bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inmates with Heat-Sensitive Health Conditions: Surveying Prisoner Litigation in the Age of Climate Change
Authors: Palacios Jazmin E. , Vaughn Michael S.
Published: April 2023

Rising temperatures and severe heat, as a result of climate change, have led to a significant number of heat-related deaths and injuries among correctional populations in the United States. This article analyzes cases from the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals in which inmates challenged the constitutionality of their conditions of confinement in extremely hot facilities pursuant Title 42 U.S. Code Section 1983. An inductive analysis of caselaw revealed two themes: inmates with heat-sensitive health conditions and reasonable staff responses to inmate's heat exposure. The article concludes by offering policy guidance to prison officials based on the themes revealed in the circuit court decisions and by providing recommendations for future research.
Is Psychological Distress a Risk Factor or an Outcome of School Violence and Cyberbullying Perpetrated by Adolescents? A Short-Term Longitudinal Panel Study
Authors: Chen Ji-Kang , Yang Boyuan , Wang Li-Chih , Chang Ching-Wen , Lin Chung-Ying
Published: April 2023

Although the associations between adolescent psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and somatization), school violence, and cyberbullying have been examined using cross-sectional data, little evidence from longitudinal panel data exists to determine the temporal association. A two-wave longitudinal panel data with a 10-month interval were obtained from a random sample of 487 Chinese junior high school students (grades 7–9) in Tianjin in Mainland China. The cross-lagged panel analysis showed that adolescent psychological distress in the first wave of the survey was significantly associated with subsequent school violence against peers and teachers in the second wave but not in the opposite direction. Student psychological distress in the first wave of the survey was not significantly associated with cyberbullying perpetration in the second wave and vice versa. The findings suggested that adolescent psychological distress was a risk factor rather than the consequence of violence against peers and teachers in school. However, the temporal associations between adolescent psychological distress and cyberbullying perpetration were non-significant. These findings were relevant to both sex groups. The findings may imply that potential interventions and policies to prevent students from committing school violence should consider reducing students’ psychological distress as one of the core elements.
Women’s Disengagement Behaviors During Couple Conflict: Investigating Risk Indicators of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Franz Molly R. , Smethurst Madeline , Barry Robin A. , Cole Hannah E. , Taft Casey T.
Published: April 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern, leading to prevention efforts focused on identifying risk indicators of escalating conflict between partners. Certain behaviors during conflict discussions have been uniquely linked to IPV, and there is evidence that disengagement behaviors—an emerging construct—are associated with IPV as well. However, research on disengagement and IPV has largely been limited to self-report, and available observational research is largely cross-sectional. Addressing these limitations, this study prospectively examined the association between observed disengagement behaviors during couple’s conflict discussions and IPV 1 year later, using a sample of 83 heterosexual married or cohabitating partners. Behavioral coding was used to assess each partner’s observed disengagement behaviors and each partner’s psychological and physical IPV was assessed via questionnaire 1 year later. Linear regressions were used to investigate links between indicators of engagement (i.e., listening, questions, eye contact) and psychological and physical IPV perpetration and victimization. Less question asking and higher eye contact by women were associated with greater psychological and physical IPV perpetrated by both women and men 1 year later. Lower listening behaviors by women were associated with greater psychological (but not physical) IPV perpetrated by men 1 year later. In contrast, no disengagement behaviors displayed by men were significantly related to IPV. Applying a latent change score framework using baseline IPV data, findings indicated replicability of results, though with less consistency, suggesting that women’s disengagement behaviors may reflect a larger pattern of abuse that predates and follows disengaged couple interactions. Findings suggest that a unique blend of verbal and nonverbal indicators of women’s disengagement during couple conflict provides a meaningful signal of the emotional climate of the relationship.
Evidence of Gender Asymmetry in Intimate Partner Violence Experience at the Population-Level
Authors: Fanslow Janet L. , Mellar Brooklyn M. , Gulliver Pauline J. , McIntosh Tracey K. D.
Published: April 2023

Claims of “gender symmetry” in intimate partner violence (IPV) prevalence are contested, with resolution of the issue complicated by methodological and measurement challenges. This study explores gendered differences in the distribution of IPV exposure at the population-level, considering multiple types of IPV exposure. The subjects comprised of 1,431 ever-partnered women and 1,355 ever-partnered men. Data from a nationally representative population-based cross-sectional survey were used to compare men and women’s IPV experiences. Twenty-three IPV acts were assessed across IPV types (moderate physical, severe physical, sexual, psychological, controlling behaviors, economic). Proportions were presented by gender for the number of individual IPV acts experienced per IPV type, and the frequency of these acts (none, once, few times, or many times). A composite exposure score was developed to assess the number of acts and their frequency within types by comparing scores in tertiles and across types by correlations. Women reported greater overall prevalence of 20 of the 23 individual IPV acts assessed. Across all assessed acts, women comprised a substantially greater proportion of those who reported experiencing individual acts “many times.” Women experienced more severe and more frequent IPV than men based on self-reported experience of IPV acts, and by the frequency with which acts were experienced. Significant differences between men and women’s exposure scores were observed for all six assessed types, with greater proportions of women scoring in the upper tertiles. This study provides evidence of gender asymmetry in experiences of IPV at the population level. While men do experience IPV victimization, there remains need for directed and substantial resource allocation for intervention and therapeutic responses to women’s exposure to IPV, and for primary prevention with men. Going forward, IPV measurement tools that consider frequency, severity, or co-occurring types of IPV are needed.
The effects of flow field design on PEMFC
Authors: Hamdollahi Sahra , Zhang Dan , Yue Tao , Li Aijun , Luo Jun
Published: April 2023

The flow field design plays a crucial role in the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). An efficient flow field design enhances electrochemical reactions in catalyst layers and facilitates the water removal process at the cathode. This study evaluates two PEMFC designs, rectangular and semicircle baffle flow fields, using computational fluid dynamics modeling. The models incorporate mass, heat and energy transport, electrode kinetics, and potential fields in PEMFCs. The research analyzes the hydrogen and oxygen mass flow rates and water distributions in PEMFCs at operating voltages of 0.3–1 V to determine the effect of the flow field design on performance. According to the results it is clear that flow field design has an important influence on PEMFC power density and performance. The calculated power density at 0.3 V and at 80°C for semicircle and rectangular baffle flow field PEMFCs respectively are 0.37 and 0.23 W cm−2, which indicates that PEMFC with semicircle baffle flow field has better performance in this study.
Energetic and exergetic performance investigation of a cross-flow regenerative indirect evaporative cooler made up of aluminium plate heat exchangers
Authors: Inanli Mert , Aydin Devrim , Rezaei Marzieh
Published: April 2023

Evaporative cooling is an environmentally friendly and low-cost method to deliver cooling load in hot climates. It has been proposed as an alternative to traditional vapour compression systems, mainly due to its lower power consumption and the ability to provide cooling without the need for refrigerants. The present study investigates a novel regenerative indirect evaporative cooling system to address the high cooling demands in hot climates. The proposed unit consists of commercially available aluminium plate cross-flow heat exchangers. Within the study, system performance is simulated in MATLAB software and numerical results are validated with experimental testing results. In the analysis, the effects of exhaust-to-inlet air ratio, inlet air temperature and inlet air relative humidity on the system energetic and exergetic performance were investigated. Individual effects of the inlet parameters on the thermal, mechanical and chemical exergies of the inlet, product and exhaust air streams were also investigated. Maximum wet bulb effectiveness values were achieved as 0.99 and 1.06 for the single and double effect configurations, respectively. In all inlet air conditions, an optimal exhaust-to-inlet air ratio of 0.4 was found to maximize the cooling capacity. Maximum exergy destruction rate was 35W. On the other hand, yearly potential energy savings of 695 kWh was calculated by replacing a vapour compression system with the proposed regenerative evaporative cooler.
Variable-horizon predictive tracking control for air-breathing hypersonic vehicle based on composite disturbance observer
Authors: Zhao Jin , Chen Mou
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a variable-horizon predictive tracking control (VHPTC) scheme based on composite disturbance observer (CDO) is proposed to investigate the attitude tracking problem for an air-breathing hypersonic vehicle (AHV) subject to external matched and mismatched disturbances. An explicit predictive tracking control term with the variable horizon is employed to reduce the online computation and improve the control performance of the AHV system. To comprehensively suppress the negative influences caused by the matched and mismatched disturbances, a CDO is constructed to estimate the unknown disturbances. Moreover, to further guarantee the stability of the closed-loop system affected by the resulting disturbance estimation error, the auxiliary control term is presented. Combining the predictive tracking control term with the variable horizon, the auxiliary control term, and the disturbance compensation control term obtained by CDO, the entire VHPTC law for the AHV system is obtained. Through the Lyapunov analysis, the rigorously exponential stability of the closed-loop system is ensured by the proposed CDO-based VHPTC scheme. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented strategy for the AHV attitude system.
‘Language’, power and liberty: Discursive constructions of Ghanaian glossolalic speeches
Authors: Obeng Samuel Gyasi , Ofori Seth Antwi
Published: April 2023

Unlike xenoglossia ( xenolalia), which involves speaking a language one has neither learned nor could have acquired naturally, glossolalia ( ecstatic speech) is the uttering of ‘incomprehensible’ stretch of utterances while in a state of trance. Using transcripts of recorded glossolalic utterances and of interviews collected over a 3-month period as our data source and working within the frameworks of language and power, and language and liberty we demonstrate that there is a strong link between glossolalic performance and the concepts of power and liberty. Thus, we establish that one’s ability to use glossolalia and another’s ability to interpret them are constituents of power. Also demonstrated is the use of specific linguistic (phonetic, syntactic, and pragmatic) resources to seek liberty for self or deny others liberty. We show further that individuals’ institutional obligation of regulating turns and determining turn duration of glossolalic interactions constitutes power and has relevance for liberty contestation, gain or loss. Finally, we prove that the performance of power and its interpretation are tools for exhibiting liberty.
Toward implementing equality, diversity, and inclusion for virtual conferences within the LIS professions
Authors: Fu Yaming , Mahony Simon
Published: April 2023

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) has gained increased attention within the library and information professions, becoming an important aspect of the ethical framework and strategic planning of several professional bodies. This paper uses a data-driven analysis of material from the iSchools conferences (iConferences) as a case study to examine how we might facilitate EDI in practice and engage more effectively with our communities in a virtual context with the move to more online conferences. Our findings identify both positive and negative aspects about the use of online conference platforms and raise concerns over the possibility that virtual conferences may increase unconscious bias and assumptions that could impact adversely on those already disadvantaged. Transparency and communication are key to identifying and addressing any barriers to equality and so online conferences need to ensure clarity and transparency concerning privacy, content, and process, and to demonstrate awareness of the diverse backgrounds of their community members.
A new framework for semi-Markovian parametric multi-state models with interval censoring
Authors: Aastveit Marthe Elisabeth , Cunen Céline , Hjort Nils Lid
Published: April 2023

There are few computational and methodological tools available for the analysis of general multi-state models with interval censoring. Here, we propose a general framework for parametric inference with interval censored multi-state data. Our framework can accommodate any parametric model for the transition times, and covariates may be included in various ways. We present a general method for constructing the likelihood, which we have implemented in a ready-to-use R package, smms, available on GitHub. The R package also computes the required high-dimensional integrals in an efficient manner. Further, we explore connections between our modelling framework and existing approaches: our models fall under the class of semi-Markovian multi-state models, but with a different, and sparser parameterisation than what is often seen. We illustrate our framework through a dataset monitoring heart transplant patients. Finally, we investigate the effect of some forms of misspecification of the model assumptions through simulations.
Trajectories of value capture, strategic coupling and labour regime reconfiguration: Coal mining, automotives and business services in post-socialist Romania
Authors: Jipa-Muşat Ioana , Prevezer Martha
Published: April 2023

Drawing on global production network research and conceptual explanations of the changing spatial divisions of labour, this article investigates the transformative effects of the dynamic interplay between strategic coupling and multiscalar changes across labour regimes in Central and Eastern European post-socialist sectoral trajectories. It interrogates critically whether sectors across peripheral regions have been able to slot themselves into lead firms’ transnational production systems, resulting in processes of value creation, value capture or value destruction. The empirical analysis reveals that the capacity of domestic resources to purposively match and align themselves to global lead firms and their strategic objectives is influenced by local historical legacies, spatiality, elite agency and labour agency, which combined to shape distinct meso-level transformations. The methodology is based on analysing the post-socialist transformation of three sectors in Romania, which have different historical legacies, institutional configurations, and spatial and temporal vectors of development, allowing us to trace interactions between different modes of strategic coupling or decoupling and labour regime reconfiguration. The central thrust of the article highlights how different modes of strategic coupling into global production networks, or decoupling from global production networks, are causally linked to the reconfiguration of labour regimes, leading to long-term regional socio-economic transformations.
Why does knee flexion in the standing position occur? Spinal deformity or knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Jili , Ushirozako Hiroki , Yamato Yu , Hasegawa Tomohiko , Yoshida Go , Banno Tomohiro , Arima Hideyuki , Oe Shin , Yamada Tomohiro , Ide Koichiro , Nakai Keiichi , Kurosu Kenta , Hoshino Hironobu , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: April 2023

Background: The interaction between knee osteoarthritis and spinal deformity and knee flexion (KF) remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the relationship between KF in the standing position and the severity of spinal deformity and knee osteoarthritis. Methods: We analyzed older volunteers aged over 60 years who participated in the musculoskeletal screening program. The participant’s characteristics and standing radiographic parameters were assessed. After a preliminary analysis, a propensity score-matched model was established with adjustments for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Cases were divided into KF (knee angle [KA] ≥10°) and non-KF (KA <10°) groups. Results: In a preliminary analysis of 252 cases (42 KF and 210 non-KF), there were significant differences in age and BMI between the KF and non-KF groups (all p < 0.05). Using a one-to-one propensity score-matched analysis, 38 pairs of cases were selected. There were significantly higher values of C7 sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis, KA, ankle angle, and pelvic shift in the KF group than in the non-KF group (all p < 0.05). In the KF group, 71.1% of the cases had severe spinal deformity (defined as marked deformity by the SRS-Schwab classification), and 31.6% had severe knee osteoarthritis (defined as a Kellgren Lawrence grade ≥3). Of the 31.6%, 7.9% were attributable to knee osteoarthritis alone, and 23.7% to both knee osteoarthritis and spinal deformity. Conclusions: This study clarified that compensatory changes due to spinopelvic malalignment, not due to knee osteoarthritis alone, mainly affected KF in the standing position.
Future-proofing structural design of an acute mental health inpatient unit
Authors: Arya Dinesh K
Published: April 2023

Objective

The design of an acute mental health inpatient facility must enable the provision of safe and effective care in an environment that is therapeutic. To be able to do that, in addition to the fittings, light and general ambience, a future design of such a facility must consider how consumers are likely to access mental healthcare in the future, what aspects of care they are likely to find value-adding and how the inpatient aspect of their care is likely to be integrated within their care continuum.

Conclusions

The future design must anticipate how consumers are likely to access information, support, care and treatment, how workflows of staff are likely to change, how the diverse needs of mental health consumers will need to be accommodated and how the needs and expectations of staff will be met to enable them to provide support to mental health consumers. A future design of a mental health inpatient unit may have to be very different from the current thinking about the design of such facilities.
Entrepreneurial Political Action in the Informal Economy: The Case of the Kumasi Petty Traders
Authors: Newman Arielle Badger , Barney Jay B.
Published: April 2023

This paper develops a new concept, entrepreneurial political activity based on corporate political activity to understand when an entrepreneur, representing both the firm and the individual simultaneously, will engage in political activity. The case of petty traders in Kumasi, Ghana generates grounded theory of entrepreneurial political activity. Faced with an existential threat, informal entrepreneurs had to decide whether to try to influence government policy by engaging in political activity. Findings from over 200 interviews demonstrated entrepreneurs carefully considered the state’s willingness to allow for the extra-legal economic activity in the informal economy to continue, and if they had trust in the leadership of the collective action before engaging in political action. Policy saliency motivating action was determined by growth orientation and dependency on the venture for household survival, both driven by the entrepreneur’s social role in the social system.
Redesigning a Course Evaluation Instrument: Experience, Practical Guidance, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Williamson Aimee L. , Wang Irene Guannan
Published: April 2023

Course evaluation instruments (CEIs) are widespread, influential components of faculty professional development and evaluation processes. Given their importance to continuous instructional improvement and their weight in promotion, tenure, and other evaluation processes, it is critical that business schools and higher education institutions more broadly ensure a well-designed instrument. While the literature covering course evaluation instruments is extensive, coverage of the CEI revision process is virtually nonexistent. This article seeks to fill that gap, providing a case study of a successful CEI change process at an AACSB accredited business school. We offer practical recommendations for a revision process, including a sample timeline, revised instrument, and lessons learned from experience.
Checks and Balances, Veto Exceptionalism, and Constitutional Folk Wisdom: Class and Race Power in American Politics
Authors: Miller Lisa L.
Published: April 2023

Conventional accounts of the U.S. constitution laud its checks and balances for diffusing power across many venues, limiting the potential for government oppression, and protecting political minorities. I refer to this as constitutional folk wisdom and contrast it with an American political economy approach of veto exceptionalism to better understand how the U.S. constitution shapes, and is shaped, by power relations. This analysis illustrates the volume and scope of veto exceptionalism and its implication for democratic participation and accountability, contrasts it with the virtues championed by the folk wisdom, and suggests how veto exceptionalism can help explain political outcomes and processes in American politics. I argue that the folk wisdom is not only inaccurate as a description of how power functions in the American “checks and balances” system; it is cultivated and utilized most frequently by powerful economic and racial actors that benefit from the anti-democratic and elitist features of the U.S. constitutional system.
Suspicious Minds: Unexpected Election Outcomes, Perceived Electoral Integrity and Satisfaction With Democracy in American Presidential Elections
Authors: Mongrain Philippe
Published: April 2023

A great amount of research has noted the existence of a gap between election winners and losers in relation to perceptions of electoral fairness and satisfaction with democracy. One aspect of the winner–loser gap that has been overlooked is the impact of citizens’ expectations about election outcomes on these attitudes. More precisely, how do citizens react to unexpected defeats and victories? Are individuals on the losing side less critical of the electoral process or dissatisfied with democracy when they recognize beforehand that their favourite party or candidate was likely to be defeated? Does experiencing a surprise victory lead to a boost in perceived electoral integrity or democratic satisfaction? To answer these questions, I use data from the 1996, 2000, 2004, 2012, 2016 and 2020 ANES. While there is little evidence that expectations exert a major influence on post-election attitudes, outcome unexpectedness seems to have decreased confidence in the vote counting process among losers, independents and even winners in the 2020 election. The results show the considerable influence that fraud claims and conspiracy theories can have on public opinion when elected officials and candidates push a consistent story line of electoral malfeasance and corruption in an effort to denigrate political opponents.
Sleep Quality of Family Caregivers of Children With Tracheostomies or Home Ventilators: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lee Hyeryeong , Lee Hyejung , Lim Heemoon
Published: April 2023

Family caregivers of children with tracheostomies or home ventilators are more likely to experience poor sleep quality when undertaking the full responsibility of caring for fragile children. This scoping review aimed to identify the sleep quality, related factors, and their impact on the health of family caregivers of children with tracheostomies or home ventilators. The included studies ( N = 16) were retrieved through PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Family caregivers’ sleep were low in quality, frequently disturbed, and insufficient. Their sleep quality was related to fatigue, anxiety, depression, family functioning, and health-related quality of life. The sleep disturbing factors were classified as child, caregiver, or environment-related, which were mutually interrelated. This review emphasizes the need to develop nursing interventions to both improve the sleep quality of family caregivers and the health of children with tracheostomies or home ventilators based on an in-depth understanding of the family’s context.
The optimum enhanced viscoelastic tuned mass dampers: Exact closed-form expressions
Authors: Chowdhury Sudip , Banerjee Arnab , Adhikari Sondipon
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces the inertial amplifier viscoelastic tuned mass dampers (IAVTMD). The viscoelastic materials are implanted inside the core material of the inertial amplifier tuned mass dampers. The standard linear solid models are applied mathematically to formulate the viscoelastic material. H2 and H ∞ optimization mechanisms apply to derive the exact mathematical closed-form formulations for optimal design parameters for novel inertial amplifier viscoelastic tuned mass dampers. The optimum IAVTMD installs at the top of the structures to mitigate the dynamic responses, determining the dynamic responses analytically through transfer function formation. At first, IAVTMD’s dynamic response reduction capacity compares with the conventional tuned mass damper’s (CTMD) dynamic response reduction capacity. As a result, H2 optimized IAVTMD’s dynamic response reduction capacity is significantly 20.87% and 26.47% superior to two well-established H2 optimized conventional tuned mass damper’s dynamic response reduction capacity. In addition, H ∞ optimized IAVTMD has 15.48% more dynamic response reduction capacity than H ∞ conventional tuned mass damper. H2 and H ∞ optimized tuned mass damper inerters with optimal closed-form solutions are introduced in this paper. A higher damper mass ratio and a lower inerter mass ratio are recommended to produce H2 and H ∞ optimized tuned mass damper inerter (TMDI) with a lower frequency and damping ratio in an affordable range. Accordingly, H2 and H ∞ optimized IAVTMD’s dynamic response reduction capacities are significantly 6.94% and 23.29% superior to H2 and H ∞ optimized TMDI’s dynamic response reduction capacity. The closed-form expressions for optimal design parameters of inertial amplifier viscoelastic tuned mass dampers and tuned mass damper inerters are mathematically correct and effective for practical applications.
Assessing Adult ADHD Through Objective Neuropsychological Measures: A Critical Overview
Authors: Rosso Gianluca , Portaluppi Caterina , Teobaldi Elena , Di Salvo Gabriele , Maina Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

Objective:

This review examines the role of neuropsychological tests in the diagnostic assessment of adult ADHD, focusing on their ability to discriminate individuals with ADHD from those with other psychiatric conditions.

Method:

PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched for eligible peer-reviewed studies from inception to September 2022.

Results:

Ten studies were included. Among the objective measures analyzed, Continuous Performance Tests were the only capable to reliably distinguish individuals with ADHD from other psychiatric patients, in a combined approach with clinical interview instruments. The other objective tests showed mixed and inconsistent results.

Conclusion:

This finding suggest that further studies are needed to develop objective measures more tailored to the core symptoms of ADHD, in order to improve the discriminatory ability of the tests and help the clinicians in the complex differential diagnosis between ADHD and other psychiatric disorders.
Chronic axillary wounds in cats: what do we know and how should we manage them?
Authors: Domingues Paulino Rodrigo , Williams John M
Published: April 2023

Practical relevance:

Axillary wounds most often occur in outdoor cats that wear a collar, typically after having been missing. These wounds are commonly chronic and indolent in nature, and although there is so far no consensus on an explanation for this, it is likely that there are several factors involved.

Clinical challenges:

Axillary wounds are often difficult to manage due to the frequent presence of infection, their histopathological characteristics and their location, where there is excessive tension and movement of the axillary tissues. Initial surgical treatment has a high reported incidence of failure and complications in the literature, with wound breakdown reported most commonly. Giving due consideration to the difficulties of managing these wounds, however, will help practitioners to decrease the occurrence of complications and the need for multiple procedures, and therefore improve the outcome.

Equipment:

Initial approach and surgical management can be achieved using standard medical equipment and surgical kit available to general practitioners.

Evidence base:

This review discusses the surgical techniques reported in the literature to have successfully treated chronic axillary wounds and recommendations are also provided based on the authors’ clinical experience.
Evaluating Inpatient Hospital Charges Associated With Trauma Service Patients Participating in an Accountable Care Organization
Authors: Salhany Richard J , Genovese-Scullin Daniel , Eversley-Danso Jasmin A , Mendez Humroy , Rubinshteyn Vladimir , Lakhi Nisha
Published: April 2023

Background:

The Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Program has created a vehicle for providers who practice cost containment and exceed quality for the Medicare population. The success of ACO’s nationwide have been well documented. However, there is little research evaluating if there is a cost saving benefit in trauma care with respect to participating in an ACO. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate inpatient hospital charges associated with trauma service utilization of patients participating in the ACO compared to non-ACO patients.

Methods:

This case-control retrospective study includes a comparison of inpatients charges of ACO patients (cases) and general trauma patients (controls) presenting to our trauma center in Staten Island, New York from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2021. A 1:1 matching of case to control was performed based on age, sex, race, and injury severity score. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS, with P < .05 as significant.

Results:

A total of 80 patients were included in the ACO cohort and 80 matched in the General Trauma cohort. Patient demographics were similar. Comorbidities were similar with the exception of a higher in incidence of hypertension (75.0% vs 47.5%, P < .001) and cardiac disease (35.0% vs 17.5%, P = .012) in the ACO cohort. Both the ACO and general trauma cohort had similar Injury Severity Scores, number of visits and lenght of stay. Both charge total ($76 148.93 vs $70 916.82, P = .630) receipt total ($15 080.26 vs $14 180, P = .662) charges were similar between ACO and General Trauma patients.

Conclusion:

In spite of increased incidence of hypertension and cardiac disease in ACO trauma patients, mean Injury Severity Score, number of visits, length of hospital stay, ICU admission rate and charge total was similar compared to general trauma patients presenting to our Level 1 Adult Trauma Center.
Centre for Statistical and Methodological Excellence (CESAME): A Consortium Initiative for Improving Methodology in Randomised Clinical Trials
Authors: Jørgensen Caroline Kamp , Olsen Markus Harboe , Nielsen Niklas , Lange Theis , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Thabane Lehana , Billot Laurent , Binder Nadine , Garattini Silvio , Banzi Rita , Demotes Jacques , Biagioli Elena , Rulli Eliana , Bertolini Guido , Nattino Giovanni , Mathiesen Ole , Torri Valter , Gluud Christian , Jakobsen Janus Christian
Published: April 2023

When conducting randomised clinical trials, the choice of methodology and statistical analyses will influence the results. If the planned methodology is not of optimal quality and predefined in detail, there is a risk of biased trial results and interpretation. Even though clinical trial methodology is already at a very high standard, there are many trials that deliver biased results due to the implementation of inadequate methodology, poor data quality and erroneous or biased analyses. To increase the internal and external validity of randomised clinical trial results, several international institutions within clinical intervention research have formed The Centre for Statistical and Methodological Excellence (CESAME). Based on international consensus, the CESAME initiative will develop recommendations for the proper methodological planning, conduct and analysis of clinical intervention research. CESAME aims to increase the validity of randomised clinical trial results which will ultimately benefit patients worldwide across medical specialities. The work of CESAME will be performed within 3 closely interconnected pillars: (1) planning randomised clinical trials; (2) conducting randomised clinical trials; and (3) analysing randomised clinical trials.
Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in the telehealth era: A single-centre review
Authors: Hui Samuel , Sane Nikhita , Wang Andrew , Wan Leo , Bell Sally , Le Suong , Dev Anouk
Published: April 2023

Background

Real-world hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance uptake remains suboptimal, despite evidence that surveillance is associated with lower cancer-related mortality in patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B. We aimed to examine the impact of telehealth consultations on HCC surveillance rates within a specialist liver clinic.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study within an Australian outreach liver clinic within a culturally diverse community, comparing standard consultations before the COVID-19 pandemic to telehealth consultations during the pandemic. The primary outcome was surveillance uptake defined as the percentage of time up-to-date with surveillance (PTUDS) with the 6-month interval following each scan considered up-to-date.

Results

Over 18 months of follow-up for each cohort, the median PTUDS was 86.5% in the standard consultation cohort and 85.5% in the telehealth consultation cohort ( p = 0.12). HCC diagnoses did not differ between groups and hospitalisation and mortality rates were low. Using multivariate regression, increasing age, the need for an interpreter and being born in South-East Asia independently predicted PTUDS in the standard consultation cohort, whereas being born in Australia or New Zealand was predictive of a lower PTUDS. Current alcohol use and distance from the clinic predicted a lower PTUDS in the telehealth consultation cohort. In both groups, missed clinic attendances were strongly predictive of a lower PTUDS.

Conclusion

Telehealth hepatology consultations effectively coordinate HCC surveillance and are associated with similar outcomes to standard consultations. Its implementation should be widely considered given its advantages with regards to accessibility for patients.
Variable dysregulation of circulating lipocalin-2 in different obese phenotypes: Association with vasodilator dysfunction
Authors: Schinzari Francesca , Vizioli Giuseppina , Campia Umberto , Cardillo Carmine , Tesauro Manfredi
Published: April 2023

Background:

Obesity is linked with heightened cardiovascular risk, especially when accompanied by metabolic abnormalities. Lipocalin (LCN) 2 and retinol-binding protein (RBP) 4, two members of the lipocalin family, may be upregulated in insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. We analyzed whether changes in circulating LCN2 and RBP4 in obese individuals relate with impaired vasodilator reactivity, an early stage in atherosclerosis.

Methods:

Obese individuals ( n = 165), without ( n = 48) or with ( n = 117) metabolic abnormalities, and lean subjects ( n = 42) participated in this study. LCN2 and RBP4 were measured by Luminex assay. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively, was assessed by strain-gauge plethysmography.

Results:

Circulating LCN2 was higher in obese than in lean subjects ( p < 0.001), whereas RBP4 was not different between the two groups ( p = 0.12). The vasodilator responses to both acetylcholine and nitroprusside were impaired in obese individuals ( p < 0.001 vs lean subjects), with no difference between those with metabolically healthy or unhealthy obesity ( p > 0.05). In the whole population, vasodilator responses to acetylcholine ( R = 0.23, p = 0.01) and nitroprusside ( R = 0.38, p < 0.001) had an inverse, linear relationship with circulating LCN2; no correlation, by contrast, was observed between circulating RBP4 and vasodilator reactivity (both p > 0.05). In a subgroup of obese patients with diabetes ( n = 20), treatment with metformin ( n = 10) or pioglitazone ( n = 10) did not modify circulating LCN2 and RBP4 or vascular reactivity (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Circulating LCN2, but not RBP4, is higher in obese than in lean individuals. Interestingly, changes in LCN2 inversely relate to those in vasodilator function, thereby making this protein a potential biomarker for risk stratification in obesity.
Preprocedural imaging modalities in patients undergoing iliocaval venous recanalization and stent placement
Authors: Müller Markus , Wolf Florian , Loewe Christian , Beitzke Dietrich , Zehetmayer Sonja , Gschwandtner Michael E , Willfort-Ehringer Andrea , Koppensteiner Renate , Schlager Oliver
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of preinterventional imaging modalities in patients being evaluated for iliocaval venous recanalization and stent placement.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with iliocaval postthrombotic obstructions or nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL), who were scheduled for recanalization, underwent duplex ultrasound (DUS), magnetic resonance venography (MRV), multiplanar venography (MPV), and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The diagnostic accuracies of DUS, MRV, and MPV were analyzed using IVUS as reference.

Results:

A total of 216 limbs in 108 patients (80 patients with postthrombotic obstructions, 28 patients with NIVL) were examined. In patients with postthrombotic obstructions, the diagnostic sensitivities for the detection of lesions of the common femoral vein were 81% (95% CI 71–89%) for DUS, 76% (95% CI 65–85%) for MRV, and 86% (95% CI 76–93%) for MPV. The sensitivities for detecting lesions of the iliac veins were 96% (95% CI 89–99%) for DUS, 99% (95% CI 92–100%) for MRV, and 100% (95% CI 94–100%) for MPV. Regarding the inferior vena cava, the sensitivities were 44% (95% CI 24–65%) for DUS, 52% (95% CI 31–73%) for MRV, and 70% (95% CI 47–86%) for MPV. The sensitivities for detecting NIVL were 58% (95% CI 34–79%) for DUS, 90% (95% CI 68–97%) for MRV, and 95% (95% CI 73–99%) for MPV.

Conclusion:

In patients scheduled for recanalization of iliocaval postthrombotic obstructions, the sensitivities of DUS, MRV, and MPV were similar. In patients with suspected inferior vena cava involvement and in patients with NIVL, additional imaging with MR or conventional venography is required.
Psychoeducational and motivational treatment for low-weight Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Three case reports in school-aged children
Authors: Datta Nandini , Matheson Brittany , Walker Avery Carter , Van Wye Eliza , Lock James D
Published: April 2023

Background

Individuals with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) experience restrictive or highly selective eating problems that interfere with growth and development. Despite the increasing number of referrals for ARFID, no evidence-based treatments exist. This compilation of case composites describes a novel manualized treatment, Psychoeducational and Motivational Treatment (PMT) for children with ARFID, focusing on exploring motivation to change eating behaviors. This approach is based on motivational non-directive psychotherapy models, psychoeducational interventions, and the usefulness of play to support psychotherapeutic learning in school-age children.

Case Presentations

Three cases of children with ARFID treated using PMT are presented: a 7-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 12-year-old. These cases illustrate how a clinician delivers PMT interventions in the context of developmental abilities and common comorbidities associated with ARFID.

Conclusion

PMT is a promising therapy for ARFID in school-age children. Challenges and strategies are discussed, including ways to address obstacles such as young age, comorbidities, and use of the virtual environment.
Towards more comprehensive nationwide familial aggregation studies in Denmark: The Danish Civil Registration System versus the lite Danish Multi-Generation Register
Authors: Due Jeppe Klok , Pedersen Marianne Giørtz , Antonsen Sussie , Rommedahl Joen , Agerbo Esben , Mortensen Preben Bo , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Lotz Jonas Færch , Piqueras Laura Cabello , Fierro Constanza , Karamolegkou Antonia , Igel Christian , Rust Phillip , Søgaard Anders , Pedersen Carsten Bøcker
Published: April 2023

Aim:

Linking information on family members in the Danish Civil Registration System (CRS) with information in Danish national registers provides unique possibilities for research on familial aggregation of diseases, health patterns, social factors and demography. However, the CRS is limited in the number of generations that it can identify. To allow more complete familial linkages, we introduce the lite Danish Multi-Generation Register (lite MGR) and the future full Danish MGR that is currently being developed.

Methods:

We generated the lite MGR by linking the current version of the CRS with historical versions stored by the Danish National Archives in the early 1970s, which contain familial links not saved in the current CRS. We describe and compare the completeness of familial links in the lite MGR and the current version of the CRS. We also describe planned procedures for generating the full MGR by linking the current CRS with scanned archived records from Parish Registers.

Results:

Among people born in Denmark in 1960 or later, the current CRS contains information on both parents. However, it has limited parental information for people born earlier. Among the 732,232 people born in Denmark during 1950–1959, 444,084 (60.65%) had information on both parents in the CRS. In the lite MGR, it was 560,594 (76.56%).

Conclusions:

The lite MGR offers more complete information on familial relationships than the current CRS. The lite and full MGR will offer an infrastructure tying together existing research infrastructures, registers and biobanks, raising their joint research value to an unparalleled level.
Tribological properties of novel Al 7075(T6)-SiC-crumb rubber-MoS2-based hybrid composites: An experimental approach towards green revolution
Authors: Singh Nikhilesh , Deepika Deepika
Published: April 2023

In the present study, an experimental approach is conducted for analyzing the tribological attributes of the novel green hybrid metal matrix composites fabricated by an advanced vacuum-sealed bottom pouring stir casting comprised of Al 7075(T6) as a base metal doped with three distinct reinforcements as silicon carbide, crumb rubber, and molybdenum disulfide. Six casting process variables such as SiC, crumb rubber, MoS2, stirring speed, stirring time, and pouring temperature have opted for the fabrication of green hybrid composites via Taguchi L18 mixed-level orthogonal array. Tribological studies (in terms of wear loss, frictional force, and coefficient of friction) on fabricated green composites are examined via the high-temperature rotary pin-on-disc tribometer with fixed process parameters (such as wear track diameter, sliding speed, normal load, sliding distance, disc rotation speed, and test duration) under dry sliding wear test. Moreover, the wear test is also executed under variable temperature conditions of 35 °C, 100 °C, 200 °C, and 300 °C. The metallography of synthesized green composites and their worn surfaces is inspected via a metallurgical microscope and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. Besides, the analysis of variance is implemented to predict the percentage contribution of the combined process variables for wear loss analysis. In contrast to the as-cast specimen (S0), the developed hybrid pin specimen (S3) yields a tremendous improvement in its metallurgical and tribological attributes under varying temperature conditions. Owing to the merits of the proposed composite, it can be extensively used in lightweight, high-temperature, and wear-resistant applications of various automotive and aerospace engineering.
Quantifying extinction imaging of fuel sprays considering scattering errors
Authors: Lehnert Bastian , Weiss Lukas , Berrocal Edouard , Wensing Michael
Published: April 2023

In this work, we use the measurement technique of high-speed Diffuse Back Illumination Extinction Imaging (DBI-EI) to obtain quantitative information in the form of projected liquid volume (PLV) in a highly transient GDI process. For the DBI-EI setup we use a LED-Panel as the light source, which fulfills diffuse back illumination extinction imaging criteria. Measurements were carried out in a constant volume chamber, allowing easy optical access, and enabling measurements at real world ambient engine conditions. For the experiments, we use an Engine Combustion Network (ECN) Spray G injector and measure the sprays at ECN conditions. Moreover, we mount the injector in a motorized rotational system, enabling measurements of the sprays at precisely defined angles of observation. The DBI-EI technique requires a light source radiating uniformly in a certain range of an angle. Because of the diffuse radiation, an error in the quantification of the liquid phase results from the detection of multiple and forward scattered photons. This leads to an underestimation of the optical depth ([Formula: see text]), which further results in a false calculation of the projected liquid volume. Therefore, we must assume that DBI-EI results are wrong. To enable the use of DBI-EI in all spray regions independent of the measurement setup, we present a simulation-based method, which is correcting the [Formula: see text] for scattering effects. Results show, that the measured [Formula: see text] of the experimental setup, which we used in this work, is underestimated by at least a factor of 2.2. This factor increases with increasing spray densities. We can use the corresponding corrected PLV data to reconstruct three-dimensional data of the liquid volume fraction with the tomographic method filtered back projection. Thus, we obtain time and spatial resolved quantitative spray information, with an approach to correct undesired scattering effects, while keeping the experimental effort low.