bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajetória das emissoras legislativas do Nordeste: TV Assembleia do Rio Grande do Norte — uma pioneira da região
Authors: Sales Júnior Francisco das Chagas , Kneipp Valquiria Aparecida Passos
Published: June 2023

Este artigo investigou a trajetória das emissoras legislativas no Nordeste brasileiro para compreender melhor o processo de implantação e expansão dos canais destinados à divulgação dos trabalhos dos parlamentos brasileiros. O pioneirismo da TV Assembleia do Rio Grande do Norte revelou que o interesse político em investir em comunicação pública e dar transparência aos trabalhos realizados por deputados é a mola propulsora para existência desses canais. A comunicação pública, no campo conceitual, se apresenta com uma definição polissêmica e seu estudo ainda carece de reflexões pontuais e específicas. O estudo de caso empreendido nesta pesquisa revelou que existe amplo interesse público nesse tipo de comunicação tanto por parte de legisladores (emissores) quanto por parte do telespectador (receptores). Por isso, os estados do Nordeste se empenham em efetivar as emissoras legislativas na região.
Etnomídia: contra-narrativas indígenas nas redes digitais
Authors: Demarchi André Luís Campanha , Gomes Débora dos Santos
Published: June 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é compreender como são construídas as contranarrativas da Rádio Yandê, a primeira web rádio indígena do Brasil. Entende-se por etnomídia uma ferramenta adotada por diferentes grupos étnicos, como indígenas, quilombolas, caiçaras e romanis, que se autorrepresentam por meio da convergência de mídias. As análises foram realizadas a partir do Facebook do grupo. Aderiu-se ao método da netnografia, ao se investigar a atuação dos comunicadores indígenas na internet, bem como a construção dos discursos acerca de suas culturas e etnias. Nos resultados, observou-se que as inserções indígenas nas redes digitais contribuem para a construção de contranarrativas produzidas pelos povos indígenas, uma vez que são discutidas temáticas que em sua grande maioria não têm a mesma visibilidade nas mídias tradicionais.
Negociar inclusão pelo clientelismo: democracias neoliberais, pobreza e desigualdade
Authors: Hilgers Tina , Mayer Jean François
Published: June 2023

Teoricamente, a democracia racional-legal e a economia neoliberal deveriam desencorajar o clientelismo, mas o clientelismo continua difundido na América Latina. Quais são as raízes dessa desconexão entre teoria e realidade? Defendemos que a continuidade do clientelismo se deve em grande parte aos efeitos das políticas econômicas neoliberais: a escassez de recursos estatais e o aumento dos níveis de pobreza e desigualdade. Sugerimos ainda que a intensidade do clientelismo deve diminuir quando as instituições democráticas formais e os sistemas econômicos forem capazes de lidar com a pobreza e a desigualdade de forma eficiente e responsiva. Usamos o Brasil como estudo de caso para ilustrar a nossa tese.
Perfil sociodemográfico, condições de saúde e distanciamento social de pessoas com diabetes durante a pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Machado Marília Girão de Oliveira , Moreno Stefane Marinho , Ferreira Ariédna da Hora , Alencar Delmo de Carvalho , Costa Filho Antônio Alberto Ibiapina , Ibiapina Aline Raquel de Sousa
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: analisar o perfil sociodemográfico, as condições de saúde e o distanciamento social de pessoas com diabetes durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Metodologia: estudo transversal, de caráter exploratório, realizado com 111 participantes de duas Comunidades Virtuais do Facebook® voltadas ao diabetes mellitus, no período de agosto de 2020 a janeiro de 2021, por meio de um formulário eletrônico, contendo variáveis sociodemográficas, condições de saúde e perfil de distanciamento social. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se o software IBM SPSS®, versão 24.0. Resultados: houve uma prevalência da comorbidade em mulheres (70,3%), na meia-idade (53,2%); diagnóstico há mais de seis anos (67,7%), sendo a dieta o tratamento mais utilizado (81,1%). A maioria não obteve diagnóstico de transtorno mental (79,3%). Sobre o isolamento social, houve aderência de 45,0% dos participantes. Conclusão: embora uma pequena proporção dos diabéticos tenha apresentado transtorno mental, a pandemia impactou negativamente suas vidas, por estarem mais susceptíveis a desenvolver formas graves do SARS-CoV-2.
A permanência em situação de rua - Um olhar fenomenológico para a relação pessoa-rua
Authors: Mendonça Giulia Natália Santos , Hochdorn Alexander , Albuquerque Romeu Sérgio Maia de
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: a presente pesquisa objetivou compreender as construções que se estabelecem na relação da pessoa que vive em situação de rua com esse contexto e que impactam na escolha pela permanência em tal situação. Metodologia: na pesquisa foi adotado um procedimento metodológico qualitativo. Foi utilizada a entrevista narrativa aberta para coleta de dados e o método fenomenológico de investigação para a análise articulada em três níveis: 1) Relações Familiares, 2) Acolhimento e 3) Viver na rua. Resultados: participaram da entrevista narrativa três pessoas do sexo masculino que têm entre 5 a 15 anos consecutivos de permanência e escolha pela situação de rua. Por meio das articulações teóricas e metodológicas aproximou-se de uma dimensão do que é construído na vivência pessoa-rua. O olhar encontrou a construção e a potencialidade, ultrapassando as representações limitadas à falta ou à ausência de vida. Considerou-se a escolha e autonomia da pessoa, a partir do sentido construído pelas mesmas. Conclusão: conclui-se que tal relação necessita ser compreendida a partir da interlocução não linear da clínica com o corpo social.
Balloon‐Expandable Stenting as a Bridging Therapy in Patients With Acute Stroke and Tandem Occlusions
Authors: Rodríguez‐Villatoro Noelia , Rodríguez‐Luna David , Muchada Marian , Pancorbo Olalla , Deck Matías , Lozano Prudencio , Boned Sandra , García‐Tornel Álvaro , Olivé Marta , Juega Jesús , Pagola Jorge , Rubiera Marta , Hernández David , Molina Carlos , Piñana Carlos , Rodriguez Isabel , De Dios Marta , Cuevas Jose Luis , Requena Manuel , Gramegna Laura Ludovica , Ribó Marc , Tomasello Alejandro
Published: June 2023

Background

Stenting extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) lesions in acute ischemic stroke with tandem lesions is technically challenging. Its safety is highly debated because of the requirement of dual‐antiplatelet therapy. The optimal stenting device, timing, and periprocedural antiplatelet therapy for extracranial ICA stenting in the setting of acute tandem occlusion are still unclear.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients with acute ischemic stroke attributable to tandem lesions who underwent endovascular treatment during a 5‐year period receiving either conventional self‐expanding carotid stents (SX) or balloon‐expandable carotid stent (BX). BX stents were restented with an SX in the subacute phase. Primary outcomes of interest were extracranial ICA patency at follow‐up and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Results

A total of 112 patients admitted from April 2016 to April 2021 were included. Dual‐antiplatelet therapy immediately following endovascular treatment was more frequently administered in the SX group (35/39 [89.7%]) compared with the BX group (20/73 [27.4%]) (
P
<0.001). Patients in the BX stent group (3/73 [4.1%]) developed a lower rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage compared with patients in the SX stent group (7/39 [17.9%]) (
P
=0.031). No differences in extracranial ICA high‐grade restenosis or reocclusion were found between groups at 24 hours after procedure (BX: 20/73 [27.4%]; SX: 9/39 [23.1%];
P
=0.673).

Conclusions

In patients with acute ischemic stroke and tandem occlusions, a bridging therapy including BX stents with less‐aggressive antiplatelet therapy and subsequent definitive SX stenting to treat extracranial ICA lesions resulted in a lower rate of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation and no differences in stent patency.
Endovascular Surgery Revascularization of Chronic Cervical Carotid Occlusions: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ortega‐Gutierrez Santiago , Galecio‐Castillo Milagros , Zevallos Cynthia B. , Rodriguez‐Calienes Aaron , Vivanco‐Suarez Juan , Weng Julie , Samaniego Edgar A. , Farooqui Mudassir , Derdeyn Colin
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion is an important cause of ischemic strokes. Medical management alone remains suboptimal for secondary prevention, and randomized controlled trials failed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of extracranial‐intracranial vascular bypass. Carotid occlusion endovascular surgery (COES) is a promising technique, yet its efficacy and safety remain unclear.

Methods

This systematic review and meta‐analysis included studies in which patients with chronic symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion underwent treatment with COES and medical management. Primary outcomes included successful reperfusion rates and periprocedural ischemic and hemorrhagic events rates. Secondary outcomes included rates of ischemic events recurrence, other periprocedural events, and mortality. Studies contained at least one of the treatment groups and outcomes of interest.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were selected for systematic review, with 18 of them for meta‐analysis. From 14 studies (N=561) the rate of successful recanalization was achieved in 74% of all patients undergoing COES. Thirteen studies (N=534) showed that the rate of COES was 2% both for periprocedural ischemic and hemorrhagic events. At long‐term follow‐up, the COES cohort included a total of 10 studies (N=311) and had a 12% rate of ischemic events, while the medical management group, which included 5 studies (N=313), showed a rate of 19%, with nonsignificant subgroup differences (
P
=0.09,
I
2
, 12%). Rates of other periprocedural mortality were 4% and 1%, respectively.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis supports the use of COES as a promising and innovative technique for the secondary prevention of symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion. Our findings suggest that COES may be superior to medical management alone, although further research is needed to fully evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Civil Rights or Civil Wrongs?
Authors: Azuwike Anthony Okechukwu
Published: June 2023

Although the Declaration of Independence stated that “[a]ll men are created equal,” due to the institution of slavery, this statement was not to be grounded in law in the U.S until after the Civil War. Often, American blacks looked to the courts to protect important social values and when the courts ruled in favor, there was always a backlash and resistance to judicial fiat. This paper makes a historical analysis of the South’s response to judicial social change. For instance, when Brown v. Board of Education of Tepeka was decided in 1954, school boards in portions of the country actively resisted the court mandated school integration. Thus, the paper argues that social change should be a gradual process and not a forced enterprise by the courts or indeed, any governmental structure since an assertive judiciary can spark a political and cultural backlash that may hurt, more than help, progressive values.
Unmooring Literary Multilingualism Studies
Authors: Gilmour Rachael
Published: June 2023

This article asks what it would mean for literary multilingualism studies to start by challenging dominant paradigms that govern conceptions of what “multilingualism” means, along lines suggested in applied linguistics in moves towards language practices of the Global South. It takes a cue from Alison Phipps’s call to decolonize multilingualism: turning away from fluency in “too many colonial languages” and towards more contingent ways of being in language, typified by the linguistic “unmooring” experienced by those who become refugees. It finds its model in the poetry of Yousif M. Qasmiyeh, born in Baddawi camp in Lebanon, as a means to reflect on multilingualism beginning from the space of the camp.
Translation and Validation of the German Personal Growth Initiative Scale – II
Authors: Weigold Arne , Weigold Ingrid K. , Ethridge Emily T. , Chong Yun Kai
Published: June 2023

Personal growth initiative (PGI) is an important predictor of well-being. In the current study, we translated the Personal Growth Initiative Scale–II (PGIS-II) into German and investigated its psychometric properties. Our sample consisted of 210 adults gathered from Germany’s Mechanical Turk. The German PGIS-II showed evidence of a bifactor structure, with the total score providing the best representation. Results also indicated measurement invariance through the partial scalar level with the English PGIS-II given to a sample of 854 college students in the United States. The PGIS-II’s scores were positively related to general self-efficacy, internal locus of control, and positive affect, as well as evidenced small relations with external locus of control, negative affect, stress, and social desirability. Together, the results showed evidence for the psychometric properties of the German PGIS-II and the potential importance of PGI in German samples.
Problems in the linkage among agricultural research, rural extension and farmers: An international literature review
Authors: Landini Fernando , Conti Santiago , Villalba Ana
Published: June 2023

The linkage among agricultural research, rural extension and farmers is key to promoting innovation and development processes. In general, works addressing problems in this linkage usually do so tangentially or from specific case studies. A systematic literature review of articles written in English, Spanish and Portuguese was conducted with the aim of identifying and organising the problems affecting the research-extension-farmer linkage. The identified problems were classified into central problems, and problems related to the institutional and management environments, the resources and staff, the epistemological-ideological structure organising the relationship, and attitudinal and subjective factors. The detected problems make up a complex causal network and cannot be addressed independently. Moreover, since they implicitly shape the interaction among research, extension and farmers, the problems related to formal and informal institutional structures, to the incentive systems and to the ways of understanding innovation have a strong incidence in the dynamics of the different linkages.
Spectral- and spatial-based multi-focus image fusion method towards multi-layer nonwovens
Authors: Zhu Mengqiu , Yu Lingjie , Sun Runjun , Ke Zhenxia , Zhou Youyong , Wang Shuai , Zhi Chao
Published: June 2023

In the microscopic imaging scenario where the object thickness exceeds the depth of field of the microscope, multi-focus image fusion (MFF) is an effective method to generate an all-in-focus image. However, for nonwoven fabric for which the captured image number is up to 100 or more, the existing methods often underperform in areas near the fiber edges, owing to image ghosting and noise accumulation caused by the platform moving. To address the above problem, this paper presents a method designed to fuse multi-layer micro-images based on the combination of spectral and spatial features of the images. Firstly, the spectral domain-based map is generated by decomposition and reconstruction of the high-frequency and low-frequency components of the images, aimed at obtaining the edge information. Simultaneously, the spatial domain-based fuse map is built through sharpness measurement, referring to visual perception. Finally, the two methods are combined via an optimized weight to obtain an all-in-focus fused image. Four groups of real-world data consisting of 100 multi-focus nonwoven images are utilized to verify the superiority of this method. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can obtain satisfactory performance in terms of both human visual evaluation and objective evaluation compared with the image fusion framework based on the convolutional neural network, MFF, region-based image fusion algorithm and convolutional neural network state-of-the-art fusion methods.
Book review: Sadan Jha, Devnath Pathak, and Amiya Kumar Das (Eds), Neighbourhoods in Urban India: In Between Home and the City
Authors: Sood Ashima
Published: June 2023

Sadan Jha, Devnath Pathak, and Amiya Kumar Das (Eds), Neighbourhoods in Urban India: In Between Home and the City, Academic India, 2021, 336 pp., ₹969, ISBN 9390252636 (Hardcover).
Introduction and Impact of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Education Package on the Knowledge and Confidence of Pharmacists
Authors: Karabatsos Victoria , Mantas Stav , Lord Louise
Published: June 2023

Background: Without specific pharmaceutical knowledge in specialist areas such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) management, pharmacists may lack the ability and confidence to provide optimal pharmaceutical care and optimization of outcomes. Objective: To develop a pharmacy-specific, foundational HIV education and assessment package, and assess impact on pharmacist knowledge and confidence. Methods: A foundational HIV education package with assessment was developed. Participants’ baseline knowledge and self-reported confidence in HIV management were determined via an anonymous online questionnaire. Only participants who completed the pre-education questionnaire were then provided access to the self-paced, online education package. Participants completed a second questionnaire after completion of the package at a time of their choosing, within 2 months of the first questionnaire completion. Both questionnaires were similar in knowledge difficulty and addressed similar clinical domains. Mean differences in knowledge and confidence levels were analyzed, with further subgroup analyses of knowledge categories. Results: A total of 57 pharmacists completed both questionnaires. HIV knowledge was higher post-education compared with pre-education (mean correct score of 83.7% and 56.5% respectively, P < .001). The mean self-rated confidence of pharmacists in managing medications of people living with HIV, was higher post-education (73.3%) compared with pre-education (33.9%) ( P < .001). Conclusion: The use of a pharmacy-specific, foundational HIV management education package significantly increased pharmacist knowledge in HIV management and improved self-reported confidence in the management of this specialty area. Future studies should assess the sustained impact of educational materials on pharmacist knowledge and confidence and investigate translation into improved outcomes for people living with HIV.
Caring Self-Efficacy of Personal Care Attendants From English-Speaking and Non-English-Speaking Countries Working in Australian Residential Aged Care Settings
Authors: Shrestha Sumina , Wells Yvonne , While Christine , Rahman Muhammad Aziz
Published: June 2023

Objectives: This study compared the caring self-efficacy between personal care attendants (PCAs) from English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries, controlling for potential sociodemographic and work-related covariates. PCAs’ perceptions of their caring self-efficacy were further explored. Methods: An independent samples t-test was used to determine the mean difference in the caring self-efficacy score between the two groups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to adjust for covariates. Thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses. Results: The results showed that caring self-efficacy was significantly influenced by whether participants primarily spoke English at home rather than where they were born. Younger age and everyday discrimination experiences were negatively associated with caring self-efficacy. Both groups perceived that inadequate resources and experiencing bullying and discrimination reduced their caring self-efficacy. Discussion: Access to organisational resources and training opportunities and addressing workplace bullying and discrimination against PCAs, particularly younger PCAs and those from non-English-speaking backgrounds, could improve their caring self-efficacy.
Clinical Characterisation of Caudal Traumatic Malocclusions and Treatment Outcomes in Cats (2018–2022)
Authors: Hamilton Martin F. A. , Hiscox Lorraine A.
Published: June 2023

Caudal malocclusions in cats may result in a variety of traumatic lesions affecting the soft tissues of the ipsilateral mandible such as fovea, gingival cleft, and proliferative lesions. Fifty-one cats diagnosed with a traumatic caudal malocclusion were compared with a control hospital population and evaluated for prevalence with respect to breed and sex. Twenty-two cats that were treated had radiographic, clinical findings, and the outcome of treatment (extraction or odontoplasty) recorded. Maine Coon, Persian, and male neutered cats were overrepresented while Domestic Shorthairs were underrepresented within the study population. Radiographically, 50% of the fovea lesions had an area of decreased bone density in the region of the lesion and none of these had evidence of periodontal disease. All gingival cleft lesions had radiographic changes consistent with periodontal disease. 15.4% of proliferative lesions presented with radiographic changes, with only half of those presenting with both radiographic and clinical evidence of periodontal disease. Eleven cats were treated by odontoplasty and eleven by extraction. One cat treated by odontoplasty developed new lesions caudally, and another had persistence of the initial lesions. Two cats in the extraction group developed new lesions rostral to the extracted teeth. In most instances, odontoplasty or extraction resulted in successful soft tissue lesion resolution. In rare cases, additional treatment was necessary due to either persistence or development of new lesions.
Development of iron-based composite materials through electromagnetic radiations in a domestic microwave oven
Authors: Pal Jatinder , Gupta Dheeraj , Singh Tejinder Paul
Published: June 2023

Microwave hybrid heating, a novel technique, is used to develop iron-based alloy (SS316), SS316+10EWAC1004 (nickel-based), and SS316+10EWAC1004+5Cr7C3 composite castings. The domestic microwave having a frequency of 2.45 × 103 MHz and a power of 0.9 kW, is used with a variable exposure time of microwave radiations. The microwave interaction procedure with the metallic powder is discussed to optimize the exposure time and temperature. A microstructure study of developed castings revealed the uniform melting of matrix and EWAC1004 with an identical dispersion of Cr7C3. The X-ray diffraction results revealed various intermetallic (Ni3Fe, Ni2Si, Cr2Ni3, MoNi4, Fe3Si, Fe2Si, CrFeNi) and hard carbides (Fe3C, Cr3C2, Cr23C6) phases. The maximum average micro-hardness is for the SS316+10EWAC1004+5Cr7C3 composite, followed by SS316+10EWAC1004. The established composite casting had a hardness of around 2 times that of the commercial SS316. The maximum density of 97% was found for Iron-based SS316-based. The grain size of microwave-processed SS316, SS316+10EWAC, and SS316+10EWAC +5Cr7C3 specimens is found to be 21 ± 4 µm, 18 ± 3 µm, and 17 ± 2 µm, respectively. It has been observed that reinforced phases hinder grain growth, and hence grain size reduces significantly. In comparison, commercial SS316 had a grain size of 31 ± 6 µm. The ASTM B-276 standard is used to determine pores that are of the order of 1.98%.
The influence of needle eccentric motion on injection and spray characteristics of a two-layered eight-hole diesel injector
Authors: Jin Tianyu , Wang Chuqiao , Moro Adams , Roell Andreas , Wu Xiwen , Luo Fuqiang
Published: June 2023

To meet the increasingly stringent emission regulations nowadays, the quality of injection and spray must be high. The eccentric displacement of an injector needle during injection influences fuel flow characteristics within the nozzle (in-nozzle) and the injection and spray characteristics from the nozzle holes. In this study, the effect of the needle (within a double-layered eight-hole nozzle) on in-nozzle flow, injection and spray was analyzed and characterized. The model was validated by comparing simulation and experimental results from each hole (hole-to-hole). The hole-to-hole internal flow characteristics, injection characteristics, and spray characteristics under various needle eccentricities and radial displacements (needle deflections) were also analyzed. From the results, different asymmetric fuel flow characteristics were noted. Nozzle holes close to the needle deflection formed spray jets with wider cone angles and shorter penetration whereas nozzle holes at the opposite side of the needle deflection, formed spray jets with relatively smaller cone angle and higher penetration. As the needle lift got closer to the maximum lift, the effect of the eccentricity on in-nozzle fuel flow decreased. The direction of the needle eccentricity (needle deflection) dictated the flow dynamics within the holes which then affected the type of cavitation. The holes closer to the needle developed string type cavitation due to the formation of vortex flow in the nozzle. The eccentric effect of the needle was felt more by the lower layer nozzle holes than the upper layer holes.
Practical hybrid model predictive control for electric pneumatic braking system with on-off solenoid valves
Authors: Zhao Jinhai , Wu Xiuheng , Song Zhenghe , Sun Liang , Wang Xiangyu
Published: June 2023

Accurate and rapid braking pressure regulation in electric pneumatic braking systems (EPBS) is vital to vehicle safety. Due to the switching behaviors of the on-off solenoid valves, the operation of the EPBS shows a hybrid nature with both continuous variables and discrete events, which raises the hybrid control problem. One of the possible solutions is to employ the hybrid model predictive controller with the mixed logical dynamical (MLD) model based on the linear approximation of the system dynamics. However, the nonlinearity and complexity of the EPBS make the MLD model obtained by linearizing the system equations directly require high storage and computing capacity. To address these issues, this article presents a practical hybrid model predictive controller based on the system dynamics simplified expressions considering the EPBS pressure variations caused by on-off solenoid valve states at the current sampling time and the last sampling time. The relationship between the pressure variations and the on-off solenoid valve states is first studied by the system mathematical model, followed by applying the mixed logic dynamical modeling approach to establish the hybrid model of the pressure continuous dynamics with discrete features of on-off solenoid valves. Based on these, a hybrid model predictive controller is formulated to solve the EPBS pressure control problem. The simulations and bench experiments are carried out to verify the controller. Besides, an existing model predictive control (MPC) controller is compared with the proposed controller. All the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the hybrid model predictive controller.
Éléments de transferts culturels franco-vietnamiens dans la revue Bách Khoa de Saigon
Authors: Pham Van Quang
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this article is to examine French literary and philosophical cultural transfers to South Vietnam through the journal Bách Khoa. This study is also part of a postcolonial perspective in that many forms of knowledge resulted from contact between France and Vietnam, a formerly colonized country ; these forms of knowledges are currently considered the intellectual heritage from the West It would thus be useful to take into account the process of imports and interpretations of Western knowledge to highlight the construction of the South Vietnamese intellectual field, which is based on an interweaving of different cultures in the aftermath of French decolonization. We will consider the journal Bách Khoa as a vector of literary and philosophical cultural transfers and the collaborating authors as mediators of French ideas in South Vietnam.
Responding to Disasters: Training Can Overcome Issues in Disaster Response
Authors: Rosen Mitchel , Weinstock Deborah , Rockafellow-Baldoni Megan , Freeman Kenda , Remington Jim
Published: June 2023

Training can assist in overcoming gaps in disaster response. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Worker Training Program (WTP) funds a network of nonprofit organizations, or grantees, that deliver peer-reviewed safety and health training curricula to workers across a variety of occupational sectors. Grantees’ experiences providing training for recovery workers after numerous disasters show the following issues need to be addressed to better protect the safety and health of recovery workers: (1) regulations and guidance documents not sufficient to protect workers; (2) protecting responders’ health and safety which is a core value; (3) improving communication between responders and communities to assist in decision-making and guiding safety and health planning; (4) partnerships critical for disaster response; and (5) greater attention to protecting communities disproportionately affected by disasters. This article provides insight into addressing these recurring issues and utilizes them as part of a continuous quality improvement process for disaster responders that may help to reduce responder injuries, illness, and death during future disasters.
Cost-effectiveness of FOLFOX6+Bevacizumab Versus FOLFOX6+Cetuximab in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Patients in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Jafari Abdosaleh , Tabatabaei Far Sedighe Sadat , Dehghani Mehdi , Ravangard Ramin
Published: June 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, with about one million cases diagnosed annually. Various treatment methods can be used to treat colorectal cancer, including chemotherapy with different drug regimens. Considering the need to opt for more effective and less expensive drugs in the treatment of this disease, the present study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of FOLFOX6+Bevacizumab with FOLFOX6+Cetuximab in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer referred to medical centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021.

Materials and Methods

Using a decision tree, the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of the 2 drug regimens were compared in all studied patients through the census method. Having a societal perspective, this study considered direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs. The effectiveness indicators included the rate of major response to the drug combination used and the Quality-adjusted Life Year (QALY). The data were analyzed using Treeage 2011 and Excel 2016 software. In order to ensure the robustness of the results, one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed as well.

Results

The results showed that the expected costs, the effectiveness (major response rate), and the QALYs of the FOLFOX6+Bevacizumab drug regimen were $16746.13(USD), .49, and .19, respectively, and those of the FOLFOX6+Cetuximab regimen were, respectively, $15191.05 (USD), .68, and .22. Therefore, FOLFOX6+Cetuximab compared to FOLFOX6+Bevacizumab was less costly and more effective and had a greater QALY, thus being considered as the dominant option. Also, the results of the sensitivity analyses showed that there was a bit of uncertainty.

Conclusion

Considering that the FOLFOX6+Cetuximab regimen was more cost-effective, it is suggested to be prioritized in preparing clinical guidelines for Iranian colorectal cancer patients. In addition, increasing the basic and supplementary insurance coverage for this drug combination as well as the use of remote technology to guide patients by oncologists can be solutions to reduce direct and indirect costs of the patients.
Survival Outcome and Prognostic Factors Among Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Le Dinh Cong , Nguyen Thang Minh , Nguyen Duong Hoang , Nguyen Dung Thi , Nguyen Lan Thi Mai
Published: June 2023

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cancer with very high incidence and mortality and low survival rate in Vietnam and worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the survival outcome and its prognostic factors among HCC patients.

Methods:

This is a retrospective descriptive study on patients newly diagnosed with HCC at Hanoi Oncology Hospital, Vietnam from January 2018 to December 2020. Overall survival (OS) was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test and Cox regression were used to investigate the association among patients’ OS and their diagnosis and treatment factors.

Results:

A total of 674 patients were included. The median OS was 10.0 months. The survival rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 57.3%, 46.6%, 34.8%, and 29.7%, respectively. The initial performance status (PS), Child-Pugh score, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage at the time of diagnosis are prognostic factors of HCC OS. A total of 451 (66.8%) patients have died, most of them (375 equally 83.1%) died at home, and only 76 (16.9%) died at hospital. Hepatocellular carcinoma patients living in the rural area more likely died at home than those living in the urban area (85.9% vs 74.8%, P = .007).

Conclusions:

Hepatocellular carcinoma has a poor prognosis with low OS. Performance status, Child-Pugh score, and BCLC stage were the independent prognostic factors for the survival outcome of HCC patients. The fact that most HCC patients died at home suggested that home-based hospice care needs to be paid special attention.
Feasibility of an observational procedure to enhance early identification of autism spectrum disorder in paediatric settings: A mixed-methods study on an Ecuadorian sample
Authors: Buffle Paulina , Armijos Cristina , Naranjo Alfredo , Gentaz Edouard
Published: June 2023

Identification procedures for autism spectrum disorders in paediatric settings include screening and routine clinical surveillance. Screening tools are perceived as challenging, and a preference for direct observation has been reported in Ecuadorian paediatric settings. Augmentative observational procedures could prompt the application of screening tools, increase professionals’ sense of self-efficacy and support referral decision-making. Following the recommendations that identification procedures should be tested in a group of children without autism from local populations, we tested a set of observational tasks on 125 children from 12 to 59 months of age in various socio-economic settings, in semi-experimental conditions and on a group of 33 non-autistic children in a paediatric-setting condition. Results indicated that the social referencing task did not produce the expected response in most children in semi-experimental conditions. Responses to the elicitation of a gesture were significantly influenced by socio-economic status and geographic area. Three other tested tasks (response to name, eye contact, response to joint attention) produced the expected responses in semi-experimental and clinical conditions, suggesting that they could be used in daily routines if fidelity to training is ensured. We discuss the implication of those findings in clinical practice and professional education in an Ecuadorian context.

Lay abstract

In Ecuador, the low official estimate of the number of persons with autism spectrum disorder suggest that many children are not identified and are not receiving support. Screening tools are short parent-addressed questionnaires used to identify children that may be developing with autism. Their use is recommended, but their application can be perceived as challenging in paediatric routines. Some professionals prefer looking for autism-related behaviours in a child rather than using screening questionnaires. Although a short observation does not replace the use of validated screening questionnaires, tasks to guide the observation of autistic early signs can help professionals decide to screen or refer the family for assessment and early intervention. In this study, we tested observational tasks that could be adapted to the Ecuadorian paediatric contexts.
The submerged prison state: Punishment, private interests, and the politics of public accountability
Authors: D Berk Christopher
Published: June 2023

Much of penal policy is “submerged,” in the sense that Suzanne Mettler uses the term. There are networks of rules and regulations that link public funds, services, and institutions to various private interests with far reaching consequences. These networks are largely a stealth presence in the lives of citizens and their subterranean status, I argue, warps the wider politics of punishment. Resources are circulated along this network in such a way revenue is generated for some, costs cut for others, all in the shadow of public law. To the extent that this kind of redistribution lacks citizens’ consent and approval, it also represents a potentially undemocratic development. Here, I show how the obscured visibility of these public–private connections distorts public attitudes about, and public support for, the US prison state. The final pages draw out the normative implications of that distortion.
The effects of segmentation design and drawing on video learning: A mediation analysis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xu Ke , Pan Yun , Pi Zhongling , Yang Jiumin
Published: June 2023

The current study investigated the effects of segmentation design and drawing on college students’ video learning. Participants were 158 college students randomly assigned to view either a segmented or continuous video lecture (video type: segmented vs continuous) and who either received instructed to draw while learning or no instructions at all (learning strategy: drawing vs passive viewing). Participants’ eye movements were recorded as they viewed the video, and data was collected regarding their learning satisfaction, cognitive load, both immediate and 7-day delayed learning outcomes, and their perceptions regarding the instructional efficiency of the lectures. The results showed that the drawing activity moderated the segmentation effect in that students did not benefit from the segmented video design when viewing passively, but did when required to draw while viewing. Furthermore, the positive effect of segmentation was mediated by drawing accuracy.
Innovation in strategic planning: Social innovation and co-production under a common analytical framework
Authors: Ostanel Elena
Published: June 2023

The article is aimed at discussing social innovation and co-production under a common analytical framework in order to contribute, without attempts of comprehensiveness, to the debate on how to indicate new opportunities to foster innovation in strategic planning. In the Paper co-production and social innovation are considered as mutual supporting elements in the creation of ‘trading zones’: spaces of strong interaction for mobilizing varied (and also conflicting) collective intelligence; middle ground spaces of confrontation able to institutionalize co-production and scale-up social innovation, in a long-term process that might transform how local institutions and strategic planning operate. Within this framework, the case study of Bologna in Italy is discussed, highlighting criticalities and opportunities in a city that has invested in specific planning mechanisms aimed at linking coproduction and social innovation within a common policy effort.
Strategies to deliver smoking cessation interventions during targeted lung health screening - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Williams Parris J , Philip Keir EJ , Alghamdi Saeed M , Perkins Alexis M , Buttery Sara C , Polkey Michael I , Laverty Anthony A , Hopkinson Nicholas S
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Lung cancer screening presents an important teachable moment to promote smoking cessation, but the most effective strategy to deliver support in this context remains to be established.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of smoking cessation interventions delivered during lung health screening, published prior to 20/07/2022 MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus databases. Two reviewers screened titles, and abstracts, four reviewed each full text using prespecified criteria, extracted relevant data, assessed risk of bias and confidence in findings using the GRADE criteria. The review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42021242431).

Results

10 randomised controlled trials and three observational studies with a control group were identified. Meta-analysis of nine RCTs demonstrated that smoking cessation interventions delivered during lung screening programmes increased quit rates compared to usual care (odds ratios: 2.01, 95%: 1.49–2.72 p < 0.001). Six RCTs using intensive (≥3 behavioural counselling sessions) interventions demonstrated greater quit rates compared to usual care (OR: 2.11, 95% CI 1.53–2.90, p < 0.001). A meta-analysis of two RCTs found intensive interventions were more effective than non-intensive (OR: 2.07, 95%CI 1.26–3.40 p = 0.004), Meta-analysis of two RCTs of non-intensive interventions (≤2 behavioural counselling sessions or limited to online information audio take home materials such as pamphlets) did not show a higher quit rate than usual care (OR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.39–2.08 p = 0.80).

Discussion

Moderate quality evidence supports smoking cessation interventions delivered within a lung screening setting compared to usual care, with high-quality evidence that more intensive interventions are likely to be most effective.
Flexible Total Ring Annuloplasty With Continuous Wrapping Suture Considering the Anatomy and Histology of the Tricuspid Valve
Authors: Kawase Takumi , Takahashi Yosuke , Sumii Yosuke , Nishiya Kenta , Inno Goki , Sakon Yoshito , Morisaki Akimasa , Shibata Toshihiko
Published: June 2023

Objective:

About half of tricuspid valves (TVs) have 2 posterior leaflets, and the fibrous tissue of the tricuspid annulus is poor. Considering the anatomy and histology of the TV, we devised a secure ring annuloplasty technique. We herein report the outcomes of our continuous wrapping suture annuloplasty technique using a flexible total ring.

Methods:

We used a Tailor™ ring (Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) as a full ring. The mark on the left side of the ring was fixed to the anteroseptal commissure, and the midpoint of the ring’s markers was fixed at the center of the septal leaflet annulus. Using a continuous suture, all stitches were passed around the annuloplasty ring without penetration. One suture from the anteroseptal commissure ran toward the left side and another from the midpoint of the septal leaflet annulus ran toward the right, leading to annuloplasty without TV deformation.

Results:

Eighty patients underwent TV repair with this technique. The tricuspid regurgitation (TR) score in all patients improved from 1.9 ± 0.7 to 0.8 ± 0.4 ( P < 0.001) at 3 years postoperatively. The TR score of TVs with 2 posterior leaflets also improved from 1.9 ± 0.7 to 0.6 ± 0.4 after the operation and was unchanged during follow-up. The median follow-up period was 1.3 (0.5 to 2.0) years, and no patients required TV reoperation. The 3-year survival rate was 93%, and the 3-year rate of freedom from pacemaker implantation was 95%.

Conclusions:

The continuous wrapping suture technique using a flexible total ring is a useful procedure without TV deformation even when 2 posterior leaflets are present.
Bailout technique for entangled stent retriever and carotid stent during tandem large vessel occlusion endovascular therapy
Authors: Malik Kunal , Nogueira Raul G , Doheim Mohamed F , Mohammaden Mahmoud , Rajani Ravi , Haussen Diogo C , Al-Bayati Alhamza R
Published: June 2023

Background and Importance

Endovascular thrombectomy for patients with tandem occlusions could be challenging. Exposure to potential technical complications and bailout rescue techniques are of utmost importance.

Clinical Presentation

A 73-year-old woman with tandem internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery lesions underwent an unsuccessful retrograde revascularization approach in the setting of tortuous anatomy. Antegrade approach revascularization was then pursued. Following cervical internal carotid artery revascularization, a triaxial system of aspiration catheter, microcatheter and micro guidewire was navigated through the stented curved cervical ICA and intracranial stent retriever pass was performed. Upon retrieving the clot-incorporated stent retriever with the intention to retrieve the entire stent retriever into the locally placed aspiration catheter, the triaxial system collapsed into the distal common carotid artery. Large thrombus was recovered from the aspiration catheter aspirate however the proximal end of stent retriever and distal internal carotid artery stent got tangled. After unsuccessful maneuvering to disentangle stent retriever from the internal carotid artery stent, we decided to attempt safe separation of the stent retriever from its pusher wire and leave behind the patent internal carotid artery stent/stent retriever metal construct in place. Gradual pulling pressure was applied to the stent retriever wire while maintaining distal exchange-length microwire access and fully inflated extracranial balloon over the entangled portion to ensure continuous vascular access. The stent retriever wire was then safely separated from the stent retriever and fully retracted outside the body. Delayed angiographic runs continued to demonstrate full patency of the internal carotid artery lumen. No residual dissection, spasm, or thrombus was noted.

Conclusion

This case illustrates a novel bailout endovascular salvage technique that could be considered in such cases. These techniques minimize intraoperative complication, focus on patient safety, and promote efficiency for endovascular thrombectomy in unfavorable anatomy.
Clear Aligner Orthodontics: What is the Evidence for their Efficacy?
Authors: Alkadhimi Aslam , Ahmed Farooq
Published: June 2023

Orthodontic treatment with the Invisalign® appliance (and other clear aligners) may be more aesthetically appealing to most adult patients when compared with conventional fixed appliances. When the first clear aligner systems were introduced into the market some 20 years ago, they were very basic in their mode of force delivery. In the last ten years, the Invisalign® system has undergone some remarkable changes and refinements in order to deliver more predictable treatment outcomes and allow for the treatment of more complex malocclusions. However, there remains an issue in terms of differences between the predicted and achieved tooth movements. Some tooth movements are more difficult to achieve than others. This article aims to examine the evidence of effectiveness and predictability of Invisalign® appliances for the correction of different tooth movements.
IgA pemphigus following COVID-19 vaccination: A case report
Authors: Lansang Rafael Paolo , Amdemichael Esiahas , Sajic Dusan
Published: June 2023

A patient presented with pruritic lesions on their back and leg after COVID-19 vaccination. Biopsy and direct immunofluorescence were consistent with IgA pemphigus—likely caused by the COVID-19 vaccine.