bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balanced Mixture Design Framework for Asphalt Mixtures Based on Index- and Performance-Volumetrics Relationships
Authors: Rocha Marcos Lamha , Aragão Francisco Thiago Sacramento , Nascimento Luis Alberto Herrmann do , Underwood Benjamin Shane
Published: April 2023

Asphalt mixture design methods range from approaches that rely on the volumetric properties of the mix to those that are based on the pavement performance. More advanced mixture analysis procedures allow a comprehensive evaluation that attempts to predict pavement distress based on factors such as traffic, climate, and mixture properties. Among them, balanced mix design (BMD) has been a frequently used approach; its purpose is to achieve an optimum balance between stability and durability. The objective of this work is to bridge the gap between the volumetric properties and performance of asphalt mixtures with respect to pavement fatigue cracking and rutting. In the study, an asphalt mixture was initially designed and then variations in voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) and voids filled with asphalt (VFA) were evaluated based on specified volumetric limits to create a broad volumetric space. Then, dynamic modulus, cyclic fatigue, and stress sweep rutting (SSR) tests were performed at each volumetric condition. Index-volumetrics and performance-volumetrics relationships were calibrated and the optimum mixture design was identified. In addition, a BMD framework was developed, which allows the mixture performance evaluation at multiple volumetric conditions and the selection of an optimized mixture based on the predicted pavement performance and on indexes for all possible combinations of the given set of component materials.
Laboratory Wheel Tracking of Asphalt with Rubber Tires or Rubber Hoses
Authors: Howard Isaac L. , Lewis Jessica V. , Carey Ashley S. , Cox Ben C.
Published: April 2023

In recent years, wheel tracking of asphalt mixtures has gained considerable momentum, and the authors are evaluating the potential of standardizing a rubber-tire wheel tracking protocol which can enable direct decoupling of rutting and moisture damage by testing identical specimens in dry and wet conditions. Previous work has established the value of dry and wet comparisons; this paper specifically assesses the dry rutting component by comparing a rubber-tire wheel tracker known as the PURWheel-G2 with the asphalt pavement analyzer (APA), arguably the most well-known dry wheel tracking test. This paper has two main objectives: demonstrate that rubber-tire wheel tracking is capable of characterizing dry rutting in a manner comparable to the APA and recommend initial failure criteria for rubber-tire wheel tracking. The PURWheel-G2 was more variable than the APA with coefficients of variation nearly twice as large. Although there was variability, reasonable rut depth correlations were drawn between the PURWheel-G2 and APA, and an APA pass/fail criteria of 6 mm equated to 10 mm for conventional PURWheel-G2 testing using laboratory-compacted slabs. Using literature and available data, 6 mm was proposed as a rubber-tire pass/fail threshold when standardizing to typical APA compaction methods and boundary conditions (i.e., cylindrical specimens in confined molds). Ultimately, efforts are ongoing to improve limitations of the PURWheel-G2 prototype (e.g., variability) with modernized equipment, and the authors recommend agencies initially consider the same failure criteria already established for APA testing and be willing to adjust over time as data and experience dictate the need to do so.
Meniscal Repair Outcome in 3829 Patients With a Minimum Follow-up From 2 Years Up to 5 Years: A Meta-analysis on the Overall Failure Rate and Factors Influencing Failure
Authors: Schweizer Conradin , Hanreich Carola , Tscholl Philippe M. , Blatter Samuel , Windhager Reinhard , Waldstein Wenzel
Published: April 2023

Background:

The importance of meniscal repair is widely accepted because of the association of loss of meniscal tissue with the development of early-onset knee arthritis. Many factors influencing the results of meniscal repair have been reported, but results remain controversial.

Purpose:

This meta-analysis determines the pooled meniscal repair failure rate of studies with a minimum follow-up of 2 years up to 5 years, with a mean follow-up of 43 months. Moreover, selected failure-influencing factors are analyzed.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

PubMed and Scopus were searched for studies published between January 2000 and November 2021 reporting on meniscal repair outcome with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The overall pooled failure rate and pooled failure rates for possible predictors were calculated. Random-effect models were used to pool failure rates, and effect estimates in the form of odds ratios with 95% CIs were established.

Results:

The initial literature search identified 6519 studies. A total of 51 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 3931 menisci were included with an overall failure rate of 14.8%. Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly lower failure rate for meniscal repair with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction compared with knees without any reported injury to the ACL (8.5% vs 14%; P = .043). The pooled failure rate for lateral meniscal repair was significantly lower than that for medial meniscal repair (6.1% vs 10.8%; P = .031). Pooled failure rates of all-inside and inside-out repair were not significantly different (11.9% vs 10.6%; P > .05).

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis on close to 4000 patients demonstrates an overall meniscal repair failure rate of 14.8% at a minimum follow-up from 2 years up to 5 years. Meniscal repair remains a procedure with a high failure rate, especially within the first 2 postoperative years. This review and meta-analysis also identified clinically relevant factors associated with favorable outcomes such as concomitant ACL reconstruction or repair of the lateral meniscus. All-inside meniscal repair with the latest-generation devices yields failure rates of <10%. The failure mechanism and the time of failure is poorly documented; further studies are needed for a better understanding of the retear mechanism.
“The Challenge is Not to Make Her Feel Old and Bad”: Exploring Australian Family Member Experiences of Conversations About Driving With Older Adults Using an Online Survey
Authors: Veerhuis Nadine , Harada Theresa , Murray Karina , Andrew Catherine , Traynor Victoria , Randle Melanie
Published: April 2023

This study explored the experiences of Australian family members having conversations about driving with older adults. An exploratory cross-sectional design using an online survey was carried out with Australian family members of current or retired (former) older drivers. One hundred and fifty-six intergenerational family members across Australia completed the survey. Qualitative content analysis of free-text responses identified that the outcomes of conversations were impacted by a range of environmental and individual factors. The essence of conversations centered around two opposing (positive and negative) discourses. The findings highlighted that an individualized approach to the content of conversations is required due to; driver attributes and actions, variations in the level of support experienced by family members, differences in physical and cognitive declines with age, negative perceptions on the impact of driving retirement, and absence of acceptable alternatives to driving. We recommend using positive discourse and reappraisal techniques when initiating driving conversations with older adults.
The Representational Deficit of Latinxs in the U.S. House of Representatives
Authors: Pleites-Hernandez Giovanny D. , Kelly Nathan J.
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the extent to which Latinxs were substantively represented in the 112th U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2013). We make use of a large national sample of Americans to tap into the congruence of the attitudes of constituents with actual roll call votes taken by their legislators in office. In doing so, we are able to make comparisons between constituent attitudes and legislative behavior for Latinx versus non-Latinx constituents. Using a more refined measure than previous studies of constituent-legislator dyads across congressional districts, we find that Latinx respondents face a representational deficit relative to non-Latinx whites and explore the various factors, individual- and contextual-level, that explain variation in that relationship. One such factor is the size of the Latinx population in a district. We find that larger Latinx populations are associated with decreased representation for Latinx respondents and, further, that this deficit is largely rooted in anti-Latinx attitudes and behavior on the part of non-Latinx whites in those districts. On the whole, the findings here are consistent with the backlash hypothesis.
The Effects of Representational Instruction and The Great Race on Preschoolers’ Early Numeracy Skills
Authors: McKevett Nicole M. , Codding Robin S. , Running Kristin R.
Published: April 2023

Preschool students’ mastery of early numeracy skills is important, so they enter kindergarten with the necessary prerequisite skills, which are predictive of achievement in later elementary grades. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) instructional package on the foundational early numeracy skills of three preschool students. A multiple baseline across participants design was employed. Treatment sessions were 15 to 20 minutes long and held twice a week. The primary outcome variable was a measure of match quantity, and the generalization outcome variable was a measure of number sequencing. Results indicate that CRA was effective for increasing the match quantity fluency skills of two of three participants; however, the effects did not generalize to number sequencing.
Typology, Severity, and Outcomes of Adverse Events Related to Angiographic Equipment—A Ten-Year Analysis of the FDA MAUDE Database
Authors: Healy Gerard M. , Ahrari Aida , Alkhalifah Fahd , Oreopoulos George , Tan Kong Teng , Jaberi Arash , Mafeld Sebastian
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Angiographic equipment is a key component of healthcare infrastructure, used for endovascular procedures throughout the body. The literature on adverse events related to this technology is limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze adverse events related to angiographic devices from the US Food and Drug Administration’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. Methods: MAUDE data on angiographic imaging equipment from July 2011 to July 2021 were extracted. Qualitative content analysis was performed, a typology of adverse events was derived, and this was used to classify the data. Outcomes were assessed using the Healthcare Performance Improvement (HPI) and Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) adverse event classifications. Results: There were 651 adverse events reported. Most were near misses (67%), followed by precursor safety events (20.5%), serious safety events (11.2%), and unclassifiable (1.2%). Events impacted patients (42.1%), staff (3.2%), both (1.2%), or neither (53.5%). The most common events associated with patient harm were intra-procedure system shut down, foot pedal malfunction, table movement malfunction, image quality deterioration, patient falls, and fluid damage to system. Overall, 34 (5.2%) events were associated with patient death; 18 during the procedure and 5 during patient transport to another angiographic suite/hospital due to critical failure of equipment. Conclusion: Adverse events related to angiographic equipment are rare; however, serious adverse events and deaths have been reported. This study has defined a typology of the most common adverse events associated with patient and staff harm. Increased understanding of these failures may lead to improved product design, user training, and departmental contingency planning.
A Middle Model of Economic Development? Revisiting the Economic Geography of Middle-Wage Occupations in the United States
Authors: Armstrong Ben , Reynolds Elisabeth B.
Published: April 2023

High-wage regions have frequently been models for economic development policy. However, these places have also been more likely to experience a “hollowing out” of the middle of the labor market, whereby college-educated residents experience high-wage growth, while residents without a college degree do not. This paper studies regions where—in contrast to hollowing out—the share of middle-wage jobs has grown since 1980. Its aim is to understand how—if at all—the characteristics of these regions could suggest a model of economic development that prioritizes opportunities for noncollege graduates. The authors find that regions with a growing share of middle-wage jobs have been associated with higher levels of upward mobility and wage growth for workers without a college degree. These places, such as Wausau, Wisconsin, and Manhattan, Kansas, are associated with higher local school performance and have experienced comparatively high growth in production jobs.
Factors associated with time to first dialysis-associated peritonitis episode: Data from the Peritonitis Prevention Study (PEPS)
Authors: Ljungman Susanne , Jensen Jørgen E , Paulsen Dag , Petersons Aivars , Ots-Rosenberg Mai , Saha Heikki , Struijk Dirk , Wilkie Martin , Heimbürger Olof , Stegmayr Bernd , Elung-Jensen Thomas , Johansson Ann-Cathrine , Rydström Margareta , Gudmundsdottir Helga , Hussain-Alkhateeb Laith ,   On behalf of the Peritonitis Prevention Study (PEPS) Trial Investigators
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Peritonitis remains a potentially serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. It is therefore important to identify risk factors in order to reduce the incidence of peritonitis. The aim of the present analysis was to identify factors associated with time to first peritonitis episode.

Methods:

Incident PD patients from 57 centres in Europe participated in the prospective randomised controlled Peritonitis Prevention Study (PEPS) from 2010 to 2015. Peritonitis-free, self-care PD patients ≥18 years were randomised to a retraining or a control group and followed for 1–36 months after PD initiation. The association of biochemical, clinical and prescription data with time to first peritonitis episode was studied.

Results:

A first peritonitis episode was experienced by 33% (223/671) of participants. Univariable Cox proportional hazard regression showed a strong association between the time-updated number of PD bags connected per 24 h (PD bags/24 h) and time to first peritonitis episode (HR 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–1.57), even after inclusion of PD modalities in the same model. Multivariable Cox regression revealed that the factors independently associated with time to first peritonitis episode included age (HR 1.16 per 10 years; 95% CI 1.05–1.28), PD bags/24 h (HR 1.32; 95% CI 1.13–1.54), serum albumin <35 versus >35 g/L (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.06–1.82) and body weight per 10 kg (HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01–1.19).

Conclusion:

This study of incident PD patients indicates that older age, greater number of PD bags connected/24 h, higher body weight and hypoalbuminaemia are independently associated with a shorter time to first peritonitis episode.
An alternative switching filtered-x LMS algorithm for road impact noise control in vehicle
Authors: Wang Hucheng , He Yansong , Xia Ziheng , Zhang Zhifei , Xu Zhongming
Published: April 2023

An adaptive switching FxLMS algorithm is proposed to deal with the problem that the performance of the active control system of interior noise drops sharply when come across road impact. According to the state of the system, the algorithm updates the weight coefficient of the control filter in two different ways. Firstly, the normalization algorithm is adopted to improve the convergence speed. After convergence, the relationship between iteration step size and residual error is established by using deformed Gaussian function. The adverse effects of road impact will be dealt with by a new iteration step. On the premise of increasing a small amount of calculation, it improves the convergence speed of the system and ensures the steady-state performance of the system. Numerical simulation and real vehicle test verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in the face of road impact.
Analysis of the competitive situation among Chinese power battery enterprises based on T-M model
Authors: Ding Zhensen , Fang Haifeng , Yao Zhanhui
Published: April 2023

With the support of policies, the power battery industry has already been in the initial stage of high-quality development. However, it is difficult to effectively judge the development potential and competition situation of enterprises only through the overall installed capacity, while it is impossible to effectively use the “supporting the excellent and strong enterprises ” industrial policy and targeted industry funds. In this research, a power battery enterprise competitiveness evaluation model was constructed by considering two dimensions of technical competitiveness and market influence. Taking China’s mainstream power battery enterprises as the research object, the validity of the model was verified and the long-term competition of power battery enterprises was predicted by the bias value of lithium iron phosphate. The results show that: when the bias value of lithium iron phosphate is 0.3, A2 is the market chaser, A5 is the technology chaser, A3 performs well in both technology and market, but there is still a big gap by comparing with A1. When the bias value of lithium iron phosphate is 0.7, in terms of competition landscape, A3 and A5 become technical catchers, especially A3 with more obvious advantages, while A2 and A4 become market catchers, especially A2 with more obvious advantages; in terms of enterprises, the ranking of leading enterprises is almost unchanged, but there are major changes among those enterprises ranked in the middle and rear position. The research results can support the scientific use of industrial policies and industrial funds and promote the power battery industry to move into a high-quality development stage. In the next step, it is required to consider the huge impact of new system battery on the industrial structure and improve the robustness of the model.
The cubic pitching moment coefficient of spin-stabilized projectiles
Authors: Chang Sijiang , Zhang Jingwen , Wei Wei
Published: April 2023

This technical note presents a feasible method to effectively predict the cubic pitching moment coefficient for spin-stabilized projectiles. First, a surrogate model for predicting the cubic moment coefficient is constructed by using the Kriging method to relevant published data of several typical spin-stabilized projectiles. The result of a wind tunnel test validates the accuracy of the Kriging prediction, implying that this prediction model complements the current research literature. Second, the global sensitivity analysis combined with this prediction model is used to assess the effect of the shape parameters of spin-stabilized projectiles on the cubic pitching moment coefficient. As a result, the relationship between the shape parameters and the nonlinear pitching moment coefficient is preliminarily explored. The results of an example show that the cylindrical part length, the head shape parameter and the nose length have greater influence, whereas the boat-tail length has the weakest influence.
Generating desire: Chocolate, chromolithographs, and Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy's fairy tales
Authors: Duggan Anne E.
Published: April 2023

There existed a fascinating means of collecting fairy tales in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that has hitherto remained unexplored: the collection of chromolithographs or “chromos,” used as a marketing tool by French department stores like Le Bon Marché and by chocolate producers like Poulain. Scholars such as Emily Cormack, Laura Kalba, and Pearl Michel have carried out essential research on the deployment of chromos in the rise of consumer society, but this is the first study with a specific focus on chromos that feature fairy tales. In mid-century, Victor-Auguste Poulain, a French chocolatier from Blois, found the means to mass produce chocolate and sought to transform the nineteenth-century conception of chocolate from being an elite privilege or a medicinal product to being a plearurable food accessible to the middle classes. It was under the direction of Victor-Auguste's son Albert that chromos, including fairy-tale themed chromos, became an important marketing tool for the company in the 1880s. Children in particular were encouraged to purchase the mass-produced chocolate by the insertion into the packaging of fragments of tales like “The White Cat,” “The Doe in the Woods,” and “Beauty with the Golden Hair.” Each chocolate bar would include a beautiful color chromo of the tale on the recto, with the narrative fragment on the verso. This marketing strategy becomes a desire-generating machine: the desire for more story fuels the desire to purchase more chocolate, which subsequently fuels the desire for more story. In effect, as I hope to show through this case study of Poulain's use of tales by d’Aulnoy, narrative desire gets converted into consumer desire through Poulain's marketing campaign.
Environmental implication of international migration on high- and middle-income countries: A comparative analysis
Authors: Çelik Onur , Çetiner Sibel , Abdallah İbrahim , Udemba Edmund Ntom
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we researched the implication of international migration and pollution on environmental development of the selected countries which we classified as middle- and upper-income countries. Maintaining good environmental performance while keeping pollution at minimum level amidst international migration has being the global focus towards climate goal. On this premises, this study examines the relationship between international migration and carbon dioxide emission (CO2). Scientific approaches (random-effects model and Driscoll-Kraay standard error estimator) with panel data for the period from 2010 to 2019 are adopted for indepth analysis of the selected countries. The findings according to random-effects model/Driscoll-Kraay standard error estimator suggest the incresae of CO2 due to increase in international migration for the case of middle-income countries. Also, a decrease in CO2 due to increase in international migration is found for high-income countries. Following our main findings, as a function of CO2 emission, we recommend to take identity of people who migrate into consideration for both economics and environment policy. On the other hand, policies should be based on mitigating the negative impact of international migration and economic growth for the middle-income countries. Moreover, environmentally friendly growth technologies are suggested.
Familywise error rate control for block response-adaptive randomization
Authors: Glimm Ekkehard , Robertson David S
Published: April 2023

Response-adaptive randomization allows the probabilities of allocating patients to treatments in a clinical trial to change based on the previously observed response data, in order to achieve different experimental goals. One concern over the use of such designs in practice, particularly from a regulatory viewpoint, is controlling the type I error rate. To address this, Robertson and Wason (Biometrics, 2019) proposed methodology that guarantees familywise error rate control for a large class of response-adaptive designs by re-weighting the usual [Formula: see text]-test statistic. In this article, we propose an improvement of their method that is conceptually simpler, in the context where patients are allocated to the experimental treatment arms in a trial in blocks (i.e. groups) using response-adaptive randomization. We show the modified method guarantees that there will never be negative weights for the contribution of each block of data to the adjusted test statistics, and can also provide a substantial power advantage in practice.
COVID-19 and Its Impact on Diverse Aspects of Women’s Lives
Authors: Lawrence Alfred J. , Fatima Umama , Ali Faiza , Abraham Ancey , Arif Saima , Khan Tahmeena
Published: April 2023

The objective of this article is to study the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of women by exploring different aspects like their daily work patterns, hygiene practices, psychological effects and nutritional status during the pandemic. 510 women participated in the online survey. The majority of the respondents belonged to the age group of 20–29 years and were either graduates or above. 37.3% of the working respondents reported increased professional responsibilities during the pandemic. Cooking and cleaning occupied most of the time during the lockdown. Anxiety, lack of concentration and frequent arguments with the family members were reported by the respondents. Many of the respondents took up physical activities to maintain their fitness. They also believed that usage of masks would prevent them from catching the infection. 75.2% of women included vitamin-rich sources in their diet. This level of consciousness might be linked to the educational profile of the respondents.
Women and Resistance in the Conflict-Affected Bodoland Territorial Council Region of Assam
Authors: Saikia Amrita
Published: April 2023

The Bodoland territorial council (BTC) region of Assam has witnessed many conflicts in the past. The women of the conflicting communities, Bodo, Bengali-speaking Muslims, and Adivasi, have largely borne the brunt of these conflicts. The societies are patriarchal and women face domination at various levels—family, society, and state. This article seeks to answer the question, ‘How do the conflict-affected women belonging to the Bodo, Bengali-speaking Muslim and Adivasi communities in BTC display resistance against the dominant forces in the family, society, and state?’ The article attempts to understand the forms of resistance (overt, physical or confrontational, and everyday forms of resistance) displayed by these women, by analysing the in-depth interviews conducted with them. The narratives help us understand their condition, their struggles, and the ways in which they display resistance against the dominant forces. The article argues that the Bodo women display overt resistance, such as participating in the Bodoland movement, holding protests, contesting elections, and carrying out peace marches against insurgencies and ethnic conflicts. The Bengali-speaking Muslim women display everyday forms of resistance, such as pursuing education, holding jobs, maintaining silence and refraining from making contact with members of the dominant community. The Adivasi women display physical resistance, such as engaging in direct confrontation with forest officials, and overt resistance, like participating in protests and social movements to demand their rights.
Effectiveness of Neuropsychoeducation, Intrinsic Motivation, and Metaphoric Content Integrated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Madaan Atul , Mishra Mridula , Kochhar Shinu
Published: April 2023

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is considered frequent, unnecessary thoughts that lead to repetitive actions to lessen the apprehension provoked by thoughts; this repetitive sequence may further influence trouble in one’s daily activities. The remedial procedure for OCD includes medication (such as SSRIs, anxiolytics, and antidepressants) with psychotherapy [such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP)]. Previous investigations indicated that regardless of the trend of adopting CBT and ERP to treat OCD, only around half of the patients experienced a full reduction in symptoms.

Purpose

The ERP component in CBT has been termed as a challenging treatment as it contains threatening anxiety-provoking indications, and it has been reflected that between 25–30% of OCD patients reject the ERP treatment, and the refusal and dropout rates for ERP in OCD are higher than other interventions. Thus, in the present investigation, researchers developed a proposed therapy that includes neuropsychoeducation, intrinsic motivation, and metaphoric content integrated with CBT in addition to regular pharmacological management to treat OCD patients and validated the efficacy of the proposed therapy through psychometric ratings (Y-BOCS).

Method

In this pilot study, 10 cases of OCD received a 12-week proposed therapy program. The primary outcome was the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), which was assessed at baseline and post-treatment.

Results

The present study’s results revealed a significant decrease in scores on the obsessions and compulsions domains and overall total scores on Y-BOCS among OCD patients.

Conclusion

The findings show that this proposed therapy, which includes neuropsychoeducation, intrinsic motivation, and metaphors contents integrated with CBT in combination with pharmacological management, is effective in the treatment of OCD. Therefore, the proposed therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of OCD. It has far-reaching implications in the areas of clinical, psychiatry, and mental health.
The Hindrances to Income Growth of Smallholder Sunflower Farmers in Tanzania: A Market Knowledge Aperture Cause?
Authors: Rugeiyamu Rogers , Chilingo Kidney , Chisanza Joachim
Published: April 2023

Income growth for smallholder sunflower farmers is persistently dominating the writing due to the crop’s contribution to the national economy. Ponders are proceeding to divulge challenges going up against smallholder sunflower agriculturists around the globe. This study assesses whether the market knowledge gap hinders the income growth of smallholder sunflower farmers. Kongwa district of Tanzania is recruited as a study area. A Case study is used as a design where data were collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussion and observation from thirty (30) participants. The findings discovered that limited market knowledge attributed to an unfriendly selling system affects the income growth of smallholder sunflower farmers. Also, poverty and lack of a communication platform between the LGA and smallholder sunflower farmers are other discovered factors. The study recommends changing the modality of using middlemen to allow farmers to sell crops directly to the buying companies, establish farmer’s cooperatives and ensure continuous sharing between smallholder sunflower farmers and the LGA.
The Experiences of Post-ICU COVID-19 Survivors: An Existential Perspective using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Collins Rebecca , Vallières Frédérique , McDermott Garret
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 has highlighted the vulnerability of intensive care unit (ICU) patients and the negative sequelae associated with ICU treatment. While the potentially traumatic impact of ICU is well documented, less is known about the ICU survivor’s subjective experience and how it influences life post-discharge. Existential psychology addresses the universal concerns of existence, including death, isolation, and meaninglessness, and offers a holistic view of human experience beyond diagnostic categories. An existential psychological understanding of ICU COVID-19 survivorship may therefore provide a rich account of what it means to be among the worst affected by a global existential crisis. This study employed interpretive phenomenological analysis of qualitative interviews with 10 post-ICU COVID-19 survivors (aged 18–78). Interviews were structured on existential psychology’s ‘Four Worlds’ model that explores the physical, social, personal, and spiritual dimensions of human experience. The essential meaning of ICU COVID-19 survival was conceptualised as ‘ Trying to Reconnect with a Changed Reality’ and consisted of four themes. The first, Between Shifting Realities in ICU, described the liminal nature of ICU and the need to ground oneself. The second, What it Means to Care and Be Cared For, captured the emotive nature of personal interdependence and reciprocity. The third, The Self is Different, described survivors’ struggle to reconcile old and new selves. The fourth, A New Relationship with Life, outlined how survivors’ experiences shaped their new worldviews. Findings evidence the value of holistic, existentially informed psychological support for ICU survivors.
Impact on Diabetic Ketoacidosis Resolution After Implementation of a 2-Bag Fluid Order Set
Authors: Gilchrist Hannah E. , Hatton Colman J. , Roginski Matthew A. , Esteves Alyson M.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious acute complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes that requires prompt management. Limited data exist supporting the use of a 2-bag DKA protocol in adult patients across all levels of care.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 2-bag DKA protocol in comparison with a traditional DKA management strategy.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients admitted with DKA between January 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, at a single center. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts, traditional or 2-bag. The primary outcome was time to anion gap closure and/or beta-hydroxybutyrate normalization. Secondary outcomes include length of hospitalization, insulin infusion time, and hypoglycemic events.

Results:

One hundred forty-three patients had a DKA order set initiated during their admission, 59 in the traditional cohort and 84 in the 2-bag cohort. Mean time to anion gap closure was shorter in the 2-bag cohort (12.7 vs 16.9 hours; P = 0.005) and beta-hydroxybutyrate normalization (15.6 vs 25.6 hours; P = 0.026). No difference in hospital length of stay (4 vs 6 days; P = 0.113), duration of insulin infusion (41.6 vs 40.6 hours; P = 0.455), or rates of hypoglycemia (6 vs 4; P = 0.872) was seen.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Implementation of a 2-bag DKA protocol in the inpatient setting was associated with a shorter time to anion gap closure and beta-hydroxybutyrate normalization. These findings support the option of expansion of a 2-bag DKA protocol to adult patients across all levels of care irrespective of the admission diagnosis.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with capecitabine
Authors: Arici Mustafa Ozgur , Avsar Esin , Kilic Ozlem , Salim Derya Kivrak
Published: April 2023

Background

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a vasculitic inflammation against blood vessels. Various anticancer therapies can cause vasculitis, but capecitabine-induced LCV is an unusual entity. Here, we describe an LCV case associated with neoadjuvant capecitabine use for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Case report

A 70-year-old man presented with rectal bleeding. A colonoscopic biopsy revealed rectal adenocarcinoma and he was diagnosed with LARC after imaging studies. Capecitabine plus radiation therapy was started as a neoadjuvant treatment.

Management and outcome

Seven days after the first capecitabine dose, the patient was admitted with a rash. The LCV diagnosis was histopathologically proven. Capecitabine was withheld. After the patient's rash began to regress under corticosteroid pressure, capecitabine was started at a lower dose. His treatment was completed successfully with oral corticosteroids plus low-dose capecitabine.

Discussion

We aimed to point out a rare and unusual adverse effect of a frequently used drug in oncologic practice.
Multi-professional development of a competency framework for patients with a Port-a-Cath (PAC)
Authors: Nizet Pierre , Grivel Charlotte , Feldman David , Brochet Elodie , Le Gouill Christèle , Lindenberg Fabien , Corbineau Erwan , Cormier Nicolas , Clouet Johann , Duchalais Emilie , Huon Jean-François
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In France, 40,000 Port-a-Cath (PAC) are inserted each year. These medical devices are prone to complications during their insertion or use. The education of patients wearing these devices could be a lever to reduce the risk of complications. The objective of this work was to develop, in a multi-professional and consensual manner, a unique and specific skills reference framework for patients with PAC and to propose it as a reference tool for health professionals.

Methods

A multidisciplinary working group was set up to draw up this reference framework of skills. The first stage of the work consisted of a reflection leading to an exhaustive list of competencies necessary for the patient. These skills were then classified according to three different fields of knowledge (theoretical, know-how and attitudes). Finally, the working group identified priority competencies and established a grid that can be used to evaluate the level of acquisition of these competencies.

Results

Fifteen competencies were identified: five relating to theoretical knowledge, six relating to know-how and four relating to attitudes. These competencies were broken down into sub-competences. Seven competencies or sub-competencies were selected to constitute the list of priority competencies.

Discussion

This competency framework provides a reference framework for the education of patients with PAC and will help to harmonise practices within the different teams that care for patients with PAC.
Impact of institutional interventions on the rate of paclitaxel hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Jao Mark Edward , Indorf Amy Ly , Segal Eve-Michelle , Miske Abby , Eaton Keith David , Marsolini Trisha , Ghuman Simran
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Paclitaxel is associated with hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). Intravenous premedication regimens have been devised to decrease the incidence and severity of HSRs. At our institution oral histamine 1 receptor antagonists (H1RA) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) were adopted as standard. Standardizations were implemented for consistent premedication use in all disease states. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the incidence and severity of HSRs before and after standardization.

Methods

Patients who received paclitaxel from 20 April 2018 to 8 December 2020 having an HSR were included in analysis. An infusion was flagged for review if a rescue medication was administered after the start of the paclitaxel infusion. The incidences of all HSR prior to and post-standardization were compared. A subgroup analysis of patients receiving paclitaxel for the first and second time was performed.

Results

There were 3499infusions in the pre-standardization group and 1159infusions in the post-standardization group. After review, 100 HSRs pre-standardization and 38 HSRs post-standardization were confirmed reactions. The rate of overall HSRs was 2.9% in the pre-standardization group and 3.3% in the post-standardization group ( p = 0.48). HSRs, during the first and second doses of paclitaxel, occurred in 10.2% of the pre-standardization and 8.5% of the post-standardization group ( p = 0.55).

Conclusions

This retrospective interventional study demonstrated that same-day intravenous dexamethasone, oral H1RA, and oral H2RA are safe premedication regimens for paclitaxel. No change in the severity of reactions was seen. Overall, better adherence to premedication administration was seen post-standardization.
Decolonizing Care: Hegemonic Masculinity, Caring Masculinities, and the Material Configurations of Care
Authors: Nayak Anoop
Published: April 2023

Care is a global issue of critical importance in the formation of masculinities. The paper argues for a need to “decolonize” and “degender” care. In dialogue with Connell’s “hegemonic masculinity,” the article explores its conceptual resilience, advocating for further initiatives to engage with transforming the gender order. The concept of “caring masculinities” aims to achieve this, with the study providing a critical evaluation of the potential of this framework. It demonstrates how caring masculinities may augment dominant masculinities, consolidate colonial and gendered regimes, and produce care as a new masculine hegemony in neoliberal economies. However, it is argued that caring masculinities can progress by engaging feminist and decolonial insights on the structural, material, and regional disparities in care. It concludes by putting “care theory” into “care practice.” This entails mapping how caring masculinities is surfacing transnationally in pedagogy, policy and practice, and the times and spaces where it might proliferate.
Advanced Stage Clear Cell Ovarian Carcinoma Mimicking Uterine Sarcoma Without Gross Residual Tumor During Primary Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Angelina Yoan Alexandria , Tjokroprawiro Brahmana Askandar
Published: April 2023

Background:

Clear cell ovarian carcinoma is rare and accounts for 1%-12% of ovarian epithelial carcinomas, depending on ethnicity. The prevalence of clear cell ovarian carcinoma in Asian, White, and Black women is 11.1%%, 4.8%, and 3.1%, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that clear cell ovarian carcinomas are typically unilocular cyst-solid (34.9%) or multilocular-solid (41.4%); only 23.7% are solid with papillary projections. MRI can detect clear cell ovarian carcinoma with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 87%, respectively. Notably, sometimes ovarian masses have a solid feature and should be differentiated from uterine masses. Clear cell ovarian carcinoma has a better prognosis compared to serous carcinoma when diagnosed at an early stage, but it has a poorer prognosis at an advanced stage. The absence of a residual tumor is a favorable prognostic factor in patients with advanced-stage clear cell ovarian carcinoma. Herein, we present a case in which clear cell ovarian carcinoma was misdiagnosed as uterine sarcoma because imaging showed a mass with a solid uterine-like and necrotic area. In the present case, cytoreductive surgery was performed to remove the entire tumor and its infiltration to the sigmoid colon and left ureter. Hence, the patient had a better prognosis.

Case report:

A 57-year-old Indonesian woman presented to our hospital (Dr. Soetomo General Hospital) with post-menopausal bleeding, a large solid pelvic mass, and abdominal discomfort. The patient was diagnosed with uterine sarcoma due to the solid feature observed during ultrasonography and MRI. During the surgery, the mass was observed to originate from the left ovary, and primary debulking surgery with a multidisciplinary team was performed with zero residual tumor tissue. The tumor was histopathologically confirmed as clear cell carcinoma.

Conclusion:

MRI of clear cell ovarian carcinoma can be misdiagnosed as uterine sarcoma due to its solid feature. Additionally, the enlarged mass distorts the anatomical landmarks. Surgery with no residual tumor improves the prognosis for advanced-stage clear cell ovarian carcinoma.
The impact of FDI restrictions on tourism growth
Authors: Park Soonchan
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the impact of FDI regulatory restrictions on tourism growth. Using system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation of the dynamic panel data model, this study finds that FDI restrictions have significant negative effects on tourism growth, implying that liberalizing FDI policies could promote tourism growth.
Perceptions of telehealth among older U.S. adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national survey
Authors: Li Kathleen Y , Marquis Liz B , Malani Preeti N , Solway Erica , Kirch Matthias , Singer Dianne , Kullgren Jeffrey T , Plegue Melissa A , Buis Lorraine R
Published: April 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 necessitated a shift from in-person to virtual care for all patients, particularly older adults. It is unknown how older individuals’ views of telehealth changed during this time and how this may affect their future use of telehealth services.

Methods

We used data from a cross-sectional online survey of a nationally representative sample of 2074 U.S. adults ages 50–80 who were participants in the National Poll on Healthy Aging. We performed a descriptive and multivariable analysis of individuals’ perspectives on past and future telehealth visits, sociodemographics, and health status.

Results

Before March 2020, 5.8% of respondents had used telehealth, compared to 32.0% by June 2020. Of telehealth users, 36.1% indicated their most recent telehealth visit used audio-only (i.e., without video) technology. In multivariable analysis, those who never used video technology compared to those who were “very comfortable” (average marginal effect (AME) 49%, 95% CI: 36–63), identified as Hispanic (AME 19% vs White, non-Hispanic, 95% CI: 5–32), or were female (AME 9%, 95% CI: 1–17) were more likely to report audio-only use. Concerns remained about the inability to conduct physical exams (75%) and telehealth quality of care (67%), though most (64%) older adults indicated an interest in future telehealth visits.

Discussion

Telehealth use increased substantially among older U.S. adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many reported using audio-only telehealth, an important consideration for policymakers and providers. Addressing older adults’ concerns about and barriers to telehealth visits is needed to ensure telehealth does not exacerbate disparities in their care.
Cognitive Self- Compassion (CSC) Online Intervention Program: A Pilot Study to Enhance the Self-Esteem of Adolescents Exposed to Parental Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Louis Jolly Manyathukudy , Reyes Marc Eric S
Published: April 2023

Children exposed to parental intimate partner violence (IPV) are at high risk in terms of their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, online interventions are imperative in a crisis situation. Empirical studies indicate a significant relationship between self-esteem and children exposed to parental IPV. This research aimed to develop, and pilot test an online intervention program to enhance the self-esteem of Adolescents exposed to parental IPV. Conklin’s developmental model was used to develop the online program and the Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory scale, interview, and focus group discussion was used to understand the key issues. The developed Cognitive Self Compassion (CSC) Online Intervention Program that integrates the theories and techniques of social cognitive theory and self-compassion was implemented over 6 weeks at a rate of 60 min per session to the 10 participants. Results of the single-group pilot experiment showed a significant difference in the pre & post-test scores of the participants. The self-esteem of the adolescents exposed to parental IPV was significantly enhanced after undergoing the CSC Online Intervention Program.
Displacement, women intellectuals and entangled knowledge in the making of global modernity
Authors: Mota Aurea
Published: April 2023

This article offers a perspective on how the proposed conceptualisation of the idea of displacement can be used to analyse processes of knowledge formation and transformation brought about by the movement of intellectuals in modernity. It develops a theoretical framework that considers the acts of cultural mediation and spatial displacement as key aspects for understanding the structures of knowledge and cultural interpretation produced in the formation of modernity. Making use of historical–sociological tools, it examines biographical information along with the intellectual contributions of two female intellectuals, Flora Tristan (1803–1844) and Nísia Floresta (1810–1855). This contribution seeks to re-address the problem how to understand modernity from a decentred point of view. It procdeds by discussing how the history of modernity and its different cultural manifestations should be analysed with greater attention to practices of mediation and theoretical interpretations as developed by lesser-known intellectuals. Thus, the article also contributes to analysing the agency of women intellectuals in the history of modernity.