bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicologic Pathology Forum*: Opinion on Assessing and Communicating Adversity for Implantable Medical Devices
Authors: Wancket L. M. , Bolon B. , Funk K. A. , Schuh J. C. L.
Published: November 2024

Medical devices are a product class encompassing many materials and intended uses. While adversity determination is a key part of nonclinical safety assessments, relatively little has been published about the unique challenges encountered when determining adversity for implantable medical devices. The current paper uses the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP)’s “Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee Recommended (‘Best’) Practices for Determining, Communicating, and Using Adverse Effect Data from Nonclinical Studies,” which were crafted for conventional bio/pharmaceutical products (small and large molecules, cell and gene therapies, etc), as a framework for making adversity decisions for medical devices. Some best principles are directly translatable to medical devices: (1) adversity indicates harm to the animal; (2) effects should be assessed on their merits without speculation regarding future or unmeasured implications; (3) adversity decisions apply only to the test species under the specific conditions of the nonclinical study; and (4) adversity decisions and supporting evidence should be clearly stated in reports. However, unique considerations also apply for evaluating implanted medical devices, including testing of multiple articles in the same animal and the unavoidable tissue trauma during device implantation. This opinion piece offers suggestions for applying previously published STP best practice recommendations for assigning adversity to implantable medical devices.
Measuring the Effects of Power System Reform in Jiangsu Province, China from the Perspective of Social Cost Benefit Analysis
Authors: Li Tianyu , Gao Ciwei , Pollitt Michael G. , Chen Tao , Ming Hao
Published: November 2024

The paper uses a social cost benefit analysis (SCBA) approach to measure the effects of the power system reform starting from 2015 in Jiangsu province, China. We review the background of Jiangsu power system and summarize the implemented policies since the publication of “Document #9.” Then we pick the average industrial and commercial retail price and analyze the sources of price reductions. We show that the nominal industrial and commercial price fell by 21.3 percent between January 2012 and May 2021. We then analyze the likely overall welfare change facing industrial and commercial customers using SCBA and conclude that there is a permanent gain equivalent to 9.1% lower prices per year mainly because of the reform. This figure is a significantly more positive consumer gain than that calculated in previous SCBAs of electricity reform in other countries.

JEL Classification: L94, Q48
Bonevoyage: Navigating the depths of osteoporosis detection with a dual-core ensemble of cascaded ShuffleNet and neural networks
Authors: Srinivasan Dhamodharan , Kiran Ajmeera , Parameswari S. , Vellaichamy Jeevanantham
Published: November 2024

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) is a condition that significantly decreases bone density and strength, often remaining undetected until the occurrence of a fracture. Timely identification of OP is essential for preventing fractures, reducing morbidity, and enhancing the quality of life.

Objective

This study aims to improve the accuracy, speed, and reliability of early-stage osteoporosis detection by integrating the compact architecture of Cascaded ShuffleNet with the pattern recognition prowess of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs).

Methods

BoneVoyage leverages the efficiency of ShuffleNet and the analytical capabilities of ANNs to extract and analyze complex features from bone density scans. The framework was trained and validated on a comprehensive dataset containing thousands of bone density images, ensuring robustness across diverse cases.

Results

This model achieving an accuracy of 97.2%, with high sensitivity and specificity. These results significantly surpass those of existing OP detection methods, highlighting the effectiveness of the BoneVoyage framework in identifying subtle changes in bone density indicative of early-stage osteoporosis.

Conclusions

BoneVoyage represents a significant advancement in the early detection of osteoporosis, offering a reliable tool for healthcare providers to identify at-risk individuals prematurely. The early detection facilitated by BoneVoyage allows for the implementation of preventive measures and targeted treatments.
MRI classification and discrimination of spinal schwannoma and meningioma based on deep learning
Authors: Liu Yidan , Zhou Zhenhua , Wang Yuanjun
Published: November 2024

Backgroud:

Schwannoma (SCH) and meningiomas (MEN) are the two most common primary spinal cord tumors. Differentiating between them preoperatively remains a clinical challenge due to the substantial overlap in their clinical presentation and imaging characteristics.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to facilitate early diagnosis of patients and reduce clinician stress by constructing a deep learning-based classification model for automatic diagnosis of schwannoma and meningiomas using magnetic resonance images (MRI).

Methods:

We retrospectively collected MRI images of 74 patients with pathologically confirmed schwannoma and meningiomas from 2015 to 2020 at a local hosipital, and constructed a CNN model based on the PyTorch's deep learning framework for the discrimination between the two. First, a modified feature fusion CNN model (ResNet34-SKConv) was trained by introducing a selective convolutional kernel module into the original CNN model. The introduction of the selective convolutional kernel module enhances the network's focus on tumor features and effectively improves the network's performance. Finally, the trained model was used to process all the MRI image slices to achieve the classification of SCH and MEN patients by the voting prediction method.

Results:

Using the 5-fold cross-validation method, this new ResNet34-SKConv model achieves a classification accuracy of 92.32%, a specificity of 95.87%, and a F1-score of 93.54, respectively.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that a classification model using a deep learning network can be effective in achieving differential diagnosis of SCH and MEN. Thus, the new method has great potential for developing new computer-aided diagnosis and applications with future clinical practice.
A deep reinforcement learning based EMS for PHEV considering temperature equilibrium of battery modules
Authors: Zhou Jianhao , Zhang Yule , Wang Chunyan , Zhao Wanzhong
Published: November 2024

Prevalent energy management strategies (EMS) for Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) rooted in deep reinforcement learning (DRL) encounter challenges such as suboptimal control outcomes, overlooking the consideration of inconsistent battery performance due to prolonged usage in the agent’s reward function, ultimately leading to issues like module overheating and uneven temperature distribution. This study endeavors to tackle these obstacles and introduces a suite of innovative solutions. Firstly, this study has improved the traditional Twin Delay Deep Deterministic Policy Gradients (TD3) algorithm by introducing dual Q-networks and Softmax operators to develop a new algorithm named Softmax TD3 (S-TD3), offering improved optimization of fuel economy. Furthermore, a penalty term for elevated temperatures is incorporated into the reward function. This strategic adjustment restricts the agent’s action exploration space, curtailing the frequency of battery utilization under demanding discharge scenarios, contributing to a decrease in overall battery temperature, subsequently prolonging its lifespan. Lastly, a temperature-based logic controller is devised to facilitate the secondary allocation of battery module power, which adjusts power distribution strategies in response to real-time module temperatures, promoting temperature uniformity among modules. This holistic approach not only bolsters battery thermal safety but also holds promise in further operational cost reduction.
Filtering for uncertain periodic piecewise systems with dissipativity specifications
Authors: Liu Yun , Luo Yue , Wang Jie , Yang Wen
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the dissipative filtering problem of discrete-time uncertain periodic piecewise systems. Firstly, the sufficient conditions that can ensure the exponential stability and (Q, S, R) dissipative performance of periodic piecewise systems are derived by constructing the Lyapunov function with periodic parameters. To design the optimal parameters of the filter, we resort to an effective technique - the slack matrix - for transforming these results into the semi-definite programing problem (SDP) that is tractable in the YALMIP toolbox. Finally, numerical examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the obtained results.
How Malaysian Adolescents Navigate Sexual Health Information on the Internet
Authors: Low June , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Toyama Mayumi , Fisher Christopher M. , Low Wah Yun , Nakayama Takeo
Published: November 2024

Significant sociocultural barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information influence what is acceptable to discuss and learn within the Malaysian community. To address gaps in their knowledge, adolescents routinely turn to the Internet. This study identified the ways they navigate SRH information found online. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 17 Malaysian adolescents. The data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Participants navigate SRH information using intuitive strategies, known locally as pandai-pandai. This important cultural concept involves balancing between adherence to social norms and resourcefulness in problem-solving. Pandai-pandai strategies were observed in three domains: (1) navigating SRH sources, (2) evaluating and verifying SRH information, and (3) processing SRH information. Malaysian adolescents’ strategies for evaluating SRH information extend beyond traditional critical evaluation models and are driven by emotional, social, and cultural criteria, requiring a reconsideration of what constitutes critical evaluation in this context.
Evaluative attitude in action: Using the Learn Evaluation Assessment Portal in graduate education
Authors: Gullickson Amy M , Tanabe Shin , Davis Erin R , Howard Jane L , Gonzalez Sarah
Published: November 2024

Evaluation students need a sense of how the expertise they bring and the knowledge and skills they are learning relate to the tasks of evaluation and to their own ongoing professional development. Within the Master of Evaluation and the Graduate Certificate in Evaluation at The University of Melbourne’s Assessment and Evaluation Research Centre (formerly the Centre for Program Evaluation), students use an evaluator competencies self-assessment to inform their coursework and practice across three subjects. In this paper, the authors – the coordinator of the subjects and several students – share practices and examples of how the self-assessment added value for their learning. Discussion of the logistics, ethical requirements, and appropriate use given the limitations of self-assessments provide ideas for integrating self-assessment into the design and delivery evaluation capacity building or formal courses to increase ownership of learning for adults who want to expand their evaluation expertise.
Learning to Balance the Performance and Deterioration of Aging Systems Through Derating
Authors: Wang Jue
Published: November 2024

A common strategy of extending the lifetime of an aging system is to reduce its workload below the normal operating level, a practice known as derating. While derating can slow the deterioration process, it often comes at the expense of reduced performance. Thus, derating involves a trade-off between performance and deterioration. Central to the optimal derating strategy is the relationship between deterioration and workload, also referred to as the pd-relationship. In practice, however, this relationship is rarely known a priori. We consider the workload optimization when the pd-relationship can be adaptively learned through sequential experimentation, or active learning. We show that the workload not only influences the performance and deterioration but also controls the speed of learning. The decision-maker must therefore account for the complex interplay between performance, deterioration, and information in real time. We formulate this problem as a partially observable Markov decision process and characterize the optimal policy. A key structural insight is that the optimal workload is always less than the myopic load. We further propose an efficient algorithm based on the fast Gauss transform to compute the optimal policies. The model is validated with vibration data and the performance of the optimal policy is compared against several heuristic policies.
Broadening the application of angle-time cyclostationary analysis in bearing fault diagnosis using precise speed reconstruction
Authors: Su Yufeng , Sun Ruo-Bin , Chen Hui , Zhang Hang , Chen Xuefeng
Published: November 2024

Angle-time cyclostationary (AT-CS) analysis has developed into the most powerful analytical tool for studying vibration signals of rotating machinery under variable operating conditions. However, due to limitations in the accuracy of traditional rotational speed estimation algorithms, the effectiveness of AT-CS analysis may be compromised in the absence of robust keyphasor signal. To address this challenge, a novel rotational speed signal estimation method based on “double estimation” strategy is proposed to expand the application scenarios of AT-CS. This methodology entails an initial estimation of the rough speed through time-frequency analysis, followed by refinement using phase demodulation techniques. Additionally, the Vold–Kalman order tracking method is employed to isolate the single frequency signal component essential for phase demodulation techniques. In situations where the spectrum is complex and the speed fluctuates violently, this method can still accurately obtain the speed signal, achieving similar effects to the rotational velocity transducer. The complex speed curve experiment and turbine pump bearing experiment with severe speed fluctuation are carried out to verify the algorithm.
Experience and analysis of scalable high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics on modular supercomputing architectures
Authors: Karp Martin , Suarez Estela , Meinke Jan H , Andersson Måns I , Schlatter Philipp , Markidis Stefano , Jansson Niclas
Published: November 2024

The never-ending computational demand from simulations of turbulence makes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) a prime application use case for current and future exascale systems. High-order finite element methods, such as the spectral element method, have been gaining traction as they offer high performance on both multicore CPUs and modern GPU-based accelerators. In this work, we assess how high-fidelity CFD using the spectral element method can exploit the modular supercomputing architecture at scale through domain partitioning, where the computational domain is split between a Booster module powered by GPUs and a Cluster module with conventional CPU nodes. We investigate several different flow cases and computer systems based on the Modular Supercomputing Architecture (MSA). We observe that for our simulations, the communication overhead and load balancing issues incurred by incorporating different computing architectures are seldom worthwhile, especially when I/O is also considered, but when the simulation at hand requires more than the combined global memory on the GPUs, utilizing additional CPUs to increase the available memory can be fruitful. We support our results with a simple performance model to assess when running across modules might be beneficial. As MSA is becoming more widespread and efforts to increase system utilization are growing more important our results give insight into when and how a monolithic application can utilize and spread out to more than one module and obtain a faster time to solution.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Review of the Biologic and Small Molecule Immunomodulatory Treatments
Authors: Chiang Nicholas , Alhusayen Raed
Published: November 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that presents as painful, deep-seated nodules, sinus tracts, and abscesses in about 1% of the population. Although the pathogenesis of HS is not perfectly understood, it is generally recognized to be caused by a combination of genetic, endocrine, environmental, and microbiological factors. The treatment principles of HS focus on decreasing the microbial load with antibiotics and/or modulating the host immune response to reduce inflammation. The treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe HS has significantly changed recently with the development of new biological medications and immunomodulators. While previously the mainstay of treatment of moderate-to-severe HS was adalimumab, a biologic tumour necrosis factor α inhibitor, the evidence for the use of other treatment classes such as interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors, IL-1 inhibitors, and Janus kinase inhibitors has been growing. The goal of this review article is to review the available evidence that supports the efficacy and safety of biologics and small molecule immunomodulator treatments to treat adults with moderate-to-severe HS.
Gender Differences in Online Harassment Perpetration among University Students in Korea: Impact of Patriarchal Family and Moderators
Authors: Lee Seong-Sik , Jung Sohee
Published: November 2024

The influence of the patriarchal family environment on deviance has been limited to offline harassment perpetration. This study examines its impact on online harassment perpetration, incorporating moderating effects of differential association with peers engaging in online harassment and low self-control. Students attending universities in Seoul, South Korea, were surveyed about online harassment perpetration via smartphones. The OLS regression analysis of a sample of 301 students reveals that the patriarchal family environment is significantly associated with online harassment perpetration, with a notably more pronounced effect among men. Additionally, peer association showed enhancing effects, but this was significant only among women.
Investigation of mass and heat transport in bi-directional stretched flow of Sisko fluid with variable magnetic field and radiation effects via OHAM
Authors: Sohail Muhammad , Abbas Syed Tehseen , Abodayeh Kamaleldin
Published: November 2024

The present work investigates mass and heat transport in non-Newtonian Sisko fluid past a three-dimensional bi-directional stretched heated surface with MHD effect, heat radiation, Joule warming, variable thermic conductivity, and temperature-dependent diffusivity. Comprehension the intricate relationships amongst mass and heat transfer in Sisko fluid across various magnetic field and radiation conditions requires an understanding of this model. It offers information on how to best optimize industrial operations where controlling fluid behavior and thermal characteristics is crucial, such as cooling systems and polymer extrusion. The difficulty is derived from resembling coupled nonlinear PDEs by engaging boundary layer theory and transforming them into systems of ODEs by applying suitable similarity transformations. The nonlinear converted ODEs have been solved using OHAT (optimal homotopy analysis technique) and the results are presented via graphs and tables. The performed analysis shows that escalating values of fluid parameter shows shear-thinning behavior and as a result fluid velocity upsurges. It is observed through findings that the velocity spectrum strengthens along the x-axis and y-axis concerning the Sisko fluid factor [Formula: see text]. The thermal appearance exhibits improved behavior with higher thermal conductivity [Formula: see text] levels. Moreover, the thermal profile indicates enhanced behavior given the enrichment in Eckert number [Formula: see text] and Radiation factor [Formula: see text]. Previous research indicates that no comprehensive studies have been carried out to examine mass, heat transfer with changing thermal conductivity, diffusive coefficient variation, radiation warmth, and Joule heating for the two-way extended transport of the Sisko nanofluid. This study fills up that void.
When Student Translators Meet With Machine Translation: The Impacts of Machine Translation Quality and Perceived Self-Efficacy on Post-Editing Performance
Authors: Peng Xinyang , Wang Xiangling , Li Xiaoye
Published: November 2024

Machine translation post-editing (MTPE) is a process where humans and machines meet. While previous researchers have adopted psychological and cognitive approaches to explore the factors affecting MTPE performance, little research has been carried out to simultaneously investigate the post-editors’ cognitive traits and the post-editing task properties. This paper addresses this gap by focusing on perceived post-editing self-efficacy (PESE) as a key cognitive trait. By adopting mixed methods of keylogging, screen-recording, and subjective rating, this paper attempts to empirically assess the effects of student translators’ PESE and machine translation (MT) quality on their cognitive effort and post-edited quality. Data were obtained from 106 Chinese student translators concerning cognitive effort (indicated by processing time per word, pause density, pause duration per word, and perceived cognitive effort) of post-editing tasks and the post-edited quality (indicated by average accuracy score and average fluency score). Results show that MT quality significantly influences both the process and product within a PE task. PESE has effects on participants’ perceived cognitive effort and post-edited quality, but not on actual cognitive effort. No significant interaction effect of MT quality and PESE on PE performance was observed.
Exploring Social Media Information Seeking During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Inform Science and Health Communication During a Crisis
Authors: Masambuka-Kanchewa Fallys , Lamm Alexa J. , Oyugi Millicent Akinyi
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns increased access to specific social media usage, underscoring the importance of health science communicators sharing accurate information on popular platforms. This study aimed to investigate social media information-seeking behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak when states were under lockdown orders. The study described respondents’ perceptions of COVID-19 information on social media, types of social media platforms used, people respondents connected with, and the relationship between social media use and the groups respondents connected with. An online survey was administered to 1,048 respondents in the United States via Qualtrics using non-probability opt-in sampling to capture information-seeking behaviors using researcher-adapted scales. The information could help determine the potential of leveraging online social networks to communicate credible health science messages. The results showed that over 70% of the respondents felt overwhelmed while searching for COVID-19 information, had difficulty accessing or interpreting additional information, and sometimes avoided news about COVID-19. Also, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were the most popular social media platforms for COVID-19 information. Notably, Facebook was the most widely used platform during lockdowns. Meanwhile, respondents primarily used Facebook to connect with friends and family during the pandemic, and those with more social networks accessed social media platforms more frequently. The findings emphasize the crucial role of Facebook in sharing trustworthy information during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also underscore the need for strategies to help individuals navigate the overwhelming volume of information, including misinformation on social media platforms, especially in times of crisis.
Characteristics of Dynamic Assessments of Word Reading Skills and Their Implications for Validity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wood Emily , Biggs Kereisha , Molnar Monika
Published: November 2024

Dynamic assessments (DAs) of word reading skills demonstrate strong criterion reference validity with word reading measures (WRMs). However, DAs vary in the skills they assess, their format and administration method, and the type of words and symbols used in test items. These characteristics may have implications on assessment validity. To compare validity of DAs of word reading skills on these factors of interest, a systematic review of five databases and the gray literature was conducted. We identified 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria of evaluating participants aged 4 to 10, using a DA of word reading skills and reporting a Pearson’s correlation coefficient as an effect size. A random effects meta-analysis with robust variance estimation and subgroup analyses by DA characteristics was conducted. There were no significant differences in mean effect size based on administration method (computer vs. in-person) or symbol type (familiar vs. novel). However, DAs that evaluate phonological awareness or decoding (vs. sound-symbol knowledge), those that use a graduated prompt format (vs. test-teach-retest), and DAs that use nonwords (vs. real words) demonstrated significantly stronger correlations with WRMs. These results inform selection of DAs in clinical and research settings, and development of novel, valid DAs of word reading skills.
Family Background, Schooling, and Academic Achievement: Taiwan as an Illustrative Case
Authors: Tsou Tzung-Ruei
Published: November 2024

The importance of family background in determining a student’s academic achievement has long been acknowledged by researchers. Nonetheless, the effect of schooling on this relationship has also been widely investigated. Some studies have shown that family background plays a far stronger role while the effect of schooling is minimal; others have found that schooling has much to do in either reinforcing or mitigating the effect of family background. Through analyzing the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) 2018 dataset for Taiwan, the present study explores the moderating effect of schooling on the relationship between family background and academic achievement. To understand the effect of schooling on the relationship between family background and academic achievement, the present study employs two-level hierarchical linear modeling to take into account the fact that in the PISA 2018 dataset, students are nested within classes, and classes are nested within schools. The results indicate that after taking into account school-level factors and their interaction with family background, the effect of family background on academic achievement diminishes significantly. Among the school-level factors examined in this study, the SES composition of the student body of a school appears to be the most significant predictor of academic achievement. Residence-based admissions and perceived teacher interest in students seem to play a role as well.
Barriers and Facilitators to COVID-19 Return to School
Authors: McElhinny Megan L. , Allison-Burbank Joshuaa , Edwards Abagail , Archuleta Shannon , Sneddy Elisha , Tang Mariel , Dedman-Cisco Kyann , Mitchell Kristin , Pablo Elliot , Chambers Rachel A. , Haroz Emily E.
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to understand facilitators and barriers to returning to in-person learning for youth, caregivers, and school staff from three communities in the Navajo Nation and the White Mountain Apache Tribe following the 2020 COVID-19-driven school closures. A safe and rapid return to school through effective and acceptable COVID-19 mitigation strategies was vital for students’ social and scholastic development and the resilience of staff and families. We interviewed school staff ( n = 36), caregivers of youth ages 4 to 16 ( n = 28), and youth ages 11 to 16 ( n = 25 from the four communities regarding COVID-19 safety measures, school reopening, and return to in-person learning. Interviews were done by research staff from the same communities and guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). A team of local research staff with faculty support from afar, coded interview transcripts using codes based on the TDF and through consensus development of additional emergent codes. Participants found regular COVID-19 testing a suitable alternative to contact tracing and social distancing. While, participants generally acknowledged the safety of testing and vaccinations, they also emphasized the importance of self-determination in adopting these strategies. Protection of family and community were strong motivators for adherence to COVID-19-related safety protocols including engagement in testing or vaccination. All participants were generally motivated to return to in-person learning as virtual learning led to challenges with curricular retention, the provision of academic and non-academic supports, and maintaining social engagement. Virtual learning had effects on caregivers and staff as they took on additional roles amidst virtual learning and pandemic-related demands. Findings from this study are relevant to future pandemic planning and while the findings in the study are highly contextualized, the findings may generalize to other NA communities or other groups who have faced historical maltreatment and ongoing injustices. Maintaining in-person learning is a high priority for stakeholders, and study participants were motivated to participate in additional COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies to return while also protecting more vulnerable people in the community. In many Native American communities, future planning should account for the importance of keeping schools open, while motivating stakeholders to adopt mitigation strategies by emphasizing the greater collective good.
What is the Poverty Development Impact of Emigration on the Localities of Origin in an Eastern European Society?
Authors: Sandu Dumitru
Published: November 2024

In the literature on emigration, the challenges of integration at the destination are largely discussed. How do those who become immigrants change or not and what is the impact of their inclusion in the arrival communities? It is less discussed what happens in the communities of emigration, in the country of origin. For the communities from which emigrants have gone abroad, research has been done especially on the causes of emigration. The consequences of emigration were seen especially at the level of the families leaving, on the children and elderly left behind. Community consequences as a result of emigration, are either neglected, treated through case studies or approached piecemeal, with a focus on ageing, etc. But what if we are interested in all the communities of origin, comparing those with many, few or no emigrants? This last question and its approach are of major interest in this article. The four hypotheses of the research relate the intensity of emigration from the locality and the option of emigration destinations (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Great Britain) with different facets of development processes in the communities of origin, about seven years after emigration. The facets are given by the intensity of polarised poverty-development phenomena and their components (state of health, material capital in the community and socio-human capital). A whole series of phenomena are estimated and introduced into the analysis to contextualise the relations between emigration and poverty-development levels of origin communities (previous development, urban accessibility, residence environment, community involvement in temporary internal emigration processes, etc.). What is the impact of emigration on the well-being or levels of poverty development in origin communities? The answers and the statistical validations, to this question are, in my intentions, the original contribution of this article.
Digital Coaching to Address Health, Wellness, and Burnout Among Healthcare Workers: Pilot Study Results
Authors: L’Engle Kelly , Trejo Evelin , Coutinho Anastasia J.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Healthcare worker (HCW) well-being is essential for safe, high-quality patient care, but clinicians and front-line staff continue to experience alarming rates of burnout. This pilot study evaluated a novel 6-week program of remote wellness coaching supported by daily digital messaging to reduce burnout and increase well-being among HCWs.

Methods:

In spring 2023, staff from a large community health center in California were invited to participate in this single-group pretest–posttest study in an academic-practice partnership. Thirty-four participants who were mostly female (91%), Latina (77%), 36 years old on average (range = 20–61), and represented all major job categories provided informed consent and completed the baseline survey. Of these, 17 completed 6 weekly 20-minute coaching sessions; received daily messages about stress management, self-care, workplace well-being, social connections, and lifestyle and health behaviors, and completed follow-up data collection. The Wilcoxon matched pair signed-rank tests assessed changes from baseline to 2-months follow-up.

Results:

Self-reported burnout decreased from 59% at baseline to 35% at follow-up. Work exhaustion ( p < .05), stress ( p < .05) and sleep problems ( p < .01) reduced significantly, and wellness practices ( p < .05), moderate physical activity ( p < .01), and healthy daily eating ( p < .05) improved.

Conclusions/Applications to Practice:

Our pilot study suggests that a brief digital wellness program may address burnout and increase health and well-being among front-line staff and clinicians. Healthcare settings should consider this type of program for their workers, especially given the added burden of COVID-19 on the healthcare system.
Primary Gastric Atypical Burkitt Lymphoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Zheng Jing , Wasifuddin Mustafa , Wu Richard , Cheema Akhtar , Aroshidze Beka , Avezbakiyev Boris , Wang Jen C.
Published: November 2024

The abdomen, particularly the ileocecal region, is the most commonly affected disease site in sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Involvement of the stomach is very rare. Primary gastric atypical Burkitt lymphoma has not been described in the literature, to the best of our knowledge. In this case report, we discuss a patient with atypical Burkitt lymphoma involving the stomach. The immunohistochemical stains showed positive results for CD20, PAX5, BCL6, CD10, and high ki-67. The fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test revealed a positive result for c-MYC gene rearrangement, but there was no evidence of the typical translocation associated with Burkitt lymphoma involving the IgH, kappa, or lambda genes.
“We’re Expected to Be Homogenous”: Contesting Latinidad and the Myth of Panethnic Inclusion
Authors: Zabala Ortiz Pamela
Published: November 2024

The construction of Latines as a racially homogenous group in the U.S. obscures the various contestations and negotiations that differently racialized Latines undergo as a result of the racial dynamics in place within Latinidad. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Latine students at Overton University, I show the kinds of ethnoracial contestations that occur among Latines as they negotiate what it means to take on that panethnic identity. I find that Latines construct Latine ethnoracial legitimacy around notions of racial “Brownness” and cultural “Mexicanness,” and argue that these constructions, which are rooted in anti-Blackness, lead to the exclusion of those on the racial margins of Latinidad. I also argue that the existence of these dynamics in settings that are meant to foster inclusivity and community building demonstrates the limitations of framing Latines as a panethnic and racially homogenous group and highlights the need to understand the hierarchies in place among Latines in the U.S.
A Qualitative Evaluation of The Little Things Training for Diverse Background PCAs in Aged Care
Authors: Wells Yvonne , Haines Simon , Mackey Phillipa Jane , Solly Kane , Hampton Ilsa
Published: November 2024

Most direct residential aged care is provided by personal care assistants (PCAs), with western societies increasingly relying on culturally diverse aged care workers. In Australia and internationally, studies have reported that the level of training in both instrumental and relational care for PCAs is insufficient and inconsistent. This study evaluated the impact of The Little Things training program, designed for culturally diverse PCAs and students training to become PCAs. A modified Most Significant Change process, comprising a group-based qualitative analysis of narratives, was used to gain a rich understanding of the impacts and outcomes of the training. Narratives supplied by 29 PCAs and students were reviewed with aged care and training organization managers, who identified six themes: Increased confidence; Taking time; Building rapport and collaboration; Awareness of new skills; Seeing the whole person; and Positive impact on the resident. These themes reflected two key aims of The Little Things training: improving PCAs’ communication with residents and increasing PCAs’ confidence in communicating with residents. The study findings showed that The Little Things training program can improve the confidence of PCAs to communicate with aged care residents and may improve their capacity to form relationships.
Orthostatic blood pressure reactions and resting heart rate in relation to lung function - the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS)
Authors: Casselbrant Andreas , Zambach Christian , Fedorowski Artur , Engström Gunnar , Wollmer Per , Hamrefors Viktor
Published: November 2024

Background

There is a well-known comorbidity between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) which is only partially explained by common risk factors. Markers of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CVAD), such as orthostatic hypotension and increased resting heart rate, are strongly associated with CAD. The autonomic nervous system also innervates the airways, and several studies have shown an association between autonomic dysfunction and COPD. However, less is known about whether CVAD and impairment of respiratory capacity are related in the population. We thus aimed to assess the relationship between markers of subtle CVAD and lung function in middle-aged subjects.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we analysed data from CVAD assessment (orthostatic blood pressure and heart rate measurements) and pulmonary function tests from 5886 individuals from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). Subjects were middle aged and randomly selected from the Swedish population. Linear regression models and ANOVA analyses were used to relate orthostatic blood pressure and resting heart rate to lung function parameters (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC-ratio, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R5), respiratory resistance at 20 Hz (R20), decrease in resistance from R5 to R20 (R5-R20), reactance in distal airways (X5), resonant frequency (Fres) and reactance area (AX)).

Results

Increasing systolic orthostatic blood pressure, decreasing diastolic orthostatic blood pressure, and increased resting heart rate associated with lower FVC (all p < 0.001) and FEV1 (p = 0.001; p = 0.005; p < 0.001, respectively) in models including age, sex and height. Apart from diastolic orthostatic blood pressure and FEV1, all relationships remained significant after adjustment for possible confounders. Increased resting heart rate was associated with reduced DLCO (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Increasing systolic orthostatic blood pressure, decreasing diastolic orthostatic blood pressure, and increased resting heart rate are associated with lower lung function, after adjustments for age, sex and height. These finding indicates associations between signs of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and lower lung function in the general population. However, the observed differences in lung function were small and the clinical application is unclear.
Control of hyperhydricity of Pistacia khinjuk stocks in vitro shoots
Authors: Ersali Yusuf
Published: November 2024

Hyperhydricity is the most extensive physiological disorder during in vitro propagation. This disturbance can induce anatomical, morphological and physiological problems that cause serious damage. The factors that cause hyperhydricity are the composition of nutrient media and cultures conditions. To reduce the hyperhydricity of Pistacia khinjuk, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), calcium chloride (CaCl2·2H2O), cytokinins of meta-topolin (mT) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at different concentrations were investigated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. The lowest percentage of hyperhydricity (34.30%) were obtained from the medium containing 1650 mg/L NH4NO3, 110 mg/L CaCl2·2H2O and1 mg/L mT; the highest percentage of hyperhydricity (68.42%) were obtained from the medium containing 206.25 mg/L NH4NO3, 440 mg/L CaCl2·2H2O and 0.5 mg/L BAP. The maximum average number of shoots per explant (2.45), average shoots length (18.47 mm) and proliferation rate (85%) were obtained from the medium containing 1650 mg/L NH4NO3, 110 mg/L CaCl2·2H2O of MS and 1 mg/L mT. In addition, when soluble protein (2.12 mg/g) and total chlorophyll a, b (0.96 mg/g) value of normal (non-hyperhydric) shoots were higher than hyperhydric shoots, carotenoid (11.75 µg /g) and water content (78.70%) value of normal shoots were lower than hyperhydric shoots. This study concludes that the hyperhydricity percentage of in vitro P. khinjuk shoots was reduced (12.8%) on modified MS medium with NH4NO3, CaCl2·2H2O and mT according to standard MS medium.
A novel blended and interprofessional approach to pediatric emergency training: self-assessment, perception, and perceived long-term effects
Authors: Lehmann Ronny , Klinke Petrowsky Michaela , Seitz Anke , Meyburg Jochen , Eppich Walter , Hoffmann Georg F. , Tönshoff Burkhard , Huwendiek Sören
Published: November 2024

Background

We developed a blended training program at a tertiary pediatric center based on hospital-specific emergency guidelines, profession-specific Virtual Patients (VPs), and interprofessional team training. Using this novel approach, we addressed differing educational needs of medical and nursing staff and intrinsic cognitive overload among participants, aiming for harmonization of in-house emergency proceedings.

Methods

Self-assessments of pediatric emergency knowledge and skills were conducted before (T1) and after (T2) preparation using VPs, as well as after the team training day (T3). At T3, participants completed questionnaires on the training approach, its components, and learning impact. Ten months after the training, a follow-up survey (T4) queried perceived benefits within and beyond emergency situations.

Results

A total of 56 medical staff and 56 nursing staff members participated in the pilot phase. Of these, N = 55 (98%) and N = 48 (85%), respectively, returned self-assessments; questionnaires were completed by N = 55 (98%) and N = 51 (91%), respectively. In both groups, 57 participants (50.9%) completed the follow-up survey. After team training (T3), both groups had statistically significant increased knowledge and skill scores compared with those at T1. Regarding the blended approach and its components, medical and nursing staff alike rated the entire course and its guidelines, the preparatory VPs, and the team training very highly. Participants felt being better prepared for pediatric emergencies. Perceived strengths of the training approach were in the triangulation of teaching methods and its interprofessionalism. More training scenarios were requested, as well as recurrent training. In the follow-up, participants reported improved confidence and calmness, as well as improved communication and collaboration when involved in an emergency. Beyond emergencies, benefits were reported in daily routines.

Conclusions

Our blended approach was perceived as being effective in improving preparedness among medical and nursing house staff. This approach permits customization of content and deliberate practice to improve pediatric critical care.
Perception, concerns, and practice of ChatGPT among Egyptian pharmacists: a cross-sectional study in Egypt
Authors: Taha Taha Abd-ElSalam Ashraf , Abdel-Qader Derar H. , Alamiry Kareem R. , Fadl Zeyad A. , Alrawi Aya , Abdelsattar Nada K.
Published: November 2024

Background

The emergence of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT attracted significant attention for their potential to revolutionize pharmacy practice. While artificial intelligence (AI) offers promising benefits, its integration also presents unique challenges.

Objectives

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the current Egyptian pharmacists’ perceptions, practices, and concerns regarding ChatGPT in pharmacy practice.

Methods

The study questionnaire was shared with pharmacists during March and April 2024. We included pharmacists licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. We adapted a convenient sampling technique by sending the research questionnaire via emails, student networks, social media (Facebook and WhatsApp), and student organizations. Any pharmacist interested in participating followed a link to review the study description and was asked to provide electronic consent before continuing with the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing Chi-square tests for categorical variables and Spearman’s correlation for continuous variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The study sample size included 428 pharmacists from the main economic regions of Egypt. The results revealed a strong recognition (73.6%) among participants of ChatGPT’s anticipated benefits within pharmacy practice. Around two-thirds of the participants (65.9%) expressed disagreement or neutrality regarding the application of ChatGPT for analyzing patients’ medical inputs and providing individualized medical advice. Regarding factors affecting perception, we found that the region is the only factor that significantly contributed to the level of perception among pharmacists (P = 0.011) with Greater cairo region showing the highest perception level. We found that 73.6% of participants who have heard about ChatGPT reported high levels of concern. One-third of participants never use ChatGPT in their pharmacy work, and 20% rarely use it. Using Spearman’s correlation test, there was no significant correlation between anticipated advantages, concerns and practice level (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study reveals a generally positive perception of ChatGPT’s potential benefits among Egyptian pharmacists, despite existing concerns regarding accuracy, data privacy, and bias. Notably, no significant associations were found between demographic factors and pharmacists’ perceptions, practices, or concerns. This underscores the need for comprehensive educational initiatives to promote informed and responsible ChatGPT utilization within pharmacy practice. Future research should explore the development and implementation of tailored training programs and guidelines to ensure the safe and effective integration of ChatGPT into pharmacy workflows for optimal patient care.