bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The benefit of Daylight-Simulcasted Dynamic Lighting: An experiment isolating simultaneousness from dynamicity
Authors: Su Hang , Sun Yuqing , Yu Gang , Yang Biao
Published: August 2023

Most people today stay in a constant artificial lighting environment for a long time. Lack of sufficient daylight exposure may lead to circadian, sleep or mental problem. Dynamic lighting is an effective countermeasure in consideration of its dynamicity. However, besides its changeability, whether the daylight simultaneousness of dynamic lighting has a beneficial effect is unclear. A lab-based study was carried out to explore the effect of Daylight-Simulcasted Dynamic Lighting (DSDL), which simulates the simultaneous information of daylight conveyed by its variation. A reversed pattern of DSDL (Re-DSDL) was also introduced as one of the test conditions for comparison. The within-subject experiment was performed by 24 participants in four conditions: two dynamic lighting patterns (DSDL and Re-DSDL) in two periods (dawn and dusk). The dependent variables were psychological states, physiological indicators and cognitive performance. The results showed that DSDL brought greater benefit to the psychological state than Re-DSDL in general. During dawn, participants experienced less anger and depression in DSDL than in Re-DSDL; during dusk, participants experienced less anger and vigour in DSDL than in Re-DSDL. DSDL also had a significant effect on some of the physical indicators compared with Re-DSDL, but no effect on cognitive performance.
Mapping verification behaviors in the post-truth era: A systematic review
Authors: Yu Wenting , Shen Fei
Published: August 2023

Given the widespread misinformation problem in societies across the globe, scholars aiming to combat misinformation wish to change verification behaviors at the individual level. To map what is known about media users’ verification behaviors, this study reviewed 52 articles and analyzed how verification research has progressed so far. The results indicate that verification research has been conducted since 2000 but has increased considerably in recent years. However, a clear definition and a standard measure of verification behaviors were missing. Theories and methodologies from different disciplines have been adopted to investigate verification behaviors. The examined variables are diverse, but the overall understanding of the findings is fragmented. Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic boosted the number of studies on media users’ verification behaviors and brought changes to the direction of the research. This review calls for a better conceptualization and validated measures of verification behaviors and examinations of verification in more diverse contexts.
Public perceptions and misperceptions of political authority in the European Union
Authors: Stoeckel Florian , Mérola Vittorio , Thompson Jack , Lyons Benjamin , Reifler Jason
Published: August 2023

How do citizens understand political authority within multi-level systems? We use original survey data from six European Union member states to assess the roles of political identity and interest in shaping citizen attitudes towards political authority in the European Union. We find that citizens with a greater interest in politics are more likely to express views on the authority of the European Union. These individuals are less likely to be uninformed. Interest does not necessarily mean that individuals hold correct perceptions. A substantive number of voters are misinformed about the power of Brussels. We find that citizens with an exclusively national identity are more likely to hold misperceptions than those who think of themselves as both members of their nation and as Europeans.
Adaptive control concepts using radial basis functions and a Kalman filter for embedded control applications
Authors: Srivastava Vivek , Sharma Utkarsh , Schaub Joschka , Pischinger Stefan
Published: August 2023

Look-up tables or semi-physical models are used in engine control application to enhance the transient control performance. However, the calibration of these look-up tables and/or semi-physical models is highly data dependent, requires significant calibration effort, and does not account for effects such as hardware aging, drifts, fuel variations, etc. To address these challenges, this paper presents a generic adaptive control concept for real-time engine control applications. The boundary conditions for the operation on a state-of-the-art engine control unit (ECU) are considered and Radial Basis Function (RBF)-based neural networks are identified for the approximation of non-linear models. To ensure optimal convergence and un-susceptibility to signal noise, a Kalman filter (KF) is exploited for training the RBF network and a modified approximation is derived in this work. The derived KF approximation shows ∼30% better training performance in comparison to the approximation without variable noise consideration. The developed control concept is validated on an engine test bench and a demonstrator vehicle using a Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) system. The potential of the developed control concept to ensure optimal control response and robustness has been demonstrated.
Spatial smoothing revisited: An application to rental data in Munich
Authors: Fahrmeir Ludwig , Kauermann Göran , Tutz Gerhard , Windmann Michael
Published: August 2023

Spatial smoothing makes use of spatial information to obtain better estimates in regression models. In particular flexible smoothing with B-splines and penalties, which has been propagated by Eilers and Marx (1996) , provides strong tools that can be used to include available spatial information. We consider alternative smoothing methods in spatial additive regression and employ them for analysing rental data in Munich. The first method applies tensor product P-splines to the geolocation of apartments, measured on a continuous scale through the centroid of the quarter where an apartment is. The alternative approach exploits the neighbourhood structure of districts on a discrete scale, where districts consist of a set of neighbouring quarters. The discrete modelling approach yields smooth estimates when using ridge-type penalties but can also enforce spatial clustering of districts with a homogeneous structure when using Lasso-type penalties.
Tensor product P-splines using a sparse mixed model formulation
Authors: Boer Martin P.
Published: August 2023

A new approach to represent P-splines as a mixed model is presented. The corresponding matrices are sparse allowing the new approach can find the optimal values of the penalty parameters in a computationally efficient manner. Whereas the new mixed model P-splines formulation is similar to the original P-splines, a key difference is that the fixed effects are modelled explicitly, and extra constraints are added to the random part of the model. An important feature ensuring that the entire computation is fast is a sparse implementation of the Automated Differentiation of the Cholesky algorithm. It is shown by means of two examples that the new approach is fast compared to existing methods. The methodology has been implemented in the R-package LMMsolver available on CRAN ( https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=LMMsolver ).
When does high institutional quality explain the presence of multinational enterprises in a foreign country? Experiential and vicarious learning as boundary conditions
Authors: Domínguez Beatriz , Gómez Jaime , Maícas Juan P
Published: August 2023

Institutional economics theory predicts that multinational enterprises operate in foreign countries with high institutional quality, which is known as the institutional profile effect. Nevertheless, the predictions of this theory seem to diverge from the international presence of certain multinational enterprises, raising questions about the broader applicability of the institutional profile effect. We posit that the phenomenon of learning by multinational enterprises offers an explanation for the occasional ineffectiveness of the institutional profile effect in specific contexts. Thus, we seek to answer the following research question: What types of learning reduce the probability of multinational enterprises operating in countries with high institutional quality? To address this question, we investigate the role of experiential and vicarious learning as boundary conditions for the institutional profile effect and compare their respective effects. Through our empirical analysis of a sample comprising 60 telecommunications multinational enterprises, 39 home countries and 145 host countries, we find that both experiential and vicarious learning have a negative moderating effect on the institutional profile effect. Furthermore, our findings indicate the existence of a cumulative effect resulting from the combination of different types of learning.
Feedback persistence matters! Uncovering the varying effects of success and failure persistence on firm risk-taking
Authors: Goyal Lakshmi , Goyal Vikas
Published: August 2023

The motivational effects of success and failure on firm risk-taking have been widely documented in research rooted in a behavioral theory of the firm, with the resultant body of work yielding divergent theoretical predictions and empirical findings. Despite scholarly progress, recent studies ruminate that envisioning success and failure through the lens of realized performance and aspiration foregoes its temporal considerations and takes a narrow view of its information content. Emphasizing the temporality of performance feedback, this study proposes success and failure persistence as reliable indicators of firm performance. In particular, we propose a curvilinear relationship between success (failure) persistence and firm risk-taking, such that risk-taking by firms initially decreases (increases) and then increases (decreases) with an increase in success (failure) persistence. Using a data set of publicly listed Indian manufacturing firms from 1995 to 2018, we find robust support for the above-proposed curvilinear relationships. Our findings highlight the nonlinear, asymmetric influences of success and failure persistence on firm risk-taking and disclose the presence of strategic momentum effects. This study contributes to the research on a behavioral theory of the firm and performance feedback theory and offers managerial guideposts for handling success and failure.
Advanced glycation end products impair coronary artery BK channels via AMPK/Akt/FBXO32 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Xiao-Yan , Qian Ling-Ling , Wu Ying , Zhang Yu-Min , Dang Shi-Peng , Liu Xiao-Yu , Tang Xu , Lu Cun-yu , Wang Ru-Xing
Published: August 2023

Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) impair vascular physiology in Diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Vascular large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels play important roles in coronary arterial function.

Purpose: Our study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of AGEs in BK channels.

Research Design: Using gavage of vehicle (V, normal saline) or aminoguanidine (A) for 8 weeks, normal and diabetic rats were divided into four groups: C+V group, DM+V group, C+A group, and DM+A group.

Study Sample: Coronary arteries from different groups of rats and human coronary smooth muscle cells were used in this study.

Data Collection and Analysis: Data were presented as mean ± SEM (standard error of mean). Student's t-test was used to compare data between two groups. One-way ANOVA with post-hoc LSD analysis was used to compare data between multiple groups.

Results: Compared to the C+V group, vascular contraction induced by iberiotoxin (IBTX), a BK channel inhibitor, was impaired, and BK channel densities decreased in the DM+V group. However, aminoguanidine administration reduced the impairment. Protein expression of BK-β1, phosphorylation of adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase B (PKB or Akt) were down-regulated, while F-box protein 32 (FBXO32) expression increased in the DM+V group and in high glucose (HG) cultured human coronary smooth muscle cells. Treatment with aminoguanidine in vitro and in vivo could reverse the above protein expression. The effect of aminoguanidine on the improvement of BK channel function by inhibiting the generation of AGEs was reversed by adding MK2206 (Akt inhibitor) or Compound C (AMPK inhibitor) in HG conditions in vitro.

Conclusions: AGEs aggravate BK channel dysfunction via the AMPK/Akt/FBXO32 signaling pathway.
Effect of Internal Carotid Artery Doppler Peak Systolic Velocity Thresholds for Classifying Ipsilateral Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Artery Atherosclerosis According to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) System
Authors: Polak Joseph F.
Published: August 2023

Background:

A Doppler peak systolic velocity (PSV) of 125 cm/s has been used to indicate an internal carotid artery 50% stenosis, a marker of large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) when classifying ischemic stroke according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST). Shifting this cut point to 180 cm/s might affect the classification of ischemic stroke.

Methods:

Color Doppler–assisted measurements of PSV were performed at the baseline visit of a large longitudinal cohort study in the United States: the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). Incident ischemic stroke within the following 6 years was ascertained by adjudicated review of medical records. The side of ischemic stroke was recorded. Incidence rates and odds ratios (logistic regression models) were estimated at the respective 125 cm/s and 180 cm/s cut points.

Results:

Mean age was 72.8 years with 57.6% women. A total of 11 425 bifurcations had PSV measurements. Of the 514 carotid bifurcations with PSV above 125 cm/s, 20 ipsilateral incident strokes were seen, whereas 6 strokes occurred among the 126 bifurcations with PSV above 180 cm/s. Shifting the cut point decreased categorizing ischemic stroke as due to LAA by 70% (14/20). The odds ratio (1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-3.02) of incident stroke for a PSV between 125 cm/s and 180 cm/s was significant ( P < .05) when compared with a PSV <125 cm/s.

Conclusion:

Shifting the PSV cut point for a 50% carotid stenosis from 125 cm/s to 180 cm/s would have significant implications when categorizing ischemic stroke as being associated with LAA.
Challenging Heroic Narratives of Polar Exploration in Indie Video Games
Authors: Cicholewski Alena
Published: August 2023

80 Days and South of the Circle feature storylines in which polar expeditions are not represented as places for the unfolding of heroized journeys; instead, their protagonists are confronted with the limits of their agency. In contrast to common pop cultural representations that turn polar exploration into a tale of individual white European men emerging triumphant over harsh nature, both video games in question emphasize the importance of cooperation for survival. The playable characters, French valet Jean Passepartout in 80 Days and British climatologist Peter Hamilton in South of the Circle, embark on their journeys to the Arctic and Antarctica, respectively, with high hopes of heroic discovery that are soon dashed by the harshness of the polar environments. As the games’ plots progress, a critique of the European imperialist-expansionist impetus of past polar expeditions emerges through the way their representation of European explorers addresses questions of nature, masculinity, and nation.
Transradial versus transfemoral access in carotid artery stenting: A meta-analysis
Authors: Batista Sávio , Oliveira Leonardo de Barros , Borges Jordana , Pinheiro Agostinho C , Filho José Alberto Almeida , Santana Laís Silva , Bertani Raphael , Koester Stefan , Hanel Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Background

The carotid artery stenting (CAS) has two common access sites: transradial access (TRA) and transfemoral access (TFA). However, there's no definitive answer to which one is superior.

Objective

Compare TRA and TFA for the CAS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature of studies reporting both TRA and TFA results was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase were queried.

Results

The meta-analysis examined nine studies comprising 7513 patients who underwent CAS. Of these, 6750 patients had TFA (90%), while 763 had TRA (10%). There was no significant difference in procedure success rates between TRA and TFA, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.99 (6/9; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.00; I² = 9%, fixed effects). However, cross-over to TFA was more frequent in TRA (odds ratio (OR) 10.37 (6/9; 95% CI 5.18 to 20.77; I² = 17%, fixed effects)). There were no significant differences in terms of major access complications (RR = 0.88 (7/9; 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.63; I² = 0, fixed effects)), total access complications (RR = 1.10 (6/9; 95% CI: 0.56 to 2.15; I² = 7%, fixed effects)), and mean difference in length of stay (Mean difference of −0.08 (3/9; 95% CI −0.18 to 0.02; I² = 0%, fixed effects)).

Conclusion

There were no significant differences between TFA and TRA in terms of procedure success rates, time, complications, and length of stay, although cross-over to TFA was more common in TRA cases.
Keep clam and carry on: Misperceptions of transposed-letter neighbours
Authors: Johnson Rebecca L , Koch Cara , Wootten Megan
Published: August 2023

Previous research has provided evidence that readers experience processing difficulty when reading words that have a transposed-letter (TL) neighbour (e.g., TRAIL has the TL neighbour TRIAL). Here, we provide direct evidence that this interference is driven by explicit misidentifications of the word for its TL neighbour. Experiment 1 utilised an eye-tracking task in which participants read sentences aloud and reading errors were coded. Sentences had a target word that either (1) had a TL neighbour or (2) was a matched control word with no TL neighbour. In Experiment 2, participants identified words within sentences that they consciously misread and reported the interloper. In both experiments, readers explicitly misidentified many more of the TL words than control words, and most often for their TL neighbour. These findings support the idea that TL interference effects are due primarily to initial misperceptions and post-lexical checking rather than co-activation at the lexical level.
When 2 become 1: Autistic simultaneity judgements about asynchronous audiovisual speech
Authors: Poole Daniel , Gowen Emma , Poliakoff Ellen , Lambrechts Anna , Jones Luke A
Published: August 2023

It has been proposed that autistic people experience a temporal distortion whereby the temporal binding window of multisensory integration is extended. Research to date has focused on autistic children so whether these differences persist into adulthood remains unknown. In addition, the possibility that the previous observations have arisen from between-group differences in response bias, rather than perceptual differences, has not been addressed. Participants completed simultaneity judgements of audiovisual speech stimuli across a range of stimulus-onset asynchronies. Response times and accuracy data were fitted to a drift-diffusion model so that the drift rate (a measure of processing efficiency) and starting point (response bias) could be estimated. In Experiment 1, we tested a sample of non-autistic adults who completed the Autism Quotient questionnaire. Autism Quotient score was not correlated with either drift rate or response bias, nor were there between-group differences when splitting based on the first and third quantiles of scores. In Experiment 2, we compared the performance of autistic with a group of non-autistic adults. There were no between-group differences in either drift rate or starting point. The results of this study do not support the previous suggestion that autistic people have an extended temporal binding window for audiovisual speech. In addition, exploratory analysis revealed that operationalising the temporal binding window in different ways influenced whether a group difference was observed, which is an important consideration for future work.
Diabetic Foot Ulcer Imaging: An Overview and Future Directions
Authors: Godavarty Anuradha , Leiva Kevin , Amadi Noble , Klonoff David C. , Armstrong David G.
Published: August 2023

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect one in every three people with diabetes. Imaging plays a vital role in objectively complementing the gold-standard visual yet subjective clinical assessments of DFUs during the wound treatment process. Herein, an overview of the various imaging techniques used to image DFUs is summarized. Conventional imaging modalities (e.g., computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emitted computed tomography, and ultrasound) are used to diagnose infections, impact on the bones, foot deformities, and blood flow in patients with DFUs. Transcutaneous oximetry is a gold standard to assess perfusion in DFU cases with vascular issues. For a wound to heal, an adequate oxygen supply is needed to facilitate reparative processes. Several optical imaging modalities can assess tissue oxygenation changes in and around the wounds apart from perfusion measurements. These include hyperspectral imaging, multispectral imaging, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, laser Doppler flowmetry or imaging, and spatial frequency domain imaging. While perfusion measurements are dynamically monitored at point locations, tissue oxygenation measurements are static two-dimensional spatial maps. Recently, we developed a spatio-temporal NIR-based tissue oxygenation imaging approach to map for the extent of asynchrony in the oxygenation flow patterns in and around DFUs. Researchers also measure other parameters such as thermal maps, bacterial infections (from fluorescence maps), pH, collagen, and trans-epidermal water loss to assess DFUs. A future direction for DFU imaging would ideally be a low-cost, portable, multi-modal imaging platform that can provide a visual and physiological assessment of wounds for comprehensive wound care intervention and management.
The prevalence and determinant factors for alcohol abuse in Gondar city’s preparatory schools: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wondimu Habtamu
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

Alcohol abuse is more prevalent among preparatory schools in Ethiopia. Although alcohol abuse has become a significant health problem in Ethiopia, governmental and non-governmental organizations have not devoted enough attention to preventing and rehabilitating those who have difficulties with alcoholism. This study examined the prevalence and related factors of alcohol abuse in Gondar’s preparatory schools.

Methods:

The study used a mixed-methods research approach supported by a school-based cross-sectional design from April 2020 to June 2020 to get reliable and valid data. Through the use of stratified sampling techniques, the study drew a total of 196 students who were addicted to alcohol consumption.

Results:

The result of this study revealed that most of the students in the study areas drink alcohol occasionally; the reason they engage in alcoholic consumption is to satisfy personal desires and get respite from strain. Moreover, peer pressure and societal and student familial backgrounds were among the factors that exposed students to the heavy drinking habit.

Conclusions:

To avoid such barriers, the study urges the schools to work on a wakefulness campaign or make students aware of the adverse effects of alcohol and related substances through school media.
Evaluation of anti-Xa levels in patients with venous thromboembolism within the first 48 h of anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin
Authors: Nguyen Lily , Qi Xiaoxiao , Karimi-asl Abraham , Thole Alicia , Wendte Jodi , Meissner Tobias , Xu Bing , Dvoracek Kyle
Published: August 2023

Background: A 2019 study by Prucnal and colleagues found that the majority of patients treated with unfractionated heparin for pulmonary embolism did not maintain therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time levels during the first 48 h of therapy. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of an institution’s unfractionated heparin dosing protocol to achieve and maintain therapeutic anti-Xa levels within the first 48 h of therapy in patients with venous thromboembolism. Methods: This retrospective study included 205 patients from May 2016 through September 2020. Patients were divided into two cohorts: bolus plus infusion ( N = 89) and infusion only ( N = 116). The primary objective was to determine the number of patients who achieved at least one therapeutic level. Results: Overall, 200 patients (97.6%) had at least one therapeutic level with no statistically significant difference between cohorts ( p = 0.65). No more than 60% of patients achieved a therapeutic level at any of the 6-h intervals throughout the timeframe. The median time to the first therapeutic level in the overall group was 12.8 h with no statistically significant difference between the bolus plus infusion and infusion-only cohorts (13.3 h versus 12.7 h, respectively, p = 0.48). Conclusions: Most patients were able to achieve at least one therapeutic level within the first 48 h, but fewer were able to maintain therapeutic levels. Further studies are warranted to determine whether alternative dosing strategies would yield consistent achievement of therapeutic levels and affect patient-oriented outcomes.
Why Do People Share Political Information and Misinformation Online? Developing a Bottom-Up Descriptive Framework
Authors: Perach Rotem , Joyner Laura , Husbands Deborah , Buchanan Tom
Published: August 2023

Social media users are key actors in the spreading of misleading or incorrect information. To develop an integrative parsimonious summary of social media users’ own accounts of motives for sharing political information, we conducted: (1) a literature review of motives for personally sharing false information as reported by social media users and (2) qualitative research concerning these motives using an innovative, ecologically valid method. Based on our findings, we developed a pool of items evaluating social media users’ motives for sharing false political information, which we then tested and analyzed the dimensionality of in (3) a pre-registered questionnaire-based study to identify key clusters of users’ own accounts of motives for sharing both true and false political information. The current findings show that there are distinct sets of motives people report for their misinformation sharing behavior: prosocial activism, attack or manipulation of others, entertainment, awareness, political self-expression, and fighting false information. Also, these sets of motives are associated with variables known to predict sharing misinformation, and some of these sets predict social media users’ self-reports of having shared misinformation in the past. Our findings highlight and elaborate on users’ motives that reflect a concern with “making things better” and acting in a manner that is beneficial to society as a whole, and suggest that different interventions may be required to combat misinformation sharing driven by different motives. A potential set of 18 items that could be used in questionnaires measuring motivations for sharing political news online is described.
Audit Committee Leadership Attributes and CSR Reporting: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Qaderi Sumaia Ayesh , Ghaleb Belal Ali Abdulraheem , Hashed Abdulwahid Ahmed , Alhmoud Turki Raji , Kamardin Hasnah
Published: August 2023

Even though audit committee (AC) characteristics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) relationship has long been well investigated, scarce research on committee leadership is observed in the literature. Considering the growing emphasis on the potential role of the audit committee chair (ACC) on financial and non-financial reporting, the current study aims to fill this literature gap by analyzing the influence of ACC characteristics on the level of CSR. Using a Jordanian sample of 475 firm-year observations over the period 2014 to 2018, this study employs content analysis to quantify CSR disclosure and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to test the proposed hypotheses. The study findings show that ACC independence, legal expertise, and education level are positively and significantly associated with CSR reporting. However, ACC age has a significant inverse relationship with CSR reporting, suggesting that older ACC perform more poorly in a committee function. Importantly, ACC tenure and financial expertise have an insignificant relationship with CSR reporting. These findings are robust under a battery of sensitive tests such as employing OLS with robust standard errors and using alternative measurements of ACC features. The sub-sample analysis results also show that ACC characteristics predominantly enhance CSR reporting in large firms but not in small firms, implying that firm size strengthens the relationship between ACC characteristics and CSR reporting. The current study provides new evidence of the significant role of ACC on non-financial reporting in an emerging economy, Jordan. Policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders may benefit from these results in recognizing the potential role of ACC in advancing CSR reporting.
A Case of Spontaneous Tumor Lysis After Pathologic Femur Fracture in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Causbie Jacqueline , Ramirez Ariana , Howells Joseph
Published: August 2023

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) occurs when large numbers of tumor cells lyse and release their contents, causing electrolyte derangements and renal injury. It is an uncommon complication of solid tumors and occurs most commonly after cytotoxic therapy rather than spontaneously. In this article, we describe a case of spontaneous TLS in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. We also present a literature review of spontaneous TLS occurrence in solid tumors.
Is Workload Associated With Internal Impingement in Professional Baseball Pitchers? An Analysis of Days of Rest, Innings Pitched, and Batters Faced
Authors: Chalmers Peter N. , Mcelheny Kathryn , D’Angelo John , Ma Kevin , Rowe Dana , Erickson Brandon J.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Internal impingement is a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in baseball pitchers.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine if the amount of rest days between outings, the number of innings pitched in each outing, and the number of batters faced in each outing are risk factors for internal impingement in professional baseball pitchers. It was hypothesized that a higher workload would significantly increase a pitcher’s risk of developing internal impingement.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All professional (Major and Minor League) baseball pitchers who were diagnosed with internal impingement between 2011 and 2017 were identified using the Major League Baseball’s Health and Injury Tracking System. A separate player usage data set was used to determine workload. The authors compared workload variables (days of rest, innings pitched, and batters faced per game) between each of 4 injury-exposure groups (pitchers with documented internal impingement <2, <6, <12, and >12 weeks after a game) and a control group of pitchers with no internal impingement using Student t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. In a within-pitcher paired analysis of the injury groups, the workload variables during 3 acute periods (<2, <6, and <12 weeks preinjury) were compared with the baseline values (>12 weeks preinjury).

Results:

Overall, there were 624 professional baseball pitchers diagnosed with internal impingement during the study period. Compared with pitcher games (n = 213,964), pitchers in all 4 injury-exposure groups had significantly more innings pitched per game ( P ≤ .003 for all) and faced significantly more batters per game ( P < .001 for all). There were significantly more starting pitchers in each of the injury-exposure groups when compared with the controls ( P < .001 for all). However, when comparing acute and baseline workloads in the pitchers diagnosed with internal impingement, there were no significant differences in the number of innings pitched, batters faced, or days of rest.

Conclusion:

This analysis revealed significantly greater pitcher workload and percentage of starting pitchers in professional baseball players diagnosed with internal impingement when compared with healthy controls. However, this injury did not seem to be associated with an acute increase in workload.
Reducing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Acutely Ill Patients via Patient Engagement Specialists: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Sinvani Liron , Strunk Andrew , Ardito Suzanne , Gordon Samantha , Liu Yan , Schantz Emily , Arroon Asma , Ilyas Anum , Gromova Valeria , Polokowski Ashley , Levin Jessy , Makhnevich Alex , D’Angelo Stefani , Boltz Marie
Published: August 2023

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common in hospitalized persons living with dementia (PLWD). This pilot aimed to test the feasibility of an innovative model of care, PES-4-BPSD (a dementia unit staffed with Patient Engagement Specialists, PES). Non-randomized pilot feasibility trial was conducted, enrolling N = 158 patients to the intervention unit ( n = 79, a 10-bed dementia unit, staffed with nursing assistants, NAs, with mental health backgrounds, PES) and an enhanced control unit ( n = 79, 40-bed medicine unit, staffed with NAs). All NAs/PES ( N = 63) received dementia training, with completion rate of 82.5%. Overall, patients had ~1 NPI-Q (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire) assessment/48 hr. 97% ( n = 153) of PLWD exhibited at least one behavior. Average NPI-Q scores did not differ across intervention (5.36) and control (3.87) units ( p = .23). Patients on the intervention unit had 88% ( p = .002) shorter duration of constant observation. A dementia care unit staffed by PES is an innovative model requiring further research.
Pragati: Sculpting a Social Model of Health in a Resource-Poor Context
Authors: Nair Smitha Sasidharan , Soletti Ashabanu , Yadav Pravin
Published: August 2023

This article focuses on Pragati—A Field Action Project of the Centre for Health and Mental Health, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India, and critically examines the project’s development. The project is uniquely positioned because it is one of the first community health models in India that social work professionals started. The article discusses the project’s work over the last three decades and argues for theory-based interventions focusing on rights-based and people-centred approaches. The article highlights the role of social work in health, the project’s strategies, successes, failures, lessons learned and the importance of an intervention-based people-centred model.
Eustachian Tube Teratoma: A Rare Entity
Authors: Gheorghe Dan Cristian , Enculescu Augustina , Stanciu Adina Elena , Epure Veronica , Zamfir-Chiru-Anton Adina
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Teratomas, tumors derived from all 3 fetal germ cell layers, are rarely located in the head and neck region and extremely rare in the Eustachian tube area.

Case report:

The authors present the case of a 2 years old child with chronic ear discharge. Referral diagnosis was tumor or cyst of the temporal bone. Intraoperatively, a solid, hairy tumor located inside the Eustachain tube, with extension into the middle ear space was discovered and removed. Histology revealed a mature teratoma. Review of the literature showed reports of rare similar cases of Eustachian tube teratomas, differentiating themfrom hairy polyps of the rhynopharynx. The imaging of our patient, the surgical techique for removal of the tumor and long term follow-up are detailed.

Conclusions:

Teratomas located inside the Eustachian tube are exceptional. Their removal should be carefully planned in view of their long term anatomical sequelae and in order to avoid long term postoperative morbidity.
Massive Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Ventricular Septal Defect: Case Report of a Rare Association
Authors: Pabba Anish , Parvathareddy Krishna Mala Konda Reddy , Nagula Praveen , Bandaru Susruth
Published: August 2023

A pulmonary artery aneurysm is defined as focal dilation of the pulmonary artery beyond a diameter of 29 mm. The reported incidence is 1 in 14,000 as per the autopsy studies. A diameter of more than 55 mm is defined as a massive pulmonary artery aneurysm which is very rare. These are commonly associated with patent ductus arteriosus. No distinct features for identification and guidelines for their management warrant a detailed evaluation for etiology and close follow-up in this entity fearing fatal rupture. We present a case of a massive pulmonary artery aneurysm associated with the ventricular septal defect.
Effectiveness of Telepharmacy in Rural Communities in Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nwachuya Chukwuemeka Augustine , Umeh Anthony Uche , Ogwurumba Jennifer Chinaza , Chinedu-Eze Ifunanya Ngozi , Azubuike Chukwunenye Christopher , Isah AbdulMuminu
Published: August 2023

Objectives: This review examined the effectiveness of telepharmacy in rural communities in Africa to identify the barriers that hinder its implementation and integration as well as highlight the gaps in the existing research on telepharmacy. Data Source: PubMed and Google Scholar search (2008-2023) was conducted using keywords related to telepharmacy, telemedicine, telehealth, and rural communities. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The inclusion criteria for the review include peer-reviewed articles published in English language and studies that focus on the implementation and evaluation of telepharmacy in rural communities. Data Synthesis: In all articles used, access to quality health care in rural communities has been a persistent challenge in Africa. Digital technologies such as telemedicine, telepharmacy, and artificial intelligence were reported to have emerged as promising solutions to improve health care access and outcomes in rural communities. Telepharmacy, in particular, has the potential to provide medication-related services to patients irrespective of one’s location. However, the implementation of telepharmacy in Africa has been slow, and there are several barriers affecting its integration and adoption in rural communities that include access to technology, limited infrastructure, and regulatory challenges. Gaps and limitations in the existing research on telepharmacy in rural communities were highlighted from the articles. Conclusion: Telepharmacy can improve health care access and outcomes in rural communities by bridging the gap between pharmacists and patients. However, the lack of infrastructure, inadequate funding, and regulatory challenges pose significant barriers to its implementation. Future research should focus on addressing these challenges and exploring the potential of telepharmacy to improve health care in rural communities in Africa.
Brentuximab vedotin plus AVD for Hodgkin lymphoma: incidence and management of peripheral neuropathy in a multisite cohort
Authors: Bowers Jackson T. , Anna Jacob , Bair Steven M. , Annunzio Kaitlin , Epperla Narendranath , Pullukkara Jerrin Joy , Gaballa Sameh , Spinner Michael A. , Li Shuning , Messmer Marcus R. , Nguyen Joseph , Ayers Emily C. , Wagner Charlotte B. , Hu Boyu , Di Mengyang , Huntington Scott F. , Furqan Fateeha , Shah Nirav N. , Chen Christina , Ballard Hatcher J. , Hughes Mitchell E. , Chong Elise A. , Nasta Sunita D. , Barta Stefan K. , Landsburg Daniel J. , Svoboda Jakub
Published: August 2023

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) is increasingly used for frontline treatment of stage III/IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Peripheral neuropathy (PN) was the most common and treatment-limiting side effect seen in clinical trials but has not been studied in a nontrial setting, in which clinicians may have different strategies for managing it. We conducted a multisite retrospective study to characterize PN in patients who received BV + AVD for newly diagnosed cHL. One hundred fifty-three patients from 10 US institutions were eligible. Thirty-four patients (22%) had at least 1 ineligibility criteria for ECHELON-1, including stage, performance status, and comorbidities. PN was reported by 80% of patients during treatment; 39% experienced grade (G) 1, 31% G2, and 10% G3. In total, BV was modified in 44% of patients because of PN leading to BV discontinuation in 23%, dose reduction in 17%, and temporary hold in 4%. With a median follow-up of 24 months, PN resolution was documented in 36% and improvement in 33% at the last follow-up. Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) for the advanced-stage patients was 82.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-0.90) and overall survival was 97.4% (95% CI, 0.94-1.00). Patients who discontinued BV because of PN did not have inferior PFS. In the nontrial setting, BV + AVD was associated with a high incidence of PN. In our cohort, which includes patients who would not have been eligible for the pivotal ECHELON-1 trial, BV discontinuation rates were higher than previously reported, but 2-year outcomes remain comparable.
A feasibility randomized controlled trial of an mHealth app vs booklets for patient-facing guidelines in adults with SCD
Authors: Cronin Robert M. , Quaye Nives , Liu Xin , Landes Kristina , Crosby Lori E. , Kassim Adetola A. , Volanakis Emmanuel J. , Schnell Patrick M. , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: August 2023

Despite the increased number of evidence-based guidelines for sickle cell disease (SCD), dissemination of evidence-based guidelines in lay language for individuals or families with SCD has not been evaluated. We conducted a feasibility randomized controlled trial to determine the acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth) app with patient-facing guidelines to improve the knowledge of individuals with SCD about SCD-specific knowledge and reduce hospitalizations. Primary outcome measures include recruitment, retention, and adherence rates. Adults with SCD were enrolled at 2 sickle cell centers between 2018 and 2022. Participants were randomized to receive either an mHealth app + booklet with patient-facing guidelines or a booklet with the guidelines alone. Participants completed surveys at baseline and a final 6-month visit. Approximately 67 of 74 (91%) agreed to participate and were randomized, with 50 of 67 (75%) completing all the study components. All participants who completed the study in the treatment arm used the app. Our results demonstrated high recruitment, retention, and adherence rate for the first randomized trial for an mHealth app with patient-facing guidelines in adults with SCD. This clinical trial was registered at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ as #NCT03629678.
Cutting Force Fluctuation Suppression and Error Homogenization of Noncircular Gear Hobbing Based on the Tool Shifting Method
Authors: Li Dazhu , Han Jiang , Tian Xiaoqing , Xia Lian
Published: August 2023

The current research on noncircular hobbing mainly focuses on the linkage model and motion realization. However, the intermittent cutting characteristics of hobbing would increase uncertainties in the manufacturing process. In this paper, a hobbing machining model with tool-shifting characteristics was proposed to solve the problems of cutting force fluctuation and inconsistency of tooth profile envelope accuracy at different positions of the pitch curve in noncircular gear hobbing. Based on the unit cutting force coefficient method, the undeformed chip volume generated by interrupted cutting was used to characterize the fluctuation trend of the hobbing force. The fluctuation characteristics of the cutting force generated by different hobbing models were compared and analyzed. Using the equivalent gear tooth and hob slotting numbers, an analysis model of the tooth profile envelope error of the noncircular gear was constructed. Subsequently, the tooth profile envelope errors at different positions of the pitch curve were compared and analyzed based on the constructed model. The transmission structure of the electronic gearbox was constructed based on the proposed hobbing model, and the hobbing experiment was conducted based on the self-developed noncircular gear CNC hobbing system. This paper proposes a hobbing method that can effectively suppress the fluctuation of the peak and whole circumference cutting force and reduce the maximum envelope error of the whole circumference gear teeth.
Estimation of joint value in mobility as a service ecosystems under different orchestrator settings
Authors: Kraus Lisa , Proff Heike , Jeppe Arne
Published: August 2023

Background

Ecosystems aim to create joint value that is higher than the sum of the value added of the single companies combined. However, for Mobility as a Service (MaaS) ecosystems, the economic potential is not yet proven. This concurs with the definition of MaaS ecosystems and the debate about who should be the orchestrator – a private or a public entity.

Purpose

This article therefore delivers a first approach to quantify the joint value of publicly and privately orchestrated MaaS ecosystems.

Methodology

The value estimationations are based on potential user preference analysis combined with market simulation and different volume discounts granted to a private orchestrator in the agency.

Findings

The results show that due to the high costs of all ecosystem actors in this asset-heavy industry, no profits are made in all constellations. The least value is destroyed when a private orchestrator receives 2% discount. Thus, added value must be created, for example through data analysis and advertising. Cities and governments must hence reallocate subsidies and support all MaaS actors to build a viable ecosystem.
Variables associated to intensive care unit (ICU)-mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit in Ethiopia: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Zewudie Misgan Mulatie , Melesse Debas Yaregal , Filatie Tesera Dereje , Zeleke Mulualem Endeshaw
Published: August 2023

Background

The present study aimed to assess variables associated to ICU-mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit in Ethiopia.

Methods

A Hospital-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted on all patients who were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. Data were extracted from patients’ charts with a pretested data extraction tool, entered into Epi-data 4.6.0, and analyzed with STATA- 14. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted.

Results

Of the total study participants (388), 148 (38.1%) patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit died during the follow-up period with a median survival time of 11 days. Potassium level < 3.5 mmol/L (adjusted hazard ratio ( AHR): 3.46, 95% CI (1.83 6.55), potassium level > 5.0 mmol/L (AHR:2.41, 95% CI (1.29–4.51), hypoxia (AHR:1.66, 95% CI (1.10–2.48), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score < 9 (AHR: 4.06, 95% CI (1.51–10.89), mechanical ventilation (AHR:12, 95%CI (3–45), absence of thromboprophylaxis (AHR:10.8,95% CI (6.04–19.29), absence of enteral feeding (AHR:3.56, 95% CI (2.20–5.78) were variables associated with ICU-mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit.

Conclusions

The overall ICU-mortality of patients admitted to our surgical intensive care unit was higher compared to patients admitted to similar intensive care unit in developed countries. The variables associated to ICU-mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit were abnormal serum potassium level, lower GCS score, mechanical support, hypoxia, absence of thromboprophylaxis, and enteral feeding.