bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiogenic shock etiology and exit strategy impact survival in patients with Impella 5.5
Authors: Sicke McKenzie , Modi Shan , Hong Yeahwa , Bashline Michael , Klass Wyatt , Horn Ed , Hansra Barinder S , Ramanan Raj , Fowler Jeffrey , Sumzin Nikita , Rivosecchi Ryan M , Chaudhary Rahul , Ziegler Luke A , Hess Nicholas R , Agrawal Nishant , Kaczorowski David J , Hickey Gavin W
Published: December 2023

Background:

Despite historical differences in cardiogenic shock (CS) outcomes by etiology, outcomes by CS etiology have yet to be described in patients supported by temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) with Impella 5.5.

Objectives:

This study aims to identify differences in survival and post-support destination for these patients in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) CS at a high-volume, tertiary, transplant center.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients who received Impella 5.5 at our center from November 2020 to June 2022 was conducted.

Results:

Sixty-seven patients underwent Impella 5.5 implantation for CS; 23 (34%) for AMI and 44 (66%) for ADHF. AMI patients presented with higher SCAI stage, pre-implant lactate, and rate of prior MCS devices, and fewer days from admission to implantation. Survival was lower for AMI patients at 30 days, 90 days, and discharge. No difference in time to all-cause mortality was found when excluding patients receiving transplant. There was no significant difference in complication rates between groups.

Conclusions:

ADHF-CS patients with Impella 5.5 support have a significantly higher rate of survival than patients with AMI-CS. ADHF patients were successfully bridged to heart transplant more often than AMI patients, contributing to increased survival.
Peace is in the air: Reducing conflict intensity with United Nations peacekeeping radio broadcasts
Authors: Shafiei Mahtab , Overton Kathryn Lauren
Published: December 2023

Commitment problems and information asymmetries represent key impediments to peacekeeping. We posit that mass media—more specifically, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping radio broadcasts—is a cost-effective, easily implemented method of addressing common roadblocks to conflict resolution. We analyze monthly battle-related deaths across 51 UN peacekeeping missions during the years 1992–2014. Using negative binomial models with two-way fixed effects, we find that peaceful UN radio broadcasts are associated with decreased conflict intensity. We argue that radio-based, mass communication is particularly effective owing to the socio-economic conditions within conflict zones; these properties include severe under-development and lack of access to modern technology.
Newspaper executives’ positioning toward the evolving use of social media
Authors: Booth Peter , Solvoll Mona K. , Krumsvik Arne H.
Published: December 2023

Organizational and leader-specific components are used to characterize newspaper executives’ positioning toward social media. From an online survey (n=159), Norwegian newspaper executives report on the efficacy of social media, organizational culture, and work-related role stressors. Employing principal components analysis and clustering methods, we identify four leadership types and find wide variation in social media attitudes and usage reflecting organizational strategic needs and capabilities, social media-related frustrations, culture, and competencies and tradition of the newspaper executives.
Adverse effects of cigarette filter silica on lungs: Comparison with natural crystalline silica particles
Authors: Kang Huimin , Li Rou , Wang Hanqin , Zheng Yunfan , Chen Shi
Published: December 2023

As a common additive in cigarette filters, nanosilica has been implemented to reduce the release of harmful substances in cigarette smoke. However, the potential risk of occupational exposure for cigarette factory workers is unknown. We collected physical examination data from 710 cigarette factory workers to evaluate the adverse effects of cigarette filter silica exposure. We also established mouse models induced by cigarette filter silica and crystalline silica separately to compare the lung inflammation, pulmonary function, apoptosis, and fibrosis of the two models. Workers in the rolling and packing workshop exposed to cigarette filter silica had a higher rate of abnormal lung function (17.75%) than those in the cutting workshop (0.87%). Animal experiments showed that compared with the same dose of crystalline silica, cigarette filter silica resulted in higher levels of inflammatory factors in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice at day 7, and lower levels of total lung capacity (TLC), inspiratory capacity (IC), vital capacity (VC), and forced vital capacity (FVC) in mice at day 28. Additionally, both exposed groups of mice showed increased levels of caspase 3, collagen I (Col-Ⅰ), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and hydroxyproline (HYP) in the lungs, as well as collagen accumulation and fibrous nodules at day 28, with no significant difference between the two groups. The results suggested that cigarette filter silica caused more severe early lung inflammation and late ventilation impairment than the same dose of crystalline silica. In the future, we need to pay more attention to nanosilica protection in cigarette factories to prevent pulmonary dysfunction in workers.
Polymer-induced liquid precursors: How are they being used and what is the effect on dentin remineralization? A scoping review
Authors: Fraga May Anny Alves , Garfias Carolina Sandra , Shibasaki Patricia Akemi Nishitani , Correr Américo Bortolazzo , de Goes Mario Fernando , Puppin-Rontani Regina Maria
Published: December 2023

To identify the effectiveness of polymer-induced liquid precursors (PILP) on dentin remineralization and the assessment approaches used to evaluate remineralization. The analyses were done into six stages: (1) Identifying the research question; (2) Identifying the studies; (3) Selecting relevant studies; (4) Plotting the data; (5) Reporting results; and (6) Risk of bias. The searches were carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 247 articles were identified in the electronic database search. After applying the eligibility criteria, only 12 articles were included for data extraction. The outcomes of dentin remineralization patterns were plotted in association to PILP agent type and application mode. The intrafibrillar mineralization occurred in 78% of studies where polyaspartic acid (pAsp) was used, and 50% when the polyacrylic acid (PAA) was used. All the studies where PILP was used in a restorative material (resin composite, glass ionomer, and adhesive system)—extra and intrafibrillar mineralization pattern was found. The association of PILP agents with other materials with potential for mineralization showed beneficial results in remineralization, since they provide a medium to high concentration of calcium and phosphate. The pAsp showed better results for interfibrillar remineralization when compared to PAA. The association with Ca/P release materials or solution Ca P are essentials for mineralization via PILP agent. Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of remineralization through PILP agents because the level of evidence of the studies was low.
Influences of the Arts and Nurse Ethics
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: December 2023

Art has limitless definitions, meanings, and modes for presentation. It is a pivotal cocreation designed to provoke and stir up artists’ personal beliefs, values, and thinking. Art is uniquely received by those persons experiencing it in the moment. The author in this article illuminates the significance of the arts with the enduring ethical truths found in nursing paradigms and theoretical frameworks. The humanbecoming ethos is used to illustrate the importance of the arts in human living and its future implications for the advancement of the discipline of nursing.
Policy Crafting: Humanbecoming and the Rainbow PRISM Model
Authors: Ortiz Mario R.
Published: December 2023

It is important that nurses guide practice with crafted policies based in nursing knowledge that is distinctive and specific to the values and beliefs of all persons, such as humanbecoming. As policy crafters in nursing, a nursing theory or model must serve as the foundation in service to others. In this article, the author explores crafting policy with the Rainbow PRISM model (Cody, 2003; Ortiz, 2018), in light of Parse’s (2021a) humanbecoming paradigm, the humanbecoming community change concepts (Parse, 2003, 2021a), and Parse’s (1987, 2021a) principles of inquiry construction.
A Humanbecoming Perspective on Art and Sciencing
Authors: Kabigting Edwin-Nikko R.
Published: December 2023

The author in this paper explores the connections between art and sciencing in the humanbecoming paradigm. Relevant examples of artforms used by Parse scholars are illustrated. A brief discussion on art sciencing is illuminated. Finally, an example of feeling overwhelmed through the lens of the performing arts is shared.
Follow Your Passion and Discover the Beauty of Being a Nurse Scientist
Authors: Morrow Mary R. , Avery-Desmarais Shannon
Published: December 2023

Following one’s passion can lead nursing educators and scientists to develop nursing knowledge. Influenced by her and her family’s experiences with healthcare, Dr. Shannon Avery-Desmarais, a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and scientist, has developed a theoretical framework with her colleagues to promote minority PhD and DNP student success in nursing education. In addition, she and other colleagues are looking at stigma in nursing students and how nursing education can decrease stigma toward patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). In this column, Dr. Avery-Desmarais shares her influences on nursing knowledge and discusses her early contributions to nursing.
Originating Research Ideas
Authors: Butcher Howard K.
Published: December 2023

Research aimed at generating new knowledge is the heart of the scholarship of discovery. The author of this paper explores how original research ideas can be generated for formal investigations and artsciencing. Curiosity and creativity are presented as “seeds” for originating ideas, and seven patterns (adjacent possible, liquid networks, the slow hunch, serendipity, error, exaptation, and platforms) are described as synergistic potentiators for geminating original research ideas.
Adolescent Relatedness Through the Lens of Unitary Caring Theory
Authors: Mygatt Marla G. , Smith Marlaine C. , Opalinski Andra
Published: December 2023

Caring as a central focus within nursing has evolved into a relational ontology to guide practice and enhance well-being. Caring praxis has the potential to address the complexities of adolescent development and to allow for authentic engagement, breaking down the barriers of resistance to care. It is clear from the alarming statistics related to the prevalence of anxiety and depression in adolescents that teens are in distress. The authors in this article examine the construct of relatedness in adolescence through the lens of the theory of unitary caring and propose a trans-theoretical transdisciplinary model of relatedness that informs adolescent practice.
Conceptual Foreknowings: Integrative Review on Having Courage
Authors: Ajadi Olushola
Published: December 2023

Having courage is a humanuniverse living experience that is common to all humans. Individuals experience courage in one way or another at different times. Hence, it is imperative to understand having courage from various standpoints. To explore the different perspectives on the phenomenon of courage, the scholar dwelled with printed material across the disciplines of theology, psychology, philosophy, sociology, social work, education, business, and nursing. Two themes were crafted from the literature as (a) courage is steadfastness in the midst of fear and (b) unfaltering commitment to the cherished.
Identity in crisis: Power, agency, and subjugation in the small stories of the Moroccan diaspora in Spain
Authors: Ready Carol A
Published: December 2023

Research regarding migrant discourse and identities has recently focused on how migrants construct identities in narratives. However, these identities may be difficult to navigate as migrants encounter different linguistic and cultural practices as well as discrimination in their new home countries. In Spain, Moroccan migrants are framed as ‘outsiders’ and may experience discrimination because of their identities. In the current study, I examine how Moroccan immigrants living in Granada, Spain manage positions of agency and constraint in small story narratives to construct their identities. I argue that Moroccan immigrants may reinscribe positions of power and authority in service of their own agency positions which may constrain the agency of other migrants. More research must be conducted to determine the role of broader structures and dominant discourses that make such subjugation necessary for migrant identity negotiation.
Confidence estimation based on data from independent studies
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Kalimuthu , Murshed Md Monzur
Published: December 2023

The problem of finding confidence intervals based on data from several independent studies or experiments is considered. A general method of finding confidence intervals by inverting a combined test is proposed. The combined tests considered are the Fisher test, the weighted inverse normal test, the inverse chi-square test and the inverse Cauchy test. The method is illustrated for finding confidence intervals for a common mean of several normal populations, common correlation coefficient of several bivariate normal populations, common coefficient of variation, common mean of several lognormal populations, and for a common mean of several gamma populations. For each case, the confidence intervals based on the combined tests are compared with the other available approximate confidence intervals with respect to coverage probability and precision. R functions to compute all confidence intervals are provided in a supplementary file. The methods are illustrated using several practical examples.
Building Connections Between Chosen Family and Kin: A Culturally Adapted Program for LGBTQ+ Children, Youth, and Their Families
Authors: Matarese Marlene , Greeno Elizabeth , Weeks Angela , Lorthridge Jaymie , Hammond Paige , Deinhart Shannon
Published: December 2023

Chosen Affirming Family Finding (CAFF) is a program developed and implemented by Cuyahoga County Department of Child and Family Services and Kinnect from 2019 to 2021. CAFF is a cultural adaptation of Family Finding, designed to work with LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities) young people involved with the child welfare system. This study outlines the evaluation of a 5-year design and implementation of the CAFF model using mixed-methods. At the start of services, nearly all youth were living in a foster home (67%) or residential setting (25%). At the end of CAFF services, the majority of youth who completed services were living at home (33%) or in kinship care (25%). Youth expressed that CAFF specialists reinforced their authority and role in making decisions about their lives, helped prepare them for disclosure, and increased family connections through meetings.
The Impacts of Income, Region, and Reason for Placement on Reported Kinship Caregiver Challenges and Needs
Authors: Schlatter Adrienne , Brown Emily , Meischke Hendrika , Delaplane Geene , Day Angelique
Published: December 2023

Kinship placement has been shown to be superior to foster care in increasing permanency and safety for children. Despite the many benefits of kinship placement, kinship caregivers receive less support than foster family, and this creates unique challenges. This study analyzes data from a state-wide kinship caregiver survey with 868 respondents. Caregivers reported their top three challenges and needs, which were stratified by caregiver-reported income, location of residence, and reasons for the child’s placement into kinship care. We found striking differences in reported challenges and needs based on income, region, and reason for placement. This further demonstrates the need for support for kinship families and can help develop targeted policies to alleviate challenges faced by kinship caregivers across the state.
An inverse application of unit cells for extracting fibre properties from effective properties of composites
Authors: Zou Zhenmin , Li Shuguang
Published: December 2023

A semi-analytical solution is obtained in this paper for the micromechanical analysis of the square and hexagonal unit cells using complex potentials. It provides a means of numerical characterisation of unidirectionally fibre-reinforced composites for their effective properties. This process is considered as the forward problem and its inverse counterpart is also established in this paper to extract fibre properties from effective properties of composites. It is formulated into a mathematical optimisation problem in which the difference between predicted and provided effective properties is employed as the objective function with the fibre properties as the optimisation variables. The attempt of such an inverse problem is to address the lack of fibre properties for many types of composites commonly in use. The novelty of the paper lies in both sides of the analyses, forward and inverse, as none is available in the literature in the forms as presented in this paper and, more importantly, in the objective of this paper as an attempt to address the pressing and yet long-standing issue of lack of fibre properties. As a verification of the forward analysis, the predicted effective properties of a composite match perfectly with the finite element method (FEM) results. The same case is also employed to verify the inverse analysis by turning the prediction the other way round. Both the forward and inverse analyses have been validated against a series of experimental data. While the forward analysis is generally applicable to any input data as the properties of the constituents, the inverse analysis is sensitive to the input data. Potentially, the inverse analysis would offer a much-needed and also effective tool for the characterisation of fibres. However, reasonable predictions of fibre properties can only be obtained if input data are reasonably consistent.
Identifying Behavior Change Techniques in an Artificial Intelligence-Based Fitness App: A Content Analysis
Authors: Kuru Hakan
Published: December 2023

In the field of artificial intelligence-based fitness apps, the effective integration of behavior change techniques (BCTs) is critical for promoting physical activity and improving health outcomes. However, the specific BCTs employed by apps and their impact on user engagement and behavior change are not explored sufficiently. This study investigates the Freeletics fitness app through a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the use of BCTs. In the quantitative analysis, fifteen unique BCTs were identified based on the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (V1). In the qualitative analysis, user reviews ( n=400) were examined to understand perspectives on the app’s effectiveness in promoting behavior change. Goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring of behavior, and social support were among the most prevalent BCTs identified in the Freeletics app, and their effectiveness in enhancing user engagement and promoting behavior change was also highlighted by user reviews. Among the areas of improvement identified in the study were the need for simplifying personalization options and addressing user concerns regarding the specificity of feedback. The study underscores the importance of integrating BCTs effectively within AI-based fitness apps to drive user engagement and facilitate behavior change. It contributes valuable insights into the design and implementation of BCTs in fitness apps and offers recommendations for developers, emphasizing the significance of goal setting, feedback mechanisms, self-monitoring, and social support. By understanding the impact of specific BCTs on user behavior and addressing user concerns, developers can create more effective fitness apps, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles and positive behavior change.
Better State Lotteries
Authors: Clotfelter Charles T.
Published: December 2023

Over the last three decades, a little-noted change has taken place in state lotteries. This change is an increase in the average payout rate, the share of sales that is returned to players in the form of prizes. Because it reduces the rate of implicit taxation on lottery purchases and its accompanying welfare loss, this change has inadvertently made lotteries better, or at least less objectionable. This paper reviews the normative case for reducing the implied tax, documents the rise in payout rates across the United States, offers an explanation for that rise, notes the starring role played by instant games, illustrates its effect on the regressivity of lottery finance, and documents the surprising correlation between the price of instant games and their payout rates.
Primary Hepatic Schwannoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Thi Khuyen Nguyen , Quoc Thanh Truong , Van Trung Hoang , Cong Thao Trinh , Nhu Tung Tran
Published: December 2023

Primary hepatic schwannoma is an extremely rare tumor with a good prognosis. Preoperative diagnosis is often challenging due to nonspecific clinical symptoms and its rarity. Here, we report a case of a 56-year-old male patient misdiagnosed with malignant liver tumor, later identified as primary hepatic schwannoma. Furthermore, clinical and histopathological features of 19 cases of primary hepatic schwannoma are also documented. The age of the patients ranged from 38 to 72 years, with a mean age of 56.4 years, and the disease was more common in females. Patients typically presented without clinical symptoms and were not associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Histopathological features of the tumor were similar to soft tissue schwannoma, characterized by a thick capsule consisting of Antoni A and Antoni B areas. Immunohistochemically, the tumor showed strong positivity and diffusely stained with S-100, while being negative for CD34, CD117, and SMA. Complete resection of the tumor was achieved in all patients. The prognosis was favorable, with no signs of recurrence. Follow-up examinations revealed disease-free survival ranging from 6 to 27 months. Differential diagnosis of primary hepatic schwannoma from malignant liver tumors and metastatic liver tumors can be made based on histopathological features and immunohistochemical staining with S-100.
Wear characteristics analysis of variable hyperbolic circular-arc-tooth-trace cylindrical gear transmission considering assembly error theory
Authors: Wei Yongqiao , Yang Dong , Guo Rui , Liu Yongping , Luo Lan , Li Zeyu
Published: December 2023

Wear is the main failure form of the gear transmission interface, runs through the whole life cycle of gear service, and the distributed error of the tooth surface due to the introduced assembly error will make the actual meshing state of the tooth surface different from the ideal meshing state, thus affecting the tooth surface wear trajectory and state. Therefore, considering the coupling relationship between assembly error and tooth surface contact analysis, the variation laws of the wear amount of the gear transmission interface of the variable hyperbolic circular-arc-tooth-trace cylindrical gear were studied under the consideration of assembly error in this article. Based on the tooth surface contact analysis method and Hertz contact theory, the transient linear load, the combined radius of curvature, the length axis and short axis of the contact ellipse, and the instantaneous sliding velocity were calculated. Through revising the calculation method of adhesive wear of variable hyperbolic circular-arc-tooth-trace cylindrical gears, the correlations between the tooth surface wear amount and gear parameters of variable hyperbolic circular-arc-tooth-trace cylindrical gears under different assembly errors were analyzed. The results show that the maximum wear occurs at the root of the tooth, and the wear at the indexing circle approaches zero, whether it is standard installation or non-standard installation. The vertical axial error and horizontal axial error have little effect on the wear, while the center distance error will aggravate the wear. The proposed method comprehensively considers the influence of assembly error and gear parameters on tooth surface wear, and this method can provide a theoretical reference for the design and analysis of anti-wear, wear reduction, and life extension of variable hyperbolic circular-arc-tooth-trace cylindrical gear tooth surface.
A 3D RVE-based computational homogenization approach for predicting the effective fourth-order elasticity tensor of periodic porous materials
Authors: Santos Wanderson Ferreira dos , Proença Sergio Persival Baroncini
Published: December 2023

In the present contribution, a computational homogenization framework is explored for predicting the effective fourth-order elasticity tensor of periodic porous materials. To improve the accuracy of the computational approach, an extrapolation strategy based on a posteriori error estimation is employed to estimate the effective elastic properties from the numerical results computed by the computational homogenization procedure. The computational strategy is implemented in ANSYS software using the Ansys Parametric Design Language, where new routines are created to provide an easy-to-use tool. In particular, the influence of void morphology in periodic porous materials is assessed. Three morphologies for the representative volume element are defined in the three-dimensional numerical analyses conducted by finite element simulations: (i) cube with a unidirectional void of circular cross-section, (ii) cube with a unidirectional void of square cross-section, and (iii) cube with a unidirectional void of octagonal cross-section. Different porosity values are simulated for the periodic porous material, and approximate parametric expressions are proposed to calculate the effective constitutive components in terms of void morphology and porosity. One concludes that void morphology has a strong influence on some components of the fourth-order elasticity tensor. Regarding the comparison between periodic materials with circular and square cross-section voids, significant differences are observed for the components associated with shear response in the plane cutting the void cross-section. Periodic materials with octagonal and circular cross-section voids have similar effective results. Overall, the computational approach is an interesting tool to design non-homogeneous materials, accounting for accuracy to predict effective properties.
Rhizomatic review: A materialist minor science approach to research evaluation
Authors: Fox Nick J
Published: December 2023

Drawing upon the DeleuzoGuattarian metaphor of the ‘rhizome’, this paper proposes a literature and evidence review methodology that complements data collection, analysis and reporting methods appropriate to new materialist and post-human ontologies. Rhizomatic review replicates the branching and multiplying, subterranean and subversive, endless flows of affect that produce the social world in these ontologies of becoming and difference. The paper situates rhizomatic review in relation to Deleuze and Guattari's understanding of ‘minor science’: an approach that rather than attempting to represent the social world ‘follows the action’. Rhizomatic review is open-ended, avoids setting inclusion or exclusion criteria, follows links that open up during the research process, explores a literature or evidence across disciplines, and engages in multiple iterations of searching and synthesis. An example of a rhizomatic review is presented, and the paper concludes with reflections on the opportunities afforded by rhizomatic review.
An empirical study of the relationship between perceived value and the net promoter score: Application to specialized retail chains
Authors: Maubisson Laurent , Mencarelli Rémi , Rivière Arnaud
Published: December 2023

Despite the Net Promoter Score’s (NPS) popularity among managers, the marketing literature has given limited attention to this indicator and has, instead, focused primarily on its impact on business performance. However, to highlight the mechanisms that contribute to the formation of the NPS and identify operational means to improve the score, it is important to get a deeper understanding of the factors that distinguish the NPS’s customer categories (“detractors,” “passives,” and “promoters”). Accordingly, this research explores the relationship between perceived value and the NPS. An empirical study of 893 customers from two specialized retail chains was conducted to examine the relations between value sources and customer categorization as “detractors,” “passives,” or “promoters”. The results also lead to the identification of differentiated value profiles according to these customer categories.
More-than-human ‘rhuthmanalysis’ in Mónica Giron’s art installation Ajuar para un conquistador
Authors: Lopes Coelho Salomé
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the relationships between humans and more-than-humans through the analysis of the rhythmic elements of the contemporary art installation Ajuar para un conquistador. An interdisciplinary approach bridges Art Studies and More-Than-Human Geographies to examine Ajuar and its environmental concerns, including the relationships between human and non-human worlds. Through ‘rhuthmanalysis’ – a new concept and word developed in the paper – textual and image analysis, and conversations with the artist, this study examines the social, cultural, and ecological meshwork of rhythms articulated within and by the art installation. ‘Rhuthmanalysis’ expands upon Henri Lefebvre and Catherine Régulier’s rhythmanalytic project by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and an ecocritical standpoint while redefining the understanding of rhythm. The analysis explores how Ajuar, concerned with the endangerment of Patagonian birds, promotes a performative understanding of the artwork’s capacities in the context of the interplay between the affective dimensions and politics of the creation of the Argentine nation-state. The paper argues that Ajuar participates in the social and political production of space and place, opening new forms of being together and challenging colonial narratives through a rhythmic lens. Moreover, this study seeks to offer a singular perspective on how approaching art as a rhythmic configuration of an intricate choreography of coexistence can provide unique insights into space and the environment. The paper concludes that ‘rhuthmanalysis’ is a privileged tool to address the need for a transdisciplinary methodology capable of giving account of the mutual unfolding of human and non-human existences and decolonising posthumanist geographies and rhythm studies.
Constructive play: Exploring pre-service early childhood teachers’ play involvement
Authors: Loizou Eleni , Olymbiou Manto
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the involvement of early childhood pre-service students (PSSs) in children’s constructive play and highlight how this involvement supported children’s play skills towards advanced play behaviours as seen by previous literature. Drawing from the conceptual framework of the Zone of Proximal Development, as proposed by Vygotsky, and supporting adult involvement in children’s learning, we specifically examine PSSs involvement in constructive play. Participants were four out of 26 PSSs participating in their school experience program phase III and 17 children of the ages 5–6 years. Data was collected through videos, 12 in total, of approximately 20 minutes each, during which the PSSs interacted with children while participating in constructive play. Also, data was collected through reflective journals reported after each video. Data analysis highlighted the different ways the PSSs employed to get involved in children’s play, these being either using direct or indirect involvement. This study suggests that early childhood teachers’ reflection can create a Zone of Proximal Action which refers to good fit direct and indirect involvement supporting children’s mature constructive play behaviours.
Parents’ practices of co-play in a community playgroup
Authors: Chu Celine P. Y. , McLean Karen , Edwards Susan
Published: December 2023

Playgroups are a unique form of early childhood provision involving parents and their children attending together. Parents’ attendance at playgroups provides opportunities for involvement in play. However, little is known about parents’ practices of co-play in playgroups and the potential for these practices to enhance children’s play experiences in early childhood. Drawing on practice architectures theory, this paper identifies parents’ practices of co-play in a community playgroup, and the enablers and constraints on those practices. Data were collected through ethnographic methods, which included participant observation and informal individual interviews. The findings show that parents’ practices of co-play consider the child’s needs and interests in ways that support development and enhance children’s play in the community playgroup. This research contributes new knowledge about the range of co-play practices engaged in by parents with children in community playgroups.
Streaming Queer Content: LGBTQ Media on BVOD and SVOD Services in Australia
Authors: Monaghan Whitney
Published: December 2023

This article analyzes the strategies through which Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD) and Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) services make queer titles available and discoverable to users. While streaming video services operate globally and the issue of LGBTQ inclusion is not solely a national one, Australia’s complex history of LGBTQ representation in film and television offers a unique context to explore these issues. This article asks: How is queer content categorized and promoted on BVOD and SVOD services in Australia? How easily discovered is this content? And how does this impact the visibility and inclusion of LGBTQ identities within the Australian screen media landscape? Drawing on critical librarianship and catalog analysis, this article reveals discrepancies between curated categories and search results, the failure of search tools to recognize language associated with LGBTQ identities, and the obscuring of queer content within streaming video libraries.
Partisan Self-Interest and Views on the Electoral College: How Electoral Inversions Activate Differences in Support for the System
Authors: Toll Benjamin T. , Corona Courtney
Published: December 2023

Most Americans have little knowledge about why we elect the president through the Electoral College. This complex system that requires understanding the impact of 51 different elections on the outcome of the presidential election leads many Americans to desire the simple effectiveness of the popular vote method. Previous scholarship highlights a majority of Americans wanting to replace our current system with the popular vote. Political science research lacks a clear understanding of the impact of partisan self-interest on views of changing the presidential election method. In this paper we look at public opinion surveys over the last 45 years and find there was no clear partisan difference in views of changing the system before the electoral inversion of 2000. We argue that partisan self-interest was activated because of this electoral inversion. The inversion of 2016 led to a hardening of opinions on replacing the Electoral College with the popular vote.
The Temporal Lobe Club: Newer Approaches to Treat Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Sperling Michael R. , Wu Chengyuan , Kang Joon , Makhalova Julia , Bartolomei Fabrice , Southwell Derek
Published: December 2023

This brief review summarizes presentations at the Temporal Lobe Club Special Interest Group session held in December 2022 at the American Epilepsy Society meeting. The session addressed newer methods to treat temporal epilepsy, including methods currently in clinical use and techniques under investigation. Brief summaries are provided for each of 4 lectures. Dr Chengyuan Wu discussed ablative techniques such as laser interstitial thermal ablation, radiofrequency ablation, focused ultrasound; Dr Joon Kang reviewed neuromodulation techniques including electrical stimulation and focused ultrasound; Dr Julia Makhalova discussed network effects of the aforementioned techniques; and Dr Derek Southwell reviewed inhibitory interneuron transplantation. These summaries are intended to provide a brief overview and references are provided for the reader to learn more about each topic.
Efficient estimation of the number of clusters for high-dimension data
Authors: Kasapis Spiridon , Zhang Geng , Smereka Jonathon M , Vlahopoulos Nickolas
Published: December 2023

The exponential growth of digital image data has given rise to the need of efficient content management and retrieval tools. Currently, there is a lack of tools for processing the collected unlabeled data in a schematic manner. K-means is one of the most widely used clustering methods and has been applied in a variety of fields, one of them being image sorting. Although a useful tool for image management, the K-means method is heavily influenced by initializations, the most important one being the need to know the number of clusters a priori. A number of different methods have been proposed for identifying the correct number of clusters for K-means, one of them being the variance ratio criterion (VRC). Despite its popularity, the VRC method comes with two very important shortcomings: it only yields good results when the data dimensionality is low and it does not scale well for a high number of clusters, making it very difficult to use in computer vision applications. We propose an extension to the VRC method that works for increased cluster number and high-dimensionality data sets and therefore is fit for image data sets.
Clinical efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment for patients with wake-up stroke with large vessel occlusion guided by NCCT-ASPECTS
Authors: Xu Qinglin , Chen Yigang , Zheng Xu , Jiang Yun , Xu Chuan , Gao Qingqing , Shi Feina , Zhang Jinhua
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 6 to 24 h endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with wake-up stroke (WUS) with acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the anterior circulation guided by noncontrast computed tomography-Alberta stroke program early CT score (NCCT-ASPECTS).

Methods

Fifty-three patients with WUS with acute LVO of the anterior circulation who were treated at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang Medical College from January 2018 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into NCCT-ASPECTS or CT perfusion groups. Baseline data, perioperative data, and 90-d prognostic information were compared between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent factors influencing outcomes.

Results

There were no significant differences in the good prognosis, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the puncture-recanalization time was an independent factor for good prognosis.

Conclusion

Based on NCCT-ASPECTS guidance, EVT in patients with WUS for acute LVO of the anterior circulation within 6 to 24 h may be safe and effective.
Initiatives supporting student retention in early childhood teacher education qualifications
Authors: Gibbs Leanne , Linden Kelly , Teakel Sarah , Dell Elissa
Published: December 2023

This paper describes a case study using quantitative and qualitative approaches to investigate student engagement and retention within an online early childhood teacher education program at a regional Australian university. Two key interventions, the identification and support of disengaged students and the Embedded Tutors Program are described and examined. Initial findings on these retention initiatives, developed to support Early Childhood Education undergraduates studying in the online environment, are presented. Additionally, discussion of the findings through the theory of practice architectures highlights the practices and institutional arrangements that create the conditions to support student retention. This study is significant in planning for Early Childhood Education workforce quality and supply. It may offer guidance to institutions for their retention practices with early childhood teacher undergraduates studying in the online environment.
Consumers’ Intentions to Use Contact-Reducing Technologies in Restaurants
Authors: Morosan Cristian , Gunden Sorathia Nefike
Published: December 2023

This study examines consumers’ intentions to use contact-reducing technologies (CRT) in restaurants and their intentions to purchase from restaurants that use CRT. The study used a theoretical foundation based on the Unified Theory of Adoption and Use of Technology, extended with convenience orientation, media influences, shared goals, and health risks. Data were collected from 985 U.S. consumers who had purchased from a restaurant after March 2020. Social influences have the strongest impact on consumers’ intentions to use CRT in restaurants, and intentions to use CRT and shared goals have significant impacts on consumers’ intentions to purchase from restaurants that use CRT.
Comparison of rivaroxaban-based dual antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapies for symptomatic patients with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease post-revascularization: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ji Ye , Wang Baoyan , Wu Guangyan , Zhang Yepeng , Wang Qing , Zhou Min
Published: December 2023

Background:

Patients with symptomatic lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (LE-PAD) are prone to serious cardiovascular and limb events. Few studies have evaluated the effect of rivaroxaban-based dual antithrombotic therapy in high-risk patients with LE-PAD in Asian populations.

Objectives:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban-based dual antithrombotic therapy in symptomatic patients with LE-PAD.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This study included patients with LE-PAD treated at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. These participants were divided into antiplatelet (APT) or antiplatelet therapy combined with rivaroxaban (RAPT) groups. The efficacy outcomes in this study were the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes, and major adverse limb events (MALE), including urgent revascularization, acute limb ischemia, and major amputation. The safety outcomes included major and clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding. Patients were followed up until the time of death or the end of the study (31 March 2023).

Results:

We included 1144 patients with LE-PAD (APT: 502 patients; RAPT: 642 patients). The RAPT group had a lower risk of primary composite efficacy outcomes [hazard ratio (HR): 0.40] and a nonsignificant increase in major bleeding risk (HR: 2.33) than the APT group. The RATP group also had a significantly lower risk of secondary efficacy outcomes, including ischemic stroke (HR: 0.41), myocardial infarction (HR: 0.31), cardiovascular death (HR: 0.40), and MALE (HR: 0.65), than the APT group. The CRNM bleeding incidence varied between the two groups (HR: 3.96). Moreover, no significant interactions were observed between the subgroups and treatment groups in the composite efficacy analysis.

Conclusion:

Rivaroxaban-based dual antithrombotic therapy significantly reduced the occurrence of MACE in patients with LE-PAD without increasing major bleeding events. High-risk patients benefited from the dual antithrombotic therapy.
Inappropriate quetiapine use at a large academic medical center: frequency of misuse and associated costs of adverse effects
Authors: Roth Winter , Dadiomov David , Chu Michelle
Published: December 2023

Background:

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic with dose-related receptor affinity, which is commonly prescribed by specialties outside of psychiatry. Quetiapine can have adverse effects including weight gain, hyperglycemia, and falls. Therefore, quetiapine is a good focus medication to assess the need for an antipsychotic stewardship protocol.

Objective:

To assess the need for an antipsychotic stewardship protocol at a large, urban academic medical center by evaluating quetiapine usage.

Design:

A retrospective review of quetiapine dispensing history for all strengths (immediate release: 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 mg; extended release: 50, 150, 200, 300 mg) over 1 year (1 December 2021 to 30 November 2022) in patients aged 18 and older was conducted at a large, urban academic medical center.

Methods:

An antipsychotic protocol for safe and effective quetiapine use was developed utilizing its package insert, clinical guidelines, and primary peer-reviewed literature. Once identified by prescription fill, a retrospective chart review was completed for quetiapine indication, dose, and frequency. Each prescription was reviewed for appropriateness using the antipsychotic stewardship protocol.

Results:

Out of 521 quetiapine prescriptions for 181 unique patients, 67% of scripts were inappropriate. The costs associated with this inappropriate use were extrapolated to be over $350,000 per year when accounting for long-term harms associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and falls in older adults.

Conclusion:

Promoting the safe and effective use of antipsychotics through developing and implementing an antipsychotic stewardship protocol may reduce patient harm and associated costs from inappropriate use.