bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron Transport in Donor-Acceptor Copolymer and Methanofullerene Derivative Organic Photovoltaic Blend
Authors: Liu X. H. , Wang L. G. , Luo L. H. , Chen Y. R. , Zhang L. , Liu J. Y.
Published: May 2023

Recently, organic photovoltaics (OPVs) based on the blends of donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers as efficient p-type materials and fullerene derivatives as acceptors have attracted considerable attention. In this paper, electron transport and electrical properties in
a blend of D–A copolymer DTS-C0(F2) and methanofullerene derivative PC71BM are investigated. From an analysis of the temperature dependence of the current density–voltage (J − V) characteristics of electron-only device based
on DTS-C0(F2):PC71BM blend, it is found that consistent descriptions for the experimental measurements are obtained using both the improved extended Gaussian disorder model (IEGDM) and the extended correlated disorder model (ECDM), within which spatial correlations
between the transport site energies are absent and are included, respectively. By comparing the model parameters with the typical values of organic semiconductors, we view the more realistic intersite distance obtained using the IEGDM (1.9 nm) compared to the value obtained using the ECDM
(0.48 nm) as an indication that in DTS-C0(F2):PC71BM blend correlations between the transport site energies are absent. Furthermore, it is shown that the effective mobility in DTS-C0(F2):PC71BM blend gradually increases with
increasing temperature.
Synergistic Enhancement of CoMoO4@Ni(OH)2 Electrode Materials for High Performance Capacitors
Authors: Hou Dongbiao , Pang Peng , Xiang Hongbo
Published: May 2023

Electrode materials with excellent electrochemical performance have been ascribed to the significant for energy storage devices. Nanostructures of metal oxides have attracted much attention in the field of supercapacitors because of their rapid charge transport processes. In this work,
we prepared CoMoO4@Ni(OH)2 nanowire through a simple hydrothermal methods. The as-fabricated product exhibits a specific capacitance of 1026 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1. In addition, the samples exhibited a good capacitance retention of 83% after
10000 cycles. This superior electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the unique spatial structure, demonstrating the potential application in next generation micro/nanodevices.
Flexible Carbon Fiber/TiO2 Nanopillars Electrode in the Detection of Glucose Under Photoexcitation
Authors: Tian Gaoqi , Yang Yaolan , Li Wenyao , Meng Ying , Zhou Tianyou , Su Anna , Lei Qiumei , Ji Tao , Fouad Hassan , Akhtar Mohammad Shaheer
Published: May 2023

The development and utilization of biosensors have received a great attention from the scientific community due to their wide applications in the areas of food safety, medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring and other fields. In this paper, we report the development of a novel photoelectrochemical
(PEC) sensor for glucose detection using a flexible carbon fiber/TiO2 nanopillars electrode. The carbon fiber/TiO2 nanopillars was prepared by two step process in which the first step is to grow TiO2 seeds over carbon fiber by magnetron sputtering while the
second step leads the growth of TiO2 nanopillars over flexible carbon fibers substrate. Under photoexcitation, the PEC sensor showed a significant enhancement in the sensitivity for glucose detection. The detection mechanism was based on the photoelectrochemical oxidation of glucose
to gluconic acid, which generated an electrical signal that was proportional to the glucose concentration. The electrochemical examinations were performed at low glucose concentrations in the range of 1–5 mM (mmol L−1) to investigate the corresponding photocurrent. The
results showed that the photocurrent increases with increasing the glucose concentration. This is of great significance for the detection of hypoglycemia, and has good application prospects in the fields of nano-detection, biological diagnosis and wearable devices. The flexible carbon fiber/TiO2
PEC sensor developed in this study is a promising approach for the development of wearable devices for continuous glucose monitoring.
Optimized Energy-Efficient Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network Integrated with IoT: An Approach Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Network and Metaheuristic Algorithms
Authors: Mohammed Moizuddin , Imam Rahmani Mohammad Khalid , Ahmed Md Ezaz , Irshad Reyazur Rashid , Yasmin Sadaf , Ahmad Sultan , Mishra Swati , Asopa Pooja , Islam Asharul
Published: May 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have emerged as a significant architecture for data collection in various applications. However, the integration of WSNs with IoT poses energy-related challenges due to limited sensor node energy, increased energy consumption for wireless data sharing,
and the necessity of energy-efficient routing protocols for reliable transmission and reduced energy consumption. This paper proposes an optimized energy-efficient routing protocol for wireless sensor networks integrated with the Internet of Things. The protocol aims to improve network lifetime
and secure data transmission by identifying the optimal Cluster Heads (CHs) in the network, selected using a Tree Hierarchical Deep Convolutional Neural Network. To achieve this, the paper introduces a fitness function that takes into account cluster density, traffic rate, energy, collision,
delay throughput, and distance from the capacity node. Additionally, the paper considers three factors, including trust, connectivity, and QoS, to determine the best course of action. The paper also presents a novel optimization approach, using the hybrid Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) and
Woodpecker Mating Algorithm (WMA), to optimize trust, connectivity, and QoS parameters for optimal path selection with minimal delay. The simulation process is implemented in MATLAB, and the developed method’s efficiency is evaluated using several performance metrics. The results of
the simulation demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which achieved significantly lower delay (99.67%, 98.38%, 89.34%, and 97.45%), higher delivery ratio (89.34%, 89.34%, 83.12%, and 88.96%), and lower packet drop (93.15%, 91.25%, 79.90%, and 92.88%) in comparison to existing
methods. These outcomes indicate the potential of the optimized energy-efficient routing protocol to improve network lifetime and ensure secure data transmission in WSNs integrated with IoT.
Effect of Argon to Oxygen Ratio on the Properties of Tungsten Oxide Films Prepared by Direct Current Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Shi Ze , Li Yue-Chan , Xie An , Sun Dong-Ya
Published: May 2023

In this study, tungsten oxide films were fabricated on ITO-coated glass substrates using DC reactive magnetron sputtering with varying argon to oxygen ratios. The influence of these ratios on the microstructure and electrochromic properties of the resulting WO3 films were
examined. The microstructure was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy, which allowed for the determination of the percentage of atoms in the film. The surface morphology and roughness were measured using atomic force microscopy,
while the film thickness was determined using a profilometer. The electrochromic properties of the tungsten oxide films were evaluated using a combination of ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and electrochemical workstation. The findings suggest that the electrochromic properties of the
tungsten oxide films can be effectively tuned by manipulating the argon to oxygen ratio. Specifically, the tungsten oxide films exhibited optimal electrochromic performance when sputtered with an argon to oxygen ratio of 50 sccm:10 sccm (flux ratio). This resulted in a large optical modulation
amplitude (ΔT = 56.97%), fast switching speed (tc = 5.8 s, tb = 3.4 s), high coloring efficiency (CE = 52.5 cm2/C), and stable ion storage capacity. These results highlight the potential of magnetron sputtering engineering techniques in the development
of high-performance electrochromic films.
Onset of Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification: Evaluating the Response to Length Scales of Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies
Authors: Oguejiofor Chibueze N. , Wainwright Charlotte E. , Rudzin Johna E. , Richter David H.
Published: May 2023

Predicting the rapid intensification (>15.0 m s−1 increase in 10 m wind speed over 24 h or less) of tropical cyclones (TC) remains a challenge in the broader context of numerical weather prediction largely due to their multiscale dynamics. Ocean observations show that the size and magnitude of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies associated with cold wakes and ocean eddies play important roles in TC dynamics. In this study, a combination of spectral and structure function analyses is utilized to generate realistic realizations of multiscale anomalies characteristic of the SST conditions in which Hurricane Irma (2017) underwent rapid intensification (RI). We investigate the impact of the length scale of these SST anomalies and the role of translation speed on the variance in RI onset timing. Length-scale-induced convective asymmetries, in addition to the mean magnitude of SST anomalies beneath the storm eye, are shown to modulate the variance in RI onset timing. The size of the associated SST length scales relative to the storm size is critical to the magnitude of variance in RI onset timing, as smaller length scales are shown to lack the spatial extent required to induce preferential convective asymmetries. Storm translation speed is also shown to influence the variance in RI onset timing for larger-length-scale ensembles by altering the exposure time of the eye to these SST anomalies. We find that an interplay between SST-induced convective asymmetries, the magnitude of SST anomalies underneath the eye/eyewall, and storm translation speed play crucial roles in modulating the variance in RI onset timing.

Significance Statement

The characteristics of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical cyclone near-environment are inherently multiscale in nature as a result of interactions between various dynamical processes in the ocean. Assuming a uniform SST beneath storms in numerical simulations limits the predictability of how air–sea interaction affects the physics of rapid intensification (RI). In this study, the influence of realistic multiscale SST anomalies on RI onset timing is investigated. Our results suggest that the length scale of SST anomalies (in addition to its magnitude) modulate the distribution of convection, creating asymmetries around the RMW that can influence the predictability of RI onset. This effect is further modulated by storm translation speed, with the most prominent impact seen in slow-moving storms.
Reforming Medical Manslaughter, the Scottish Way?
Authors: Lilleker Jonathan
Published: May 2023

In responding to the Williams Review into gross negligence manslaughter in a medical setting, the Medical Protection Society called for English law to adopt the approach currently relied upon in Scotland. This article provides an overview of culpable homicide, before considering how any novel offence based on Scots law could be introduced in England and Wales. The benefits of culpable homicide over gross negligence manslaughter are addressed, with consideration of whether existing medical cases would attract punishment under any novel offence. It is argued that notwithstanding the higher threshold of culpability required by culpable homicide, Scots law cannot be considered a panacea. Rather, due to the detrimental impact that any novel crime would have on the existing structure of involuntary manslaughter, efforts to adopt the law north of the border within England and Wales should be avoided.
COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Ireland's healthcare students
Authors: MONAGHAN LEE F. , BEGLEY AOIFE
Published: May 2023

International debate on COVID-19 policy issues, notably negative social consequences, is vital when grappling with the pandemic legacy. Drawing from the second author's experiences in the Irish healthcare and higher education sectors, this commentary scrutinises measures that discriminated against students who declined novel COVID-19 pharmaceuticals. In so doing, it serves as a point of contrast to fear-based interventions. Connections are made with relevant literature when urging those in authority to ensure that policies intended to maximise vaccine coverage are seen to be fair and convincing. The commentary concludes with some reflections that could underpin more defensible policymaking and inform future research.
Research performance of management scholars in Australian group of eight universities
Authors: Gary Michael Shayne , Khan Mahreen , Rios-Ocampo Juan
Published: May 2023

This article examines research performance of management academics in the Group of Eight (Go8) Australian universities using SCOPUS publication data. Normative research profiles for journal publications, book publications, citations, and h-index are provided for each academic level. The number of journal publications are reported for seven different journal ranking lists. The average Go8 management scholar increases the number of total journal publications per year by 56% over their entire publishing career, but does not increase the number of top international journal publications per year. Importantly, the top quartile of Go8 management scholars – who account for 70% of top journal publications and 79% of journal citations – already achieve world class productivity in the top international journals. We hope Go8 Deans and Heads of School use the research performance benchmarks to inform faculty recruitment, tenure and promotion decisions.

JEL Classification: I23, M1, M19
Balanced Mix Design Benchmarking of Asphalt Mixtures Produced in Vermont
Authors: Veeraragavan Ram Kumar , Nener-Plante Derek , Schwartz Aaron , Tran Nam H. , Myers Leslie
Published: May 2023

Performance testing is an important tool to complement volumetric properties for improving asphalt pavement performance. Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) began evaluating the Hamburg wheel-tracking test (HWTT) in 2015, the Illinois flexibility index test (I-FIT) in 2018, and the indirect tensile cracking test (IDEAL-CT) as another index-based test to investigate along with the I-FIT, as a step toward balanced mix design (BMD) implementation. An increase in the use of recycled materials in asphalt mixtures produced in Vermont was anticipated in their Standard Specifications for Construction. This study is an attempt in this direction. The tests were conducted on reheated plant mixtures sampled from paving projects in Vermont and the results were analyzed to (1) develop baseline rutting and cracking performance; (2) evaluate the effects of mixture properties on performance test results; (3) compare IDEAL-CT results and I-FIT results; and (4) compare performance test results with specification criteria proposed by VTrans for evaluating the rutting and cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. Several mixture properties, viz., nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS), binder grade, binder content, and recycled content, were found to have significant effects on mixture rutting and cracking resistance. The test results showed a direct correlation between FI and CTindex for the dataset of VTrans mixtures. The information from this research will help VTrans to achieve its goal to move beyond the use of volumetric properties for asphalt mixture design and acceptance and serve as an example for other agencies in exploring the implementation of BMD for improving asphalt pavement performance.
Impact of ultrasonication and blanching as a pre-treatment on quality parameter of dried and rehydrated bitter gourd
Authors: Walawalkar Ankita Kishor , Poosarla Venkata Giridhar , Shivshetty Nagaveni
Published: May 2023

Vegetables are owed to the restriction of seasonal availability and regional abundance; it becomes essential that vegetables are preserved safely during the off-season. These existing demands look for dried products with high nutritional and organoleptic properties similar to fresh products. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonication and blanching before hot air drying on the quality attributes of bitter gourd ( Momordica charantia). Dried samples were rehydrated to find the efficiency of pre-treatment and physicochemical properties. M. charantia slices were pre-treated with ultrasonication and blanched and dried at two different temperatures, 50 °C and 60 °C. M. charantia pre-treated using ultrasonication and dried at 60 °C reduces the drying time to 50% and rehydration time to 40% compared to untreated samples. Physico-chemical analysis of ultrasonicated samples revealed to have better retention of moisture (dried − 3.6%, rehydrated – 88%), Colour ΔE (dried – 9.07, rehydrated – 1.6), ascorbic acid (dried – 513, rehydrated – 310 mg/100 g), phenol (dried – 302, rehydrated – 231 GAE mg/100 g) and β-carotene (dried – 68 µg/100 g, rehydrated – 39 µg/100 g) compared to blanching.
Rehearsal and Performance Volume in Professional Ballet: A Five-Season Cohort Study
Authors: Shaw Joseph W. , Mattiussi Adam M. , Brown Derrick D. , Williams Sean , Springham Matthew , Pedlar Charles R. , Tallent Jamie
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Few studies have published data concerning the longitudinal rehearsal and performance demands experienced by professional ballet dancers. We aimed to describe the rehearsal and performance volumes undertaken across five professional ballet seasons and identify factors associated with inter-dancer and inter-production variation in dance hours.

Methods:

Scheduling data were collected from 123 dancers over five seasons at The Royal Ballet. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate differences in: 1. weekly dance hours and seasonal performance counts across sexes, company ranks, and months; and 2. factors associated with the variation in rehearsal hours required to stage different productions.

Results:

On average across the five seasons, a peak in performance volume was observed in December, whereas rehearsal hours peaked in October and November and between January and April. Differences in weekly dance hours were observed between company ranks (p < 0.001, range in means: 19.1 to 27.5 hours per week). Seasonal performance counts varied across company ranks (p < 0.001), ranging from 28 (95% CI: 22, 35) in principals to 113 (95% CI: 108, 118) in the rank of artist. Rehearsal durations were considerably greater in preparation for newly created ballets compared with existing ballets (77.8 vs. 37.5 hours). Rehearsal durations were also greater in preparation for longer ballets, with each additional minute of running time associated with a 0.43 hour increase in rehearsal duration (p < 0.001). Full-length ballets, however, were consistently the most time-efficient to stage due to their long performance runs compared with shorter ballets (16.2 vs. 7.4 performances).

Conclusions:

Training principles such as progressive overload and periodization should be implemented in professional ballet companies to manage the high and variable rehearsal and performance loads.
The psychological partisan effect of electoral systems: How ideology correlates with strategic voting
Authors: Bol Damien , Hunter Andrew , Aguirre Fernandez Gabriela
Published: May 2023

Districted proportional systems give an edge to right-wing parties that are more popular in rural areas where district magnitude is small and large parties are mechanically advantaged. In this paper, we explore the role played by voters in this bias by looking at how ideology correlates with strategic voting. We analyze survey data from 44 elections in Western Europe and find that left-wing voters are more likely to support a party that is not viable ( p < 0.01), but once in this position they seem less likely to desert this party for one that is viable ( p < 0.1). Further, we find that this pattern is likely driven by the intensity of partisan preferences as left-wing voters are on average more attached to their favorite party and thus more reluctant to desert it ( p < 0.01). Our study thus demonstrates that the psychological effect of districted proportional systems amplifies the mechanical one in advanced industrial democracies.
Second and foreign language learners: The effect of language exposure on the use of English phrasal verbs
Authors: Gilquin Gaëtanelle
Published: May 2023

Aims:

This study investigates the possible effect of language exposure on the use of multiword units, and more precisely phrasal verbs with up. It compares two learner populations that receive different types and amounts of input, namely, learners of English as a second language, who get exposed to English in various everyday contexts, and learners of English as a foreign language, whose main source of exposure to English is limited to language classes.

Data and analysis:

The study is based on the analysis of written and spoken corpora, including reference corpora of native English. It considers the frequency of phrasal verbs, the structures they occur in, and the verbs used with the particle.

Findings:

The results show that the two groups of learners present some similarities, including a tendency to keep the verb and the particle next to each other even when an object could easily be inserted in-between. However, they also differ from each other in ways that could reflect their type and degree of exposure to English, with learners of English as a second language generally behaving in more native-like ways than learners of English as a foreign language.

Originality:

The article considers the multiword status of phrasal verbs, and in particular particle placement, among two populations of learners who differ in the type and amount of input they receive in the target language.

Significance and implications:

There appears to be a stronger sense of unity between the verb and the particle of phrasal verbs for learners than for native speakers of English. Learners should be made aware of the contexts that favour particle mobility.
The limits of social investment and the resilience of long-term care
Authors: van Hooren Franca , Ledoux Clémence
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the extent to which a social investment paradigm has guided policy reforms in long-term care for the elderly in France and the Netherlands and how this relates to the resilience of the sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. It conceptualizes the theoretical impact of social investment on long-term care policy and analyzes its use to justify reforms since the early 2000s. It concludes that social investment has not played any role in Dutch long-term care reforms and a moderate role in France. Meanwhile, in both countries a neoliberal emphasis on the efficiency of the market has contributed to a rise in for-profit service provision and fragmentation of the long-term care sector. While long-term care provision in both countries proved relatively resilient in the first phase of the pandemic, at a later stage its resilience was undermined by fragmentation and marketization, limiting the government's ability to respond adequately to new challenges and, crucially, to improve working conditions in the sector. The article concludes that a social investment approach cannot resolve these problems and that there is a need for a new paradigm that acknowledges the inherent value of care work and prioritizes the long-term sustainability of care provision.
Twitter activism: Understanding the Twittersphere as the foremost community for activism and dragging in Nigeria
Authors: Obia Vincent
Published: May 2023

This article appraises the use of Twitter as the principal platform for activism in Nigeria to underscore why it is preferred above all others when it comes to the formation and operation of activist communities. Drawing from reflexive thematic analysis of interviews ( n = 15), I demonstrate that four reasons explain why the Twittersphere has become the central platform for activism in Nigeria. These include the use of Twitter for activism, justice, and dragging; the functional uses made possible by Twitter’s architecture; twitter as a platform for young elite influence; and the perception of Twitter as a leveller. I expand on what these themes mean for Twitter activism and social media regulation, further arguing that research into digital activism and communities should start to recognise Twitter’s centrality as a tool of choice in the formation, coordination, and amplification of activist voices.
A study on hot deformation behavior of 40Cr/Q345B bimetal
Authors: Li Zhenjiang , Yuan Hairui , Zhang Ruyi , Jia Yanlong , Qi Huiping
Published: May 2023

The hot deformation behavior of 40Cr/Q345B bimetal during hot compression bonding was studied using the isothermal compression method. A true stress–strain curve of the bimetal was obtained and modified to eliminate the effects of friction. The results show that the flow stress increases with decreasing deformation temperature and increasing strain rate. By analyzing the relationship of stress, deformation temperature, and strain rate, the constitutive equation of 40Cr/Q345B bimetal was obtained. The hot processing maps of 40Cr/Q345B bimetal under different strains are drawn. Through microstructure characterization, 40Cr/Q345B bimetal formed metallurgical bonding under the deformation process of this study. Combined with the hot processing map, microstructure, prior austenite grain, and microhardness distribution, it is proposed that the optimal deformation parameters of 40Cr/Q345B bimetal is 1050–1150°C and 0.02–0.4 s−1.
The great reset and its implications for educational policy
Authors: Willen Theresa
Published: May 2023

This analysis begins with a general overview of the Great Reset as outlined by Klaus Schwab and other members of the World Economic Forum. It will focus on the themes of redefining the social contract by discussing the philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau; controlling carbon output and its dietary as well as agricultural implications; implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its impact on the very nature of what it means to be human; transitioning to stakeholder capitalism and the concept of multistakeholderism; finally, moving toward greater global governance. These are the five areas that Mr. Schwab and the World Economic Forum have proposed as essential to the success of the Great Reset. This analysis will also address some alarming assertions offered by this proposal.
Respiratory therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A state of the art review
Authors: Sales de Campos Priscila , Olsen Wendy L , Wymer James P , Smith Barbara K
Published: May 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition noteworthy for upper and lower motor neuron death. Involvement of respiratory motor neuron pools leads to progressive pathology. These impairments include decreases in neural activation and muscle coordination, progressive airway obstruction, weakened airway defenses, restrictive lung disease, increased risk of pulmonary infections, and weakness and atrophy of respiratory muscles. These neural, airway, pulmonary, and neuromuscular changes deteriorate integrated respiratory-related functions including sleep, cough, swallowing, and breathing. Ultimately, respiratory complications account for a large portion of morbidity and mortality in ALS. This state-of-the-art review highlights applications of respiratory therapies for ALS, including lung volume recruitment, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, non-invasive ventilation, and respiratory strength training. Therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia, an emerging therapeutic tool for inducing respiratory plasticity will also be introduced. A focus on emerging evidence and future work underscores the common goal to continue to improve survival for patients living with ALS.
Male Accessory Breast Cancer Successfully Treated With Single-Agent Trastuzumab: A Case Report
Authors: Ji Wencai , Guo Wenbin
Published: May 2023

Male accessory breast cancer is an extremely rare tumor. There is no report about its monotherapy and subsequent outcome prior to 2022. The current study presents the case of a 76-year-old male patient with a hard mass in the left axilla. Histopathologic examination of an excisional specimen indicated an adenocarcinoma compatible with breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the mass was estrogen receptor (ER) (−), progesterone receptor (PR)(−), and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) (−). A diagnosis of breast cancer originating from the accessory mammary gland in the axilla was made. Two years following surgery, the patient presented with a pulmonary lesion. Core needle biopsy was performed, and the lesion was found to be ER (−), PR(−), and HER2 (3+). The patient was successfully treated with single-agent trastuzumab. Single-agent trastuzumab could be a reasonable regimen for metastatic accessory breast cancer patients with HER2 overexpression for whom chemotherapy and endocrine therapy are not suitable.
Shape memory polymer technology in peripheral vascular embolization
Authors: Holden Andrew , Hill Andrew A , Buckley Brendan T
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Porous, radiolucent, shape memory polymer is a new technology available in discrete peripheral vascular embolization devices. Shape memory polymers can exist in two stable shapes; crimped for catheter delivery and expanded for vessel embolization. The expanded shape memory polymer in these new devices is hemostatic, and the porous polymeric scaffold has been shown to support tissue ingrowth and eventually bioabsorbs in preclinical animal studies. This report describes clinical experience with this novel material in vascular plug devices.

Methods

a prospective, single-arm, safety study at a single center in New Zealand with longer term follow-up via retrospective imaging review. The study device was a pushable shape memory polymer vascular plug with a distal nitinol anchor coil and a proximal radiopaque marker.

Results

Ten male patients were each implanted with a single shape memory polymer vascular plug. Three inferior mesenteric arteries and an accessory renal artery were embolized during endovascular aneurysm repair. An internal iliac artery was treated prior to the open surgical repair of aorto-iliac aneurysms. An internal iliac artery and a subclavian artery were embolized to treat/prophylactically address potential endoleaks. A profunda branch was embolized prior to tumor resection, and two testicular veins were embolized to treat varicoceles. Acute technical success of target vessel embolization was achieved in all implantation cases. Patients were followed for 30 days as part of the study, and no serious adverse events with a relationship to the study device occurred. No recurrent clinical symptoms attributable to treated vessel embolization or recanalization were documented. There was no evidence of recanalization on retrospective review of follow-up imaging through a mean of 22.2 months (range, <1–44 months) post-procedure.

Conclusions

Shape memory polymer vascular embolization devices were safe and effective over the follow-up period of this small safety study. Further experience and longer term follow-up will assess further applicability.
Competencies and employment after a university program in young people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Berástegui Ana , Suárez Graciela , Gonzalez María Dolores
Published: May 2023

This study analyzes the relationship between the employability competencies acquired after completing an employment training program at university and the subsequent access to employment of young people with intellectual disabilities. To do this, the employability competencies of 145 students were analyzed at the end of the program (T1) and information was gathered on their career path at the time of the study (T2) (n = 72). Sixty-two per cent of the participants have had at least one job since graduation. Job competencies increase the probability of accessing and retaining employment in students who graduated at least 2 years before ( X2 = 17.598; p < .001; r2 = .583). These results compel us to complement employment training programs with new opportunities and greater job accessibility.
An atypical cause of vomiting: Coexisting Wilkie’s syndrome and a left renal malformation mimicking a nutcracker phenomenon—A case report
Authors: Aourarh Benayad , Bangda Yannick , Berrag Sanaa , Adioui Tarik , Tamzaourte Mouna , Elgraini Soumya , Belkouchi Lina , Saouab Rachida , Belkouchi Omar , Ait Ali Abdelnaim
Published: May 2023

The superior mesenteric artery syndrome and nutcracker phenomenon are rare vascular disorders due to the abnormal development of the superior mesenteric artery stemming from the abdominal aorta with reduced angle (<22°) and resultant compression of the left renal vein and duodenum. It is an underreported entity due to the absence of specific pathognomonic signs. We report the case of a 59-year-old man, admitted for acute bilious vomiting, who underwent a gastroscopy and a computed tomography scan revealing a Wilkie’s syndrome associated with a dilated posterior left renal vein communicating with the left ascending lumbar vein without connection with the inferior vena cava mimicking a nutcracker phenomenon.
Strangers helping strangers in a strange land: Vietnamese immigrant (expectant) mothers in the US use social media to navigate health issues in acculturation
Authors: Nguyen Nhung
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Trying to adapt to a new culture, Vietnamese (expectant) mothers in the USA gathered in few Facebook groups with thousands of members discussing pregnancy, health, and child caring issues. However, there is little research exploring how social support was given/taken among these (expectant) mothers. This empirical research aims at shedding light on how such mothers use social media groups for social support seeking/providing regarding health utilization during their acculturation process.

Methods

Drawing from Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Utilization, acculturation, and online social support conceptual frameworks, this study analyzes 18 in-depth interviews with immigrant Vietnamese (expectant) mothers in the United States on the use of social media in navigating health acculturation during their pregnancy and motherhood.

Results

Results show that these mothers give and take all forms of social support including informational, emotional, relational, and instrumental ones. Facebook groups do not provide the best environment for improving “bonding” social capital for its members. However, these groups provide a platform where “strangers help strangers” overcome various barriers to sufficiently understand and independently access and use the official healthcare system. The groups, hence, aid these women's pregnancy and their child(ren)'s health. The informational and emotional support provided by Facebook groups among (soon-to-be) mothers helped them tremendously in overcoming acculturative stress. Moreover, with better language skills, knowledge, and experience in using health and social security systems, help-seekers tend to be transformed into help providers to deliver support for those “newcomers.”

Conclusions

This research provides insights into personal experience on the uses of social media in navigating health behavior in the process of acculturation among Vietnamese immigrant (expectant) mothers in the United States. The research seeks to contribute to the conceptual frameworks and practical experience of behavioral model of health utitlization among immigrant Vietnamese ethnic immigrant pregnant women and mothers of babies and toddlers in navigating health during acculturation process in the United States. The limitations and future research suggestions are also discussed.
Motivations and perceived harms and benefits of online communication about self-harm: An interview study with young people
Authors: Thorn Pinar , La Sala Louise , Hetrick Sarah , Rice Simon , Lamblin Michelle , Robinson Jo
Published: May 2023

Background

Self-harm behaviour is prevalent among young people and online communication about self-harm is frequent. These online communications are associated with potential harms and potential benefits. To date, few studies have explored the motivations and mechanisms involved in youth online communication about self-harm.

Objective

This study aimed to explore why young people communicate online about self-harm and the perceived benefits and harms of these communications.

Methods

Twenty young people aged between 18 and 25 years completed an online interview. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes.

Results

Four main themes are reported: (1) crossing from offline to online—the double-edged affordances of social media: young people engaged in online communication about self-harm because they were unable or unwilling to speak about their experiences in offline contexts. Online spaces afforded anonymity and peer support, which were associated with benefits and harms; (2) user-generated is not quite the same as user-resonated: perceptions were influenced by whether the young person created or viewed or responded to the content. Written and visual content had pros and cons; (3) it's not just you, it's mostly me—individual characteristics influence perceptions: age and mental state influenced perceptions and behavior; and (4) beyond individuals—parameters are protective: leadership and platform policies and procedures aided safety.

Conclusions

Online communication about self-harm is neither entirely helpful nor harmful. Perceptions are influenced by individual, social, and systematic factors. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to increase young people's online self-harm literacy and help them build effective communication skills to buffer psychological and potentially physical harm.
A review of multi-factor authentication in the Internet of Healthcare Things
Authors: Suleski Tance , Ahmed Mohiuddin , Yang Wencheng , Wang Eugene
Published: May 2023

Objective

This review paper aims to evaluate existing solutions in healthcare authentication and provides an insight into the technologies incorporated in Internet of Healthcare Things (IoHT) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) applications for next-generation authentication practices. Our review has two objectives: (a) Review MFA based on the challenges, impact and solutions discussed in the literature; and (b) define the security requirements of the IoHT as an approach to adapting MFA solutions in a healthcare context.

Methods

To review the existing literature, we indexed articles from the IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink databases. The search was refined to combinations of ‘authentication’, ‘multi-factor authentication’, ‘Internet of Things authentication’, and ‘medical authentication’ to ensure that the retrieved journal articles and conference papers were relevant to healthcare and Internet of Things-oriented authentication research.

Results

The concepts of MFA can be applied to healthcare where security can often be overlooked. The security requirements identified result in stronger methodologies of authentication such as hardware solutions in combination with biometric data to enhance MFA approaches. We identify the key vulnerabilities of weaker approaches to security such as password use against various cyber threats. Cyber threats and MFA solutions are categorised in this paper to facilitate readers’ understanding of them in healthcare domains.

Conclusions

We contribute to an understanding of up-to-date MFA approaches and how they can be improved for use in the IoHT. This is achieved by discussing the challenges, benefits, and limitations of current methodologies and recommendations to improve access to eHealth resources through additional layers of security.
Instructional Strategies Used by Junior Primary Teachers in the Oshana Region of Namibia to Teach the Number Concept to Grade 1 Learners
Authors: Hamukonda Paulina , Luneta Kakoma
Published: May 2023

Teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes contribute to the success of classroom instruction. Teaching approaches that are informed by teachers’ good content knowledge of mathematics they teach are regarded as more effective and produce high learning outcomes. It is critical that teachers possess both content and pedagogical content knowledge as these create confidence and a positive attitude toward the teaching of mathematics which in turn creates mathematically inclined learners. The problem identified in this paper is the low achievement in mathematics for learners at the junior primary level. The purpose of this paper is to identify the instructional strategies used by junior primary teachers when they teach the different aspects of the number concepts to Grade 1 learners. To achieve the goal of this study, an interpretative design was used to explore this phenomenon in detail and to help the researchers understand it in depth. The study found that junior primary teachers used a variety of methodological skills to teach the different aspects of early numeracy but lacked the appropriate pedagogical skills to effectively teach these aspects. The study recommends that junior primary teachers in the Oshana region of Namibia should be given continuous professional development workshops on pedagogy for them to acquire the skills and understanding necessary to effectively teach early numeracy skills.
Global Coronal Malalignment in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis and Priority-Matching Correction Technique to Prevent Postoperative Coronal Decompensation
Authors: Lu Shibao , Zhu Weiguo , Diwan Ashish D. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Zhao Guoguang , Buser Zorica , Wang Dongfan , Cui Peng , Wang Yu , Kong Chao , Wang Wei , Chen Xiaolong
Published: May 2023

Study Design

A prospective case-control study.

Objective

To analyze global coronal malalignment (GCM) in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and to prospectively investigate the performance of priority-matching correction technique on preventing postoperative coronal imbalance.

Methods

A total of 444 DLS inpatients and outpatients were recruited. GCMs were classified into 2 types: Type 1, GCM with thoracolumbar (TL/L) curve as the main contribution on coronal imbalance; Type 2, GCM with lumbosacral (LS) curve as the main contribution on coronal imbalance. Patients receiving priority-matching correction were assigned to Group P-M and receiving traditional correction were assigned to Group T form August 2020. The fundamental principle of priority-matching technique was to first correct the key curve contributing to coronal imbalance rather than the curve with greater magnitude.

Results

Type 1 GCM accounted for 45% and Type 2 GCM accounted for 55% of patients. Type 2 GCM was detected to have greater LS Cobb angle and L4 tilt. At 1-year follow-up, 29.8% of patients with Type 2 GCM, whereas 11.7% of patients with Type 1 GCM were observed to have postoperative coronal decompensation. Patients with postoperative imbalance were revealed to have greater preoperative LS Cobb angle and L4 tilt and smaller correction extent of LS curve and L4 tilt. 6.25% of patients developed postoperative coronal imbalance in Group P-M, whereas 40.5% developed in Group T.

Conclusion

Highlighting priority and aggressive correction of the key curve to coronal imbalance, priority-matching technique was proved to be able to limit the development of postoperative coronal decompensation.
Exploring the feasibility and public health impact of integrating a community-based recovery-oriented intervention for people living with schizophrenia in partnership with a tertiary care mental hospital in India
Authors: Dabholkar Hamid , Pillai Aravind , Gaonkar Dilip , Deuri Sonia Pereira , Naik Smita , Chatterjee Sudipto
Published: May 2023

Background

There is a priority need to make community-based care widely available for people living with schizophrenia (PLwS) in low- and middle-income countries. An innovative approach for increasing access could be to integrate clinical services available in tertiary care hospitals with community-based care through a task-sharing approach. We describe such an integrated intervention that was implemented at Tezpur in northeast India in collaboration with the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health (LGBRIMH).

Method

The objectives of the study were to illustrate the feasibility of integrating and implementing the intervention and to describe its individual, systemic, and public health impacts. Due to the limited resources available, we conducted a pragmatic single-arm longitudinal evaluation of the intervention cohort over 24 months.

Results

Of the 239 PLwS enrolled in the intervention, 198 (83%) were followed up for 24 months, with nearly three-quarters reporting a >70% reduction in disabilities, most notably between 6 and 18 months. There was a marked reduction in unmet needs across multiple domains, and at 24 months, 62% of the cohort was engaged in individual jobs or other market-linked livelihood opportunities. There was greater uptake and retention with outpatient contacts at the LGBRIMH, and PLwS experienced a marked (82%) reduction in inpatient admissions rates, as compared to before enrolment. Over a period of 24 months, primary caregivers reported that their families experienced significantly fewer social difficulties such as unemployment, interpersonal conflicts, and social isolation. The intervention had a significant public health impact, with an estimated 51.8% effective treatment coverage rate for the integrated intervention.

Conclusion

Our findings provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility of implementing the integrated intervention and its effectiveness. We believe that there is merit in further in-depth refinement and exploration of this implementation-related research and cost analysis while replicating the intervention in other tertiary care institutions.
An integrative review of nonobvious puzzles of cellular and molecular cardiooncology
Authors: Uruski Paweł , Matuszewska Julia , Leśniewska Aleksandra , Rychlewski Daniel , Niklas Arkadiusz , Mikuła-Pietrasik Justyna , Tykarski Andrzej , Książek Krzysztof
Published: May 2023

Oncologic patients are subjected to four major treatment types: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. All nonsurgical forms of cancer management are known to potentially violate the structural and functional integrity of the cardiovascular system. The prevalence and severity of cardiotoxicity and vascular abnormalities led to the emergence of a clinical subdiscipline, called cardiooncology. This relatively new, but rapidly expanding area of knowledge, primarily focuses on clinical observations linking the adverse effects of cancer therapy with deteriorated quality of life of cancer survivors and their increased morbidity and mortality. Cellular and molecular determinants of these relations are far less understood, mainly because of several unsolved paths and contradicting findings in the literature. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of the cellular and molecular etiology of cardiooncology. We pay particular attention to various intracellular processes that arise in cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells treated in experimentally-controlled conditions in vitro and in vivo with ionizing radiation and drugs representing diverse modes of anti-cancer activity.