardiovascular deaths among adults and the number of extreme heat days (maximum heat index ≥90 °F [32.2 °C]) in each county in the contiguous United States from 2008 to 2019. Based on representative concentration pathway trajectories that model greenhouse gas emissions and shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP) that model future socioeconomic scenarios and demographic projections, we obtained county-level projected numbers of extreme heat days and populations under 2 scenarios for the midcentury period 2036 to 2065: SSP2-4.5 (representing demographic projections from a “middle-of-the-road” socioeconomic scenario and an intermediate increase in emissions) and SSP5-8.5 (demographic projections in an economy based on “fossil-fueled development” and a large increase in emissions). The association of cardiovascular mortality with extreme heat was estimated with a Poisson fixed-effects model. Using estimates from this model, the projected number of excess cardiovascular deaths associated with extreme heat was calculated.

RESULTS:

Extreme heat was associated with 1651 (95% CI, 921–2381) excess cardiovascular deaths per year from 2008 to 2019. By midcentury, extreme heat is projected to be associated with 4320 (95% CI, 2369–6272) excess deaths annually, which is an increase of 162% (95% CI, 142–182) under SSP2-4.5, and 5491 (95% CI, 3011–7972) annual excess deaths, which is an increase of 233% (95% CI, 206–259) under SSP5-8.5. Elderly adults are projected to have a 3.5 (95% CI, 3.2–3.8) times greater increase in deaths in the SSP2-4.5 scenario compared with nonelderly adults. Non-Hispanic Black adults are projected to have a 4.6 (95% CI, 2.8–6.4) times greater increase compared with non-Hispanic White adults. The projected change in deaths was not statistically significantly different for other race and ethnicity groups or between men and women.

CONCLUSIONS:

By midcentury, extreme heat is projected to be associated with a significantly greater burden of excess cardiovascular deaths in the contiguous United States.
Perceptual Cycles Travel Across Retinotopic Space
Authors: Fakche Camille , Dugué Laura
Published: October 2023

Visual perception waxes and wanes periodically over time at low frequencies (theta: 4–7 Hz; alpha: 8–13 Hz), creating “perceptual cycles.” These perceptual cycles can be induced when stimulating the brain with a flickering visual stimulus at the theta or alpha frequency. Here, we took advantage of the well-known organization of the visual system into retinotopic maps (topographic correspondence between visual and cortical spaces) to assess the spatial organization of induced perceptual cycles. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that they can propagate across the retinotopic space. A disk oscillating in luminance (inducer) at 4, 6, 8, or 10 Hz was presented in the periphery of the visual field to induce perceptual cycles at specific frequencies. EEG recordings verified that the brain responded at the corresponding inducer frequencies and their first harmonics. Perceptual cycles were assessed with a concurrent detection task—target stimuli were displayed at threshold contrast (50% detection) at random times during the inducer. Behavioral results confirmed that perceptual performance was modulated periodically by the inducer at each frequency. We additionally manipulated the distance between the target and the inducer (three possible positions) and showed that the optimal phase, that is, moment of highest target detection, shifted across target distance to the inducer, specifically when its flicker frequency was in the alpha range (8 and 10 Hz). These results demonstrate that induced alpha perceptual cycles travel across the retinotopic space in humans at a propagation speed of 0.3–0.5 m/sec, consistent with the speed of unmyelinated horizontal connections in the visual cortex.
Event Probabilities Have a Different Impact on Early and Late Electroencephalographic Measures Regarded as Metrics of Prediction
Authors: Saurels Blake W. , Johnston Alan , Yarrow Kielan , Arnold Derek H.
Published: October 2023

The oddball protocol has been used to study the neural and perceptual consequences of implicit predictions in the human brain. The protocol involves presenting a sequence of identical repeated events that are eventually broken by a novel “oddball” presentation. Oddball presentations have been linked to increased neural responding and to an exaggeration of perceived duration relative to repeated events. Because the number of repeated events in such protocols is circumscribed, as more repeats are encountered, the conditional probability of a further repeat decreases—whereas the conditional probability of an oddball increases. These facts have not been appreciated in many analyses of oddballs; repeats and oddballs have rather been treated as binary event categories. Here, we show that the human brain is sensitive to conditional event probabilities in an active, visual oddball paradigm. P300 responses (a relatively late component of visually evoked potentials measured with EEG) tended to be greater for less likely oddballs and repeats. By contrast, P1 responses (an earlier component) increased for repeats as a goal-relevant target presentation neared, but this effect occurred even when repeat probabilities were held constant, and oddball P1 responses were invariant. We also found that later, more likely oddballs seemed to last longer, and this effect was largely independent of the number of preceding repeats. These findings speak against a repetition suppression account of the temporal oddball effect. Overall, our data highlight an impact of event probability on later, rather than earlier, electroencephalographic measures previously related to predictive processes—and the importance of considering conditional probabilities in sequential presentation paradigms.
The Impact of Linguistic Prediction Violations on Downstream Recognition Memory and Sentence Recall
Authors: Hubbard Ryan J. , Federmeier Kara D.
Published: October 2023

Predicting upcoming words during language comprehension not only affects processing in the moment but also has consequences for memory, although the source of these memory effects (e.g., whether driven by lingering pre-activations, re-analysis following prediction violations, or other mechanisms) remains underspecified. Here, we investigated downstream impacts of prediction on memory in two experiments. First, we recorded EEG as participants read strongly and weakly constraining sentences with expected, unexpected but plausible, or semantically anomalous endings (“He made a holster for his gun / father / train”) and were tested on their recognition memory for the sentence endings. Participants showed similar rates of false alarms for predicted but never presented sentence endings whether the prediction violation was plausible or anomalous, suggesting that these arise from pre-activation of the expected words during reading. During sentence reading, especially in strongly constraining sentences, plausible prediction violations elicited an anterior positivity; anomalous endings instead elicited a posterior positivity, whose amplitude was predictive of later memory for those anomalous words. ERP patterns at the time of recognition differentiated plausible and anomalous sentence endings: Words that had been plausible prediction violations elicited enhanced late positive complex amplitudes, suggesting greater episodic recollection, whereas anomalous sentence endings elicited greater N1 amplitudes, suggesting attentional tagging. In a follow-up behavioral study, a separate group of participants read the same sentence stimuli and were tested for sentence-level recall. We found that recall of full sentences was impaired when sentences ended with a prediction violation. Taken together, the results suggest that prediction violations draw attention and affect encoding of the violating word, in a manner that depends on plausibility, and that this, in turn, may impair future memory of the gist of the sentence.
The Relative Age Effect at Different Age Periods in Soccer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bozděch Michal , Agricola Adrián , Zháněl Jiří
Published: October 2023

In the selection of young athletes, earlier-born adolescents often leverage their temporary biological advantage over their later-born peers from the same cohort, giving rise to the phenomenon known as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). In this study, we delved into the complexities of the RAE in soccer by reviewing 563 independent research samples across 90 articles. Our analysis showed that age period and performance level are pivotal factors influencing the magnitude of the RAE. The adolescent age period emerged as a significant RAE determinant, showcasing the highest effect size magnitudes in our findings. Among athletes of different performance levels, adult European soccer players have been extensively studied, and they have exhibited the most pronounced RAE magnitudes. Intriguingly, our findings reveal another compelling trend: the frequency of players born early versus late in the eligible birth year escalated as player performance levels increased, particularly during adolescence. Coaches and players appear to capitalize unconsciously on this maturational advantage, though this strategy wanes post-adolescence. While there are currently no penalties for this team selection practice, our findings stress the need for coaches to comprehend the ramifications of selecting athletes with an age bias We offer insights into RAE complexities, highlight the synergy of age and performance in these transitory advantages, and advance arguments for more fairly selecting and developing youth athletes.
School-Level Bureaucrats: How High School Counselors Inhabit the Conflicting Logics of Their Work
Authors: Blake Mary Kate
Published: October 2023

Through three years of training, school counselors build a professional identity based on providing social-emotional, academic, and postsecondary guidance to students. But school counselors face conflict in meeting these expectations in a bureaucratic environment that asks them to prioritize efficiency when meeting with students rather than building one-on-one relationships. I draw from interviews with high school counselors and school personnel and a year of observations to study the institutional logics that govern their work and use inhabited institutional theory to study how time scarcity shaped how counselors interpreted these conflicting macro-level logics in their micro-level interactions. The counselors in this study developed patterns of practice that helped them manage this conflict, negotiating but eventually settling with nonideal strategies in the best way they could with the resources made available to them. Efforts to reject the efficiency model were met with pushback from school leaders and unintended consequences for counselors and students alike. The conflict inherent in their work left little room for the mental health or postsecondary counseling they expect and are trained to provide.
Bodies, bruises, and blisters, and the struggle for/of the feminine/muscular body: the ways in which women CrossFitters transgress gendered boundaries
Authors: Leith Candice R , Munro Nicholas
Published: October 2023

Gender is a fundamental element of social life but is premised on the notions of socially and culturally constructed differences which are almost always hierarchical in nature, imbued with power(lessness), and reinforced by binary thinking. Sport is one domain where gendered hierarchies, power struggles, and binaries have been most notable. CrossFit is a relatively new sport which is said to offer women a space for alternative gender performances. This article draws on autophotographical and photo-elicitation interview data generated with 13 women CrossFitters. Informed by feminist poststructuralism and using reflexive thematic analysis, the researchers generated two paradoxical themes which illustrate the ways in which women CrossFitters can transgress but also inadvertently reinforce gendered boundaries. We present and interrogate the themes of bodies, bruises, and blisters, and the struggle for/of the feminine/muscular body as paradoxical processes for women CrossFitters. These paradoxical processes permit women CrossFitters to experiment with performances of both femininity and masculinity that could be transformational and non-gendered and allow these women to transgress normative bodily ideals and gendered norms.
Sleep Deficiency by Caregiving Status: Findings From Nationally Representative Data
Authors: Ahn Soojung , Chung Misook L. , Logan Jeongok G.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Caregiving demands may influence caregivers’ sleep duration and quality, which are essential for optimal health. We aimed to examine the association between caregiving status and sleep deficiency (i.e., short sleep duration and/or poor quality) and identify factors associated with sleep deficiency among caregivers.

Methods:

This secondary analysis used data from 3870 adults living in the United States, obtained from the 2019 Health Information National Trends Survey. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to examine the association between caregiving status (i.e., caregivers vs. non-caregivers) and sleep status (i.e., normal duration-good quality [optimal sleep, reference], short duration-good quality, normal duration-poor quality, and short duration-poor quality), and to identify caregiving-related factors associated with sleep deficiency in the caregiver group.

Results:

Compared to non-caregivers, caregivers were more likely to report short sleep duration (<7 hours) with good quality sleep (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.566, 95% CI [1.238, 1.980]) or poor quality sleep (RRR = 1.376, 95% CI [1.034, 1.832]) than the optimal sleep status. Caregivers providing care for ≥20 hours per week (vs. <20 hours) and providing care to individuals with dementia (vs. no dementia caregiving) were 2.8 times more likely to report normal sleep duration with poor sleep quality than optimal sleep (RRR = 2.796, 95% CI [1.125, 6.950]; RRR = 2.776, 95% CI [1.154, 6.675], respectively).

Conclusion:

The findings of a higher risk of sleep deficiency among caregivers suggest that health care providers need to assess both caregivers’ sleep duration and quality status. Interventions tailored to the caregiving context are also warranted.
899 serious adverse events including 13 deaths, 7 strokes, 211 thromboembolic events, and 482 immune reactions: The untold story of cyanoacrylate adhesive closure
Authors: Parsi Kurosh , Zhang Lois , Whiteley Mark S , Vuong Selene , Kang Mina , Naidu Nikita , Grace Joseph , Connor David E
Published: October 2023

Objective

The aim was to retrieve and analyse the serious adverse events of venous occlusion systems used in cyanoacrylate adhesive closure (CAC) submitted to regulatory agencies.

Methods

The Total Product Life Cycle (TPLC) database of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Database of Adverse Event Notifications (DAEN) of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and the Yellow Card database of the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) were reviewed. Three Freedom of Information (FOI) requests had to be submitted to the MHRA to obtain data.

Results

The TPLC contained 899 reports which included 13 cases of death, 7 strokes, 211 thromboembolic events, and 482 immune reactions. The DAEN recorded three reportable adverse events, and the MHRA recorded seven adverse incidents including one death.

Conclusion

CAC is associated with serious adverse events including death. These events are under-reported in the medical literature and only sub-optimally reported to the regulatory agencies.
Emotion, Language and Aesthetic Expression: On Motherwell and His Art
Authors: Chatterjee Anjan
Published: October 2023

Robert Motherwell is regarded as one of the great American abstract expressionists. He was highly intelligent and articulate about his art. In this essay, I explore the thesis that the ability to make fine category discriminations, which can be indexed by language, is necessary to produce great art. I argue that Motherwell might not have been as great an artist if he were not so articulate. Relying on a constructivist view, I argue that fine-grained categories of human emotions can be represented in language; language carves out affective space in a way that makes these states explicit and easier to communicate. Ineffability in art implies exhausting the effable. Being articulate about emotions allows one to reach for higher states of ineffability and aspire to great art.
Duodenal stenosis caused by locally advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Lu Jun , Zhou Weijiang , He Huadong , Chen Jun , Wu Jian , Zhou Lixin , Xu Xiao
Published: October 2023

Duodenal stenosis caused by upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is rare. A 70-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a UTUC invading the duodenum 3 months before admission. Owing to duodenal stenosis, enteral nutrition was necessary. We performed pancreaticoduodenectomy with right nephroureterectomy and right hemicolectomy using a multi-disciplinary approach. Postoperative pathology revealed a UTUC invading the right kidney, duodenum, pancreas, and transverse colon. The patient underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy after surgery, which improved his quality of life.
Multi-objective optimization strategy for parallel tuning of multiple fractional order controllers in a PMSG based WECS
Authors: Sahraoui Khaled , Lalalou Rachid , Boutasseta Nadir , Attoui Issam , Fergani Nadir , Lamine Frikh Mohammed
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a novel multi-objective optimization strategy is proposed for the parallel tuning of six fractional order controllers used in regulation loops of a PMSG based wind energy conversion system connected to the electric grid. The nonlinear nature of the WECS components has made controllers design challenging. To enhance the transient response of system variables, Fractional Order Proportional Integral (FOPI) controllers are considered as they are more suitable for such nonlinear physical systems. The additional parameters introduced by FOPI are normally tuned using a single objective, multi-dimensional particle swarm optimization algorithm. However, the inter-dependence of regulation loops introduces additional complexity that is solved in this work using a multi-objective optimization strategy based on a succession of Single-Objective PSO and Multi-Objective PSO. A simulation study has been conducted in order to demonstrate the higher performance and superior tracking accuracy of the proposed multi-objective optimization strategy in variable wind speed operating conditions.
“¿Y tu novio? Where’s Your Boyfriend?”: A Cultural-Ecological Analysis of Latinas’ Narratives of Teen Dating Experiences
Authors: Lilly Jenn M. , Pace Susan R. , Emerick Maddox C.
Published: October 2023

There is a dearth of research examining the dating experiences of Latina teens—a large and rapidly growing population in the U.S. that reports high rates of teen dating violence. The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore Latinas’ teen dating experiences and the familial and sociocultural factors that impact them using a cultural-ecological perspective. Twenty-five first-, second-, and third-generation immigrant Latinas between the ages of 18 and 23 participated in the research. A purposive sample was drawn from the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area. We applied a critical narrative inquiry methodology to conduct in-depth narrative interviews with participants, following protocols approved by the IRB. We employed an inductive and iterative analytic process that combined holistic- and categorical-content approaches to identify themes within and across narratives. We identified the following themes: (1) cultural expectations and norms, (2) parents’ rules and expectations, (3) covert relationships, and (4) violence and control. This study’s findings highlight the importance of considering the cultural-ecological context in examinations of Latina teens’ dating experiences, with particular attention to how gendered power dynamics shape Latina teens’ dating experiences across multiple levels.
Victimization, Disability Status, and Fear Among U.S. College Students
Authors: Daigle Leah E. , Maher Cooper A. , Hayes Brittany E. , Muñoz Raven B.
Published: October 2023

Levels of fear of crime are high in the United States, though they differ across groups. Researchers have identified characteristics associated with high levels of fear of crime, often noting that those most fearful also have vulnerabilities that increase their risk of experiencing victimization. Thus, having a vulnerability and experiencing victimization may exacerbate fear of crime. One such characteristic that may impact fear of crime is having a disability. The current study uses data from the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment Spring 2021 survey to investigate how disability interacts with victimization to impact fear of crime among college students. To do so, assessments of personal safety in multiple contexts are used: at night, during the day, on campus, and in the community. Results show that disability increases the odds of feeling unsafe across contexts, as does having a history of victimization. Nonetheless, disability does not significantly interact with victimization. It may be that having a disability is such a strong risk factor for feeling unsafe that being a victim does not significantly further increase this assessment. Institutions of higher learning should use their offices of accommodation as well as victim services to assist students in reducing their feelings of being unsafe.
Research Priorities for Expansion of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in the Community Pharmacy
Authors: Jarrett Jennie B. , Bratberg Jeffrey , Burns Anne L. , Cochran Gerald , DiPaula Bethany A. , Legreid Dopp Anna , Elmes Abigail , Green Traci C. , Hill Lucas G. , Homsted Felicity , Hsia Stephanie L. , Matthews Michele L. , Ghitza Udi E. , Wu Li-Tzy , Bart Gavin
Published: October 2023

In the last decade, the U.S. opioid overdose crisis has magnified, particularly since the introduction of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. Despite the benefits of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), only about a fifth of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the U.S. receive MOUD. The ubiquity of pharmacists, along with their extensive education and training, represents great potential for expansion of MOUD services, particularly in community pharmacies. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (NIDA CTN) convened a working group to develop a research agenda to expand OUD treatment in the community pharmacy sector to support improved access to MOUD and patient outcomes. Identified settings for research include independent and chain pharmacies and co-located pharmacies within primary care settings. Specific topics for research included adaptation of pharmacy infrastructure for clinical service provision, strategies for interprofessional collaboration including health service models, drug policy and regulation, pharmacist education about OUD and OUD treatment, including didactic, experiential, and interprofessional curricula, and educational interventions to reduce stigma towards this patient population. Together, expanding these research areas can bring effective MOUD to where it is most needed.
Radiographic Outcome of Vital Teeth Treated with Prosthodontic Crowns in Dogs: 26 Cases (2015-2017)
Authors: Brown Grace K. , Kling Katherine , Balke Michael , Fink Lisa
Published: October 2023

This retrospective study evaluated the effects of prosthodontic crown placement on tooth vitality. Prosthodontic crown placement may be indicated for vital teeth affected by attrition, abrasion, uncomplicated crown fractures, enamel defects, and enamel hypoplasia. This study evaluated 26 vital teeth in 17 patients at the time of crown placement and after 1-year following crown placement. Dental radiographs were used to determine vitality of the 26 teeth. Twenty-five teeth were found to be vital and 1 tooth was non-vital 1-year after crown placement. These results demonstrated that tooth vitality was maintained after titanium alloy crown placement to treat crown attrition, abrasion, uncomplicated crown fractures, and enamel defects.
Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Fatima Midhat , Akhtar S. M. Jawed
Published: October 2023

The primary goal of this study was to examine the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. The study examined numerous issues that MSMEs in the area were facing as well as their performance. This article is based on primary data that were gathered by a structured questionnaire and a Google survey, respectively, both of which were conducted offline and online. The research has shown the sample MSMEs owners’ and managers’ socioeconomic and demographic profiles. The average value of production, average sales, net profit, the value of raw materials consumed, amount of working capital, various sources of finance for MSMEs in the Aligarh district such as the value of fixed assets, amount of owned funds, and amount of borrowed funds have all been broken down component by component to highlight the performance of MSMEs. The article also covers the many issues that MSMEs in the research area confront. The chi-square test has been used to examine the relationship between an enterprise’s line of business and the aforementioned factors.
Monetary Policy and Exchange Rate in a Large Emerging Economy
Authors: Ibrahim Mansor H. , Sukmana Raditya
Published: October 2023

This article examines the causal relation between monetary policy and an exchange rate for a large emerging economy, Indonesia. In the analysis, we employ a vector autoregressive (VAR) model comprising of the rupiah exchange rate, monetary policy variable (interest rate or interest rate differential) and inflation rate and use monthly data after the global financial crisis from 2009 to 2022. Our baseline result suggests that the rupiah exchange rate appreciates following monetary policy tightening. We note further that the appreciating effect of monetary policy is more apparent when the interest rate differential is used as an indicator of monetary policy and is robust to the addition of the fourth variable (alternatively the US inflation, market uncertainty and oil price) in the VAR framework. These results likely reflect the importance of central bank independence and inflation-targeting framework in enhancing the credibility of Indonesia’s monetary policy.
Partially Nested Designs in Social Work Research: Principles and Practices
Authors: Cox Kyle , Kelecy Ben , Deiderich Jada
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Group-administered and shared facilitator treatments can induce nested data in a treatment arm that is not present in the control arm. Failure to accommodate these partially nested data structures produces study design inefficiencies, biased parameter estimates, and inaccurate inferences. This work introduces partially nested data structures. Method: We began by describing the features of partially nested data then discuss best practices and guidelines for study planning and analysis through examples commonly found in social work research. Results: The totality of this work provides social work researchers with the knowledge and tools to accommodate partially nested data in study planning and analysis including integration of comprehensive effects (i.e., mediation and moderation). Discussion: Improved understanding of partially nested data structures help researchers avoid the detrimental effects associated with disregarding them. Broadly, these methodological advances increase the capacity and quality of research in the field of social work.
Connecting Masculinities to Men’s Illness Vulnerabilities and Resilience
Authors: Oliffe John L.
Published: October 2023

Men’s illness vulnerabilities and resilience are two predominant and regularly linked constructs in the masculinities and men’s health literature. There has been a steady stream of men’s strength-based vulnerabilities in the form of illness testimonials amid critiques that such disclosures are mere props for bolstering patriarchal power. The current article presents secondary analyses of case studies with four participants who took part in wide-ranging qualitative health studies to detail diverse connections between masculinities and men’s illness vulnerabilities and resilience. Prostate cancer–related vulnerabilities feature in the first case study where Arthur’s resilience for reclaiming his erectile function post-prostatectomy mobilizes an objection masculinity contesting his marginality. In the second case study, Chuck’s vulnerabilities are conceded as permanent flowing from his severe mental illness, a positionality situating resilience as obligatory for his survival. Here, Chuck embodies a resignate masculinity that accepts but works to manage the harms of his subordinate status. In the aftermath of his young son’s suicide, Jack laments that he did not model vulnerabilities. Resilience for understanding his loss influences a reimagined masculinity where Jack contemplates changes to gender norms for his and other men’s lives. Lastly, Sami replaces maladaptive actions for dousing vulnerabilities incurred through a partner-initiated separation with resilience for self-growth. Aspiring progress masculinity, Sami deconstructs his emotions and behaviors to positively change how he shows up as a man, father, and partner. The case studies reveal connections between objection, resignate, reimagined, and progress masculinities and men’s illness vulnerabilities and resilience to advance empirical, gender theory and methodological insights.
Moth-inspired odor source localization using robotic platforms: A comprehensive review
Authors: Gaurav Kumar , Ranjan Prabhat
Published: October 2023

Any odor cue can be traced to find its release source. So-called “source localization” has been observed in animals in many important tasks including finding food or mates. In particular, the scientific community for a long time focused on unraveling the complex behavior of moths while in pursuit of sex pheromones emitted by their distant female counterpart. These studies have provided many insights including details of the flight paths, sensory organs, and pheromone processing. In turn, this knowledge has provided inspiration to engineers and researchers to devise source-seeking algorithms, whereas sensory organs/-mechanisms led to insect-machine hybrid systems. Therefore, this review revolves around these last two approaches specifically (1) the implementation of moth-inspired algorithms in robotic platforms and the (2) use of biosensors such as antennae or insect-machine hybrid systems.
Myopia management -A survey of optometrists and ophthalmologists in Israel
Authors: Erdinest Nir , London Naomi , Morad Yair , Naroo Shehzad A
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Myopia management is practiced by ophthalmologists and optometrists. This study evaluated the approach and standard of myopia management among eye-care practitioners (ECPs) in Israel. The findings may ultimately affect the quality of care.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 954 optometrists and 365 ophthalmologists, including demographic questions; whether they owned any devices to monitor myopia progression; the lowest progression they considered significant; various questions pertaining to myopia management and treatment methods.

Results

Responses from 135 optometrists and 126 ophthalmologists were collected, the majority practicing more than five years; 94% of optometrists, and 64% of ophthalmologists. Around 53% of optometrists and 27% of the ophthalmologists proclaimed to practice myopia management. ECPs primary parameters influencing risk assessment for progression were age, genetic background and history of progression. Time outdoors, during daylight hours, is advised by ophthalmologists (97%) and optometrists (78%). Limiting screentime is encouraged by 87% of ophthalmologists and 69% of optometrists. Myopia progression of 0.50D–0.75D after six months is regarded to require intervention by 93% of ophthalmologists and 83% of optometrists. Optometrists selected multiple myopia management treatments, primarily optical (ophthalmic myopia management lenses 40%, multifocal ophthalmic lenses 24%, peripheral blur contact lenses 38%, orthokeratology 11%), while 95% of ophthalmologists chose atropine and only 3–11% selected any additional treatments to consider.

Conclusion

This study highlighted ECPs’ agreement on the principles, importance of, and timeline of intervention with myopia management. The disconnect between the two professions lies in management methods. Genuine dialogue and co-management should be encouraged for maximum implementation, benefit and effectiveness of available patient treatments.
The Riddle of the Sphinx: Progress in Leptomeningeal Metastasis of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Yuhua , Yu Limeng , Wang Lili , Wu Yingxi , Chen Haiyang , Wang Qiming , Wu Yufeng
Published: October 2023

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a serious complication of advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the incidence of LM has been increasing yearly in recent times. There is no consensus on the best treatment modality for LM, which underscores a difficult problem in the management of advanced NSCLC patients. The existing treatments include molecular targeted therapy, systemic chemotherapy, local radiotherapy, antivascular tumor therapy, intrathecal chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, but their efficacy is not satisfactory. In this article, we briefly describe the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of NSCLC-LM and discuss progress regarding evaluation of the efficacy of LM treatment to better provide a necessary reference for clinical practice and clinical trial evaluation.
Do experts and citizens perceive party competition similarly?
Authors: Armstrong Dave , Stephenson Laura B , Alcantara Christopher
Published: October 2023

Researchers frequently rely on expert surveys to acquire information about political ideology and political parties, which they then use to explore a range of political phenomena such as proximity voting and satisfaction with democracy. Yet it is unclear whether experts and citizens place the parties similarly, which may have important implications for studies that rely on expert data. To what extent do citizens share expert views regarding political party placements? Using original data from Canada, we use multidimensional scaling techniques to examine and compare the responses of academic and journalist experts against a random sample of Canadians to a range of party placement questions. Our results suggest there is considerable variation between citizens and experts, and among specific subgroups of the general population. These findings have important implications for studies of party competition, voting behavior, and government responsiveness.
Experimental studies on airborne transmission in hospitals: A systematic review
Authors: Tsang Tsz Wun , Wong Ling Tim , Mui Kwok Wai
Published: October 2023

Experimental studies can provide understanding, knowledge and real-case empirical evidence on the effects of building ventilation and environmental factors on airborne transmission in hospitals. Information obtained from existing studies gives insight into formulating engineering solutions and management practices to combat nosocomial airborne infections. A systemic review was conducted to summarize the experimental methods, research interests, useful results and limitations. With a steady but slow trend of increasing interest, experimental studies have been focusing mainly on the effects of ventilation systems, strategies and configurations on airborne transmission. The dispersion of bioaerosols under the combined effects of environmental factors, emission scenarios and human movement was investigated. Localized ventilation, air purifiers and disinfection technologies were also examined. The experimental techniques and some useful insights on optimal ventilation strategies and management practices were summarized and highlighted. Limitations of the empirical studies included sampling difficulties, limited scale and a number of testing scenarios, uncontrolled/unconsidered influencing factors and the media for experimentations. Using IoT-based sampling devices for experiments and real-time monitoring of bioaerosols or their surrogates, field surveys on a case-by-case basis in hospitals and interdisciplinary studies and collaborations could help overcome the research challenges and provide practical and effective solutions to minimize airborne transmission in hospitals.
Do political duos diminish discriminatory voter preferences? Evidence from a combined conjoint experiment
Authors: López Ortega Alberto
Published: October 2023

In Europe, more and more parties and governments are led by a pair of leaders. What consequences does the presence of duos have on voter preferences? I argue that voters have less discriminatory preferences against untraditional candidates when they choose two leaders instead of only one. However, discriminatory preferences do not entirely vanish; rather, traditionally excluded candidates are often relegated to secondary positions, and there exists a certain threshold of tolerated ticket diversity. Through a novel combined conjoint experiment, I find relative support for this conjecture, especially in the case of ethnic minority candidates. In view of the increasing number of new types of leadership, the results of this study have important implications for the study of political behaviour and elite diversity.
Does policy context matter for citizen engagement in policymaking? Evidence from the European Commission's public consultation regime
Authors: Nørbech Idunn
Published: October 2023

The European Commission has shown efforts to strengthen citizens’ participation in its policy formulation processes through public consultation opportunities. However, we currently lack a systematic analysis of the factors that drive citizens’ participation in the formulation stages of supranational policymaking. This study provides important insights into this research gap and considers whether and how policy context matters for the levels of citizen engagement in the European Commission's open consultation opportunities based on the associated costs and benefits of participation. The analysis shows an increase in citizen activity for public consultation opportunities associated with initiatives in the pre-formulation stage of policymaking and for public consultation opportunities associated with less complex consultation documents.
Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Plans, and Suicide Attempts Among Children and Adolescents Under 18 years of Age in Mainland China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chang Qingsong , Shi Yu , Yao Shunyu , Ban Xingling , Cai Ziyi
Published: October 2023

Despite suicide in younger population having become a severe public health issue, information on the prevalence of suicidality among Chinese children and adolescents is still limited. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts in Chinese children and adolescents aged under 18 years. A meta-analysis was conducted based on English and Chinese publications from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020 using random-effects models. Based on 132 eligible studies with a combined total of 1,103,309 Chinese children and adolescents below 18 years old, the pooled prevalence of the overall suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts were 15.4% (95% CI [14.3, 16.6]), 6.4% (95% CI [5.5, 7.4]) and 3.5% (95% CI [3.1, 4.1]), respectively. The subgroup analyses showed that there were significant variations of prevalence of suicidal risks across genders, school stages, and geographical areas in mainland China. It was the first systematic review and meta-analysis to show suicidality among younger population aged below 18 years is prevalent in mainland China. This study suggests that gender-age-region-specific prevention and intervention programs should be urgently needed to reduce suicidal risks among Chinese children and adolescents.
Waiting in the Wings: The Enactment of a Descriptive Phenomenology Study
Authors: Sinfield Gail , Goldspink Sally , Wilson Ceri
Published: October 2023

Confronted with a range of methodological options, novice researchers often face the daunting dilemma of selecting a methodological route which best fits the purpose of their study. Following the decision-making process, all methodologies present challenges which need to be explored and addressed. This paper outlines the application of descriptive phenomenology for a doctoral study. Examples and insights are offered about how applied theoretical underpinnings can translate into research action. The central aim of descriptive phenomenology is to use first person accounts to clarify the essential meanings of defined phenomena. Therefore, attention is placed on how researchers can use the process of methodologically coherent bracketing to remain participant focussed. The metaphor of a stage play is used to illustrate the research process and identify issues relating to researcher positionality. A suggested prompt sheet is included to help readers practically consider the steps involved in undertaking a study using descriptive phenomenology. The paper concludes with the assertion that methodologically coherent descriptive phenomenology is a useful approach for gaining valuable understandings into human experience. This paper will be relevant for many disciplines and allied healthcare professionals who wish to consider descriptive phenomenology as an interesting and appropriate qualitative methodology. This paper seeks to provide an academic awareness into an established, yet growing methodology, providing methodological insights and an interdisciplinary recognition that descriptive phenomenology can be applied and implemented to support many areas of qualitative study.
Photo Elicitation Interviewing Enriches Public Health Research on Fathers’ Role in Child Care and Feeding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tewahido Dagmawit , Berhane Hanna Y. , Tarekegn Workagegnhu , Berhane Yemane , Trenholm Jill
Published: October 2023

Photo elicitation interviewing (PEI), as a visual qualitative research methodology, has been used widely in various fields with different participants. However, little has been written about using the method in public health research, especially involving men in low-income settings. In this paper, the authors reflect upon the use of PEI in a study that explored fathers’ experiences in child care and feeding in a low-income neighbourhood of Addis Ababa city in Ethiopia. The reflections focus on two overarching themes; (1) how PEI worked well as an effective technique in terms of addressing the research questions posed in this low-resourced setting and (2) how it served to enhance phenomenology in qualitative public health research. The researchers also discuss the limitations and lessons from employing this methodology through continuous reflexivity, which is valuable to qualitative work.