bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People with a mild intellectual disability: inclusive research lessons
Authors: Kyriazis Elias , Pomering Alan , Marciano Heather
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present guidelines for researchers working with individuals with mild intellectual disability (MID) based on the challenges and learnings from our University of Wollongong (UOW) Community Engagement Grant (2010) project where we collaborated with representatives from the Disability Sector, Cancer Council NSW and the vulnerable community of people with MID to overcome the difficulties that they face in interpreting mainstream cancer prevention messaging and take ownership of their skin cancer checking behaviour by using co-created resources that could be easily understood and acted upon by the target audience. As a result of our project, nearly 20% of our vulnerable population sample (employees of Greenacres, a disability employment provider) checked themselves for skin cancer spots for the first time after having been given a “What’s that Spot?” book and accompanying resources (bathroom mirror stickers, hand held mirrors). The successful uptake can be directly attributed to the researchers putting aside their assumptions and overcoming the biases (conscious and unconscious) from their academic training to partner with the target population in a respectful manner and genuinely embrace the concept of inclusive research, ensuring that this overlooked and vulnerable group are afforded cancer prevention resources that work for them. This inclusive approach is evidenced by the co-creation of our “thumbs up scale” to overcome the limitations of traditional Likert scale use for our target population. Further, the generation of “trust” between researchers, participants and necessary carers should be at the forefront of all research methodology designs for those wishing to conduct research with members of the MID community.
Soft-clipping INGARCH models for time series of bounded counts
Authors: Weiß Christian H. , Jahn Malte
Published: December 2022

The soft-clipping binomial INGARCH (scBINGARCH) models are proposed as time series models for bounded counts, which have a nearly linear structure and also allow for negative autocor-relations. Conditions that guarantee the existence and certain mixing properties of the scBINGARCH process are derived, and further stochastic properties are discussed. The consistency and asymptotic nor-mality of maximum likelihood estimators are established, and finite-sample properties are studied with simulations. The practical relevance of the scBINGARCH model’s ability to allow for negative parameter and ACF values is demonstrated by some real-data examples.
A fault diagnosis framework for rotating machinery of marine equipment: A semi-supervised learning framework based on contractive stacked autoencoder
Authors: Pan Penghao , Zhao Dong , Li Yueyang
Published: December 2022

Rotating machinery is one of the key components of marine equipment. Due to the complex and harsh offshore environment, the health status of rotating machinery is more likely to be affected. Therefore, fault diagnosis is of great significance to normal operation and maintenance of rotating machinery in marine equipment. Traditional data-driven fault diagnosis tasks require massive label data for training, and it takes time and manpower to obtain enough label samples. At the same time, it is considered that the noise can interfere with the performance of the fault diagnosis framework. To overcome the above two defects, this paper proposes a fault diagnosis framework based on semi-supervised learning, where the contractive stacked autoencoder (CSA) and the classifier multilayer perceptron (MLP) extract features from unlabeled data and realize fault classification respectively. Compared with the Stacked Autoencoder (SAE)-MLP and Stacked Denoising Autoencoder (SDAE)-MLP frameworks, the proposed learning framework has better fault diagnosis accuracy and robustness.
EEG Characteristics Before and After Dexmedetomidine Treatment in Severe Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ma Yujie , Zhang Hongbin , Bai Jijia , Zhu Jinyuan
Published: December 2022

Background. Bedside electroencephalography (EEG) can monitor the changes in brain function in critical patients. Light sedation is recommended in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but sedation might confuse the EEG readings. There are few studies on the changes of EEG in severe patients with dexmedetomidine. This study aimed to explore the EEG characteristics before and after dexmedetomidine in severe patients in the ICU. Methods. This prospective study enrolled severe patients with sepsis who needed light sedation, we sedated the patients with dexmedetomidine. EEG was recorded for at least 60 min using a quantitative EEG (qEEG) bedside monitor. Amplitude-EEG (aEEG), relative spectral energy, alpha variation, and spectral entropy were recorded and compared before/after dexmedetomidine. Results. Sixty-three participants were enrolled. The relative spectral energy and alpha variation were not different before and after the use of dexmedetomidine ( P  > .05). The amplitude of the upper and lower boundaries in aEEG and spectral entropy were significantly lower after light sedation with dexmedetomidine compared with before ( P  < .05). When grouped according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the amplitude of qEEG in participants with moderate GCS decreased significantly( P  < .05), but not in mild or severe GCS. Conclusion. Relative spectral energy and alpha variation derived from qEEG could be used to evaluate the state of brain function even under light sedation with dexmedetomidine in severe patients during their ICU stay.
Using Creative Approaches and Facilitating Remote Online Focus Groups With Children and Young People: Reflections, Recommendations and Practical Guidance
Authors: Hennessey Alexandra , Demkowicz Ola , Pert Kirsty , Mason Carla , Bray Lucy , Ashworth Emma
Published: December 2022

The importance of engaging and involving children and young people (CYP) in research is widely recognised, especially for educational research exploring CYP’s perceptions and experiences of school processes. Historically, working with CYP to collect qualitative data has involved face-to-face interactions, however the social distancing requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic meant there was a need to move ‘online’ and work ‘remotely’. In this paper we share our experiences of undertaking remote online synchronous focus groups with CYP and discuss how we overcame the challenges associated with conducting qualitative research with CYP ‘from a distance’. We used remote online synchronous focus groups to explore CYP’s perspectives on how education settings can support social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. We reflect on approaches used to uphold rigour and quality, and work ethically and sensitively. We have organised this into five topics reflecting distinct parts of the planning, design and practice: 1) working with CYP as research advisors to shape the design, feasibility and suitability of the methods and approach; 2) developing creative approaches within the online focus groups to increase engagement and inclusion; 3) considering logistical and technical practice; 4) considering ethical practice underpinning online group data collection with CYP; and 5) valuing participation and disseminate findings when working from a distance with participants. We present reflections and guidance for other researchers considering the use of remote online synchronous focus groups with CYP, as a feasible and valuable means for collecting data in both a time- and cost-effective manner.
Development of a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making model to assist building designers in the choice of superficial construction systems in urban areas
Authors: Dürr Jonas , Geissler Achim , Hoffmann Caroline
Published: December 2022

An enormous range of building materials that is almost impossible to keep track of is available. The trend toward building densification in cities continues apace. Coupled with climate change, a situation is emerging that poses ecological as well as economic risks in terms of living comfort in public, urban spaces. Building designers need help (tools) to be able to address a wide range of requirements within their planning. The development of the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model BASK (engl. “Construction Materials for Cities in Climate Change”) is presented. The goal of the model is to assist building designers in determining surface materials for wall, ground and roof construction and help determine the best compromise between environmental, economic, and building practice criteria. Currently available criteria are heat stress, visual reflectance, CO2 equivalents, electricity production, retrofitability, sound absorption, construction costs, and life span. The criteria can be weighted by the designer, resulting in a customized ranking of construction systems that best meets the designer’s prioritized criteria. The design of BASK basically allows for an extension of the criteria. The version of BASK described in this paper includes 10 construction systems covering a wide range of construction types focused on walls. The tool requires technical data for materials considered in construction systems included, which are made available via a data base. The scope of construction systems can also be extended in the future. Based on the restricted set of construction systems the results of a sensitivity analysis and initial validation are given.
Strategies for the planning of complex shoulder arthroplasty: Use of a custom-made glenoid component in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for a neglected posterior fracture dislocation of the shoulder with malunited scapula fractures and severe eccentric glenoid bone loss
Authors: Virani Siddharth , Shah Nikki , Assiotis Angelos , Rumian Adam , Uppal Harpal
Published: December 2022

Glenoid bone loss associated with abnormal glenoid morphology can be encountered in complex primary and revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Strategies to deal with this include allografts, augments and custom-made prostheses. We describe a unique case of a long-standing neglected posterior fracture dislocation of the shoulder with severe glenoid bone loss and retroversion. The patient also had malunited acromial and scapula fractures and an associated rotator cuff tear. The primary challenges were access to the shoulder joint due to the malunited fractures, reconstruction of the dysplastic glenoid and providing joint stability. A reverse shoulder replacement was planned using a custom-made glenoid component and patient-specific instrumentation (PSI). The custom base plate was manufactured based on the pre-operative computerised tomography (CT) scan and conformed to the native glenoid. A post-operative CT scan confirmed adequate positioning of the implants. 30 months following surgery, there was a significant improvement in pain and range of motion with an Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) of 39/48, compared to a pre-operative score of 12/48. Plain radiographs did not show any evidence of loosening or osteolysis. This case report highlights the approach for planning a complex reverse shoulder arthroplasty and the use of custom-made prostheses and PSI in such scenarios.
The beneficial effect of growth mindset intervention for adolescents in economically disadvantaged areas of China
Authors: Xia Ruixue , Zhang Peiying , Liu Ruiyang , Xue Junwei , Zhu Huijing , Guo Guaiguai , Zhang Min , Liu Yang
Published: December 2022

The existing research has explored the effects of growth mindset intervention on individuals in Western culture. This study sought to determine whether growth mindset intervention has a positive impact on adolescents in economically disadvantaged areas of China. Participants in this study were 324 junior high school students who were randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group received six weeks of intervention classes designed to help students learn, internalize, and reinforce the concept of growth mindset. The aims of intervention were to build students’ beliefs that the brain is plastic and that individuals can change by their efforts and help students acquire the strategies to cope with the difficulties. The control group was given six classes on mental health, including time management, habit formation, and memory strategies, which were unrelated to growth mindset. All participants’ implicit theory of intelligence, fixed-trait attributions, grit, and state anxiety were assessed in the pre-test and post-test. The results showed that compared with the control group, the intervention group had a significant increase in growth mindset, the level of grit, and decrease in fixed-trait attributions. That is, for students in the intervention group, strengthening of growth mindset was accompanied by more frequent use of process-focused attribution styles, more perseverance, and greater efforts when faced with challenges and setbacks. Collectively, the results suggested that having a strong growth mindset of intelligence may help students adopt more proactive coping strategies and protect them from the deleterious effects of poverty on student development.
Incremental intelligence mindset, fear of failure, and academic coping
Authors: Tao Vivienne Y. K. , Li Yun , Wu Anise M. S.
Published: December 2022

Guided by the implicit theories of intelligence (ITI) and the cognitive–motivational–relational theory of emotion and coping, the current cross-sectional study aimed to test the effects of students’ incremental view of intelligence (i.e., growth mindset) in coping with academic underachievement and the potential mediating role of the fear of failure (FOF). A total of 444 Chinese undergraduate students, aged 18 to 25 years old ( M = 19.76, SD = 1.48, 53.4% were female), voluntarily completed the paper-and-pencil questionnaire. A partial mediational model showed good fit with the survey data. Growth mindset had a positive direct effect on problem-focused coping (PFC) and a negative effect on FOF. FOF had a positive effect on emotion-focused coping (EFC) but not PFC. The bootstrapping results showed that growth mindset had an indirect negative effect on EFC via FOF. Our findings provide further evidence that ITI can affect different coping styles, specifically in the domain of academic failure. Growth mindset directly promoted remedial coping and prevented disengagement-oriented coping in the context of negative academic outcomes through lessening the fear of subsequent aversive consequences of failure.
Trial of a Trivial Quantitative Heat-Pain Stimulus for Detecting Severe Loss of Nociception
Authors: Chantelau Ernst-Adolf , Schröer Oliver
Published: December 2022

Background:

Loss of nociception (LON) at the feet of persons with diabetes mellitus develops gradually over years and remains asymptomatic until the first painless diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). Severe LON with pain insensitivity can be diagnosed with a mechanical (pinprick) pain stimulus of 512-mN force. A comparable “suprathreshold” heat-pain stimulus may have the same potential.

Objective:

A six-second, 51°C heat-pain stimulus delivered on a 38.5-mm² spot by a commercial medical device ( bite away®, to treat insect bites) was explored in a prospective cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study to detect DFU-related LON.

Methods:

Seventy-two participants were studied: 12 with and 30 without diabetic neuropathy according to the conventional criteria, and 30 patients with a history of painless DFU (indicative of end-stage LON, reference standard). The feet were stimulated at the plantar and dorsal sides. A palmar surface was stimulated for control purposes. Participants scored stimulated pain intensity 0 to 10 on a numerical rating scale.

Results:

At hands, pain intensity was rated six on average by all participants. Persons without neuropathy scored 7 (0-10), median (range), at the plantar side and 8.5 (2-10) at the dorsal side of the foot, while those with DFU scored 0 (0-8) and 0 (0-10), respectively. A pain response of 0 at the foot dorsum detected DFU-related LON with a sensitivity of 65% (specificity, 100%; positive and negative predictive values, 100% and 96%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Due to its high specificity, the test seems advantageous for diagnostic purposes, complementary to current screening tests.
Preclinical Use of FGF-18 Augmentation for Improving Cartilage Healing Following Surgical Repair: A Systematic Review
Authors: DePhillipo Nicholas N. , Hendesi Honey , Aman Zachary S. , Lind Dane R.G. , Smith Joseph , Dodge George R.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of fibroblast growth factor-18 (FGF-18) augmentation for improving articular cartilage healing following surgical repair in preclinical ( in vivo) animal models.

Design

A systematic review was performed evaluating the efficacy of FGF-18 augmentation with cartilage surgery compared with cartilage surgery without FGF-18 augmentation in living animal models. Eligible intervention groups were FGF-18 treatment in conjunction with orthopedic procedures, including microfracture, osteochondral auto/allograft transplantation, and cellular-based repair. Outcome variables were: International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score, modified O’Driscoll histology score, tissue infill score, qualitative histology, and adverse events. Descriptive statistics were recorded and summarized for each included study.

Results

In total, 493 studies were identified and 4 studies were included in the final analysis. All studies were randomized controlled trials evaluating in vivo use of recombinant human FGF-18 (rhFGF-18). Animal models included ovine ( n = 3) and equine ( n = 1), with rhFGF-18 use following microfracture ( n = 3) or osteochondral defect repair ( n = 1). The rhFGF-18 was delivered via intra-articular injection ( n = 2), collagen membrane scaffold ( n = 1), or both ( n = 1). All studies reported significant, positive improvements in cartilage defect repair with rhFGF-18 compared with controls based on ICRS score ( n = 4), modified O’Driscoll score ( n = 4), tissue infill ( n = 3), and expression of collagen type II ( n = 4) ( P < 0.05). No adverse events were reported with the intra-articular administration of this growth factor, indicating short-term safety and efficacy of rhFGF-18 in vivo.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides evidence that rhFGF-18 significantly improves cartilage healing at 6 months postoperatively following microfracture or osteochondral defect repair in preclinical randomized controlled trials.
Baseline Knee Pain Predicts Long-Term Response of Intra-Articular Steroid Injection in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Data from OAI
Authors: Wu Rongjie , Ma Yuanchen , Li Mengyuan , Li Qingtian , Deng Zhantao , Chen Yuanfeng , Zheng Qiujian , Fu Guangtao
Published: December 2022

Objective

The current study aims to investigate the factors that could predict response to intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

Data of participants were retrieved from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database. Participants with at least one IACI treatment on single or bilateral knees within the first 5 years of follow-up were retrospectively included. Demographic data, clinical and radiographic variables were collected at both baseline and the first follow-up after IACI treatment. Positive response to IACI treatment was defined as >20% reduction of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score from V0 to V1. All the variables with P < 0.2 after the comparison between the response and non-response groups were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent response predictive patient-specific valuables. Receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to establish the cutoff values of independent predictors.

Results

The current study included a total of 385 participants (473 knees), with 155 and 318 knees classified into the response group and non-response group, respectively. Those with satisfied responses to IACI treatment had significantly higher WOMAC pain score ( P < 0.001), disability score ( P = 0.002), and stiffness score ( P = 0.015) at the baseline. Baseline WOMAC pain score showed significant association with positive response to IACI treatment in multivariate logistic analysis and the best cutoff value was 5 points. The rate of analgesics utilization was lower ( P = 0.014) in the response group than the non-response group after the IACI treatment.

Conclusion

KOA patients with a baseline WOMAC pain score ≥5 are more likely to benefit from IACI treatment.
Does Identity Fusion Moderate the Motivational Primacy of the Individual Self?
Authors: Heger Amy , Voorhees Victoria Anita , Porter Brandon , Gaertner Lowell
Published: December 2022

Research indicates that the individual self lies closer to the motivational core of the self-concept than does the collective self. Four studies tested whether identity fusion alters the motivational primacy of the individual self. Three studies replicated primacy-paradigms and all manipulated whether the collective self was derived from an ingroup to which the participant felt more versus less fused. Despite the successful manipulation, the individual self remained primary: Even when the collective self was based on a fused ingroup, participants reacted more strongly to the imagined loss of their individual self, assigned greater subjective value to their individual self, attributed more of who they are to their individual self, and evidenced greater personal than collective self-focus. We discuss individual-self primacy in regard to Identity Fusion Theory’s agentic-personal self principle.
Perceiving a Danger Within: Black Americans Associate Black Men With Physical Threat
Authors: March David S.
Published: December 2022

Recent work suggests that good/bad out-group favoritism of Blacks for Whites may reflect positive associations with White rather than negative associations with Black. The Dual Implicit Process Model suggests that Blacks may come to associate their own group with threat, even absent a concurrent Black-negative association. This work tests this idea among Black Americans. Three studies tested this possibility using mouse-tracking (Study 1) and evaluative priming tasks (Studies 2 and 3) to assess how quickly participants make judgments involving Black versus White male faces and names. All studies found that that Black Americans hold automatic Black-threat associations absent automatic Black-negative associations. This supports the Dual Implicit Process Model’s threat versus negativity distinction within the realm of anti-Black bias and supplements recent work by showing that the presence of out-group favoritism on one dimension (i.e., threat) can occur even in the absence of out-group favoritism on a seemingly related dimension (i.e., negativity).
Towards zero waste in pharmacy: Challenges and opportunities in Singapore
Authors: Leow Jo Lene , Looi Liyi , Lee Yixuan , Chew Lita
Published: December 2022

Background

In line with zero-waste movement, there is a need for pharmacies to start reducing waste. There is no systematic waste minimization efforts by local pharmacies or studies to evaluate their effectiveness.

Aim

Assess behavioral change factors towards waste minimization at National Cancer Centre Singapore and evaluate effectiveness of recycling effort and patient education campaign.

Methods

Preliminary surveys were carried out among pharmacy staff, patients/caregivers to assess behavioral change factors. Recycling rate of staff and plastic bag consumption levels of patients/caregivers were measured.

Results

46 staff members and 335 patients/caregivers were surveyed. Both populations were optimistic about the suggested green initiatives, 82.6% of staff members viewed recycling as a potential solution to reduce waste and 67.6% of patients and caregivers demonstrated willingness to participate in a Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) campaign. Recycling efforts improved recycling rates by 53.4% while BYOB campaign resulted in no notable decrease in plastic bag consumption levels.

Conclusion

This study revealed the need for improvements in current waste management practices in local pharmacies, and demonstrated the effectiveness of implementing a recycling effort. BYOB campaign was not shown to be effective. Follow-up studies should be carried out to capture long-term sustainability data. Future efforts should include studies at other non-specialized local pharmacies.
Urodynamic characteristics of adult men with mixed detrusor overactivity with detrusor underactivity: A database analysis
Authors: Sinha Sanjay , Bharadwaj Sirish
Published: December 2022

Objective:

To examine the urodynamic characteristics of men with mixed detrusor overactivity with detrusor underactivity (DODU) across the entire adult-age spectrum.

Materials and Methods:

Data included all adult men who underwent urodynamics for refractory non-neurogenic lower tract symptoms between 2011 and 2019. DODU was defined as the concomitant presence of detrusor overactivity (DO) during storage with underactivity (bladder contractility index, BCI < 100) during voiding. Nonparametric tests with multiple hypothesis correction were used (SPSS 25.0).

Results:

DODU was noted in 199/1596 men (12.5%; median, 62 years). Men with DODU were older than men with detrusor underactivity (DU) or DO alone (median, 62, 48 and 56 years, respectively). DODU was commoner in older men but was noted across all age groups. As compared to men with isolated DU, men with DODU were more likely to be obstructed (38.7% versus 23.6%) and had better contractility (median BCI 81 versus 75). Peak detrusor contraction pressure during overactivity was lower in men with DODU than men with isolated DO.

Conclusion:

DODU should not be regarded as an exclusively geriatric disease. Differences in urodynamic characteristics suggest that this condition might not just be the coincidental occurrence of DO and underactivity in the same individual.

Level of evidence:

III
The Reading Asabthani in Luther’s Translation of Matthew 27.46
Authors: de Jonge Henk Jan
Published: December 2022

This essay argues that Martin Luther’s choice of asabthani in Matt 27.46 instead of sabachthani in his source text, Erasmus’s 1519 edition of the New Testament, was based on the reading azabt(h)ani occurring in many editions of the Latin Vulgate printed in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Although Luther based his translation primarily on the Greek and Latin texts included in Erasmus’s Novum Testamentum of 1519, he repeatedly preferred readings of the Vulgate to those of Erasmus. This also applies to this reading asabthani in Matt 27.46.
Exposure to state violence and substance use
Authors: Blackman Alexandra Domike , Kammourh Sarah , Nugent Elizabeth R
Published: December 2022

We analyze whether exposure to state violence affects substance use at the individual level. In doing so, we bring together the political science and public health literatures on the effects of violence, analyzing an outcome that is neglected in political science and a type of violence that remains understudied in public health. We leverage a unique panel study, the Population Council’s Survey of Young People in Egypt (SYPE), to test whether rates of substance use are higher among those who were exposed to violence during the country’s 2011 revolution, a moment of intense state violence against civilians. Results demonstrate that direct exposure to state violence increases substance use; respondents exposed to violence are significantly more likely to use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco than those who were not. Our findings are robust to specifications that control for respondents’ reported exposure to state violence prior to the revolution and substance use among family and friends, factors identified in medical research as key predictors. Our study sheds light on a fundamental predicament of authoritarian governance and the downstream effects of state violence.
How a practice-based approach can contribute to research about help and support for male victims of rape
Authors: Lindberg Jens
Published: December 2022

While there has been an upsurge of research about human services for male victims of rape, methodological advances are still limited, and significant knowledge gaps remain. Until now, empirical studies have focused almost entirely on human service professionals’ gendered attitudes to try to explain outcomes and victims’ experiences of support. In this article, I argue that research approaches that are based on professionals’ attitudes fail to account for important contextual conditions in policing, healthcare and other human services. My overall aim is thus to introduce greater concern about contextual conditions in human services and provide ways for scholars to approach support for raped men so that different practices, as well as their effects, become visible. To demonstrate the contributions of a practice-based approach to research about support for raped men, an empirical case from a study on police investigation into rape will be analysed and discussed. By using a practice-based approach, it is possible to explore relations between practices performed by organisations, professionals and victims, and highlight the outcomes of such relations. In this way, a practice-based approach can help research progress and contribute to improved services for male rape victims.
A Revisit of Motives for Chinese Outward Foreign Direct Investment: The Role of the Institution in Host Countries
Authors: Thi Tuong Anh Nguyen , Doan Hung Quang , Bui Tuan Anh , Vu Nam Hoang , Le Duong Thuy Thanh
Published: December 2022

This study explores how the institution of the host countries affects the natural resource-seeking and strategic asset-seeking motives of the Chinese outward foreign direct investment. Using the system GMM estimation method and data of the Chinese outward foreign direct investment during the period from 2003 to 2020, the study shows that the search for strategic assets by the Chinese outward foreign direct investment is directed toward the host countries with well-established institutions, while the search for natural resources is driven by poor institutions of the host countries. Findings from this study provide empirical evidence for policymakers to formulate appropriate foreign investment policies given the dynamics of Chinese foreign direct investment worldwide.
A Perspective on Administrative Distance: Theoretical Development and Measurement
Authors: Alves André de Abreu Saraiva Monteiro , Duarte Marcelo Pereira , Carvalho Fernando Manuel Pereira de Oliveira
Published: December 2022

The conceptualization of administrative distance exists for over 20 years. Despite its ubiquity, we found an unsatisfactory theoretical and practical depth when it comes to its operationalization, and studies that narrow onto its development are scarce. We have set, therefore, to improve both the theoretical scope and measurement of administrative distance. We achieved this using an inductive approach, which allowed us to infer from observed results, such observation suggesting the addition of the variables in the Doing Business Report, as they capture a previously omitted and relevant aspect of administrative distance: bureaucratic efficiency. We use a reference model, featuring a panel random-effects regression, as a benchmark for the study of our proposal. Our results showed an improved model with a significantly higher explanatory capacity while observing that the new measure is both significant and independent from the existing administrative distance measure, being complementary. This work opens several avenues for future research, having meaningful consequences for the development of better institutional distance models.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effect of Graphene Oxide Added to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate
Authors: Dayi Burak , Küçükyıldız Elif Nihan , Taghizadehghalehjoughi Ali
Published: December 2022

Aim:

Recently, although studies have shown that biomaterials containing graphene oxide (GO) in biomedicine stand out for their positive effects, the effect of GO on dental tissues when used with dental materials is not well known. The aim of this study was an evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of GO on gingival fibroblasts when it is combined in two different ratios with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA).

Materials and Methods:

In this in-vitro study, a homogenous mixture of adding +0.1 weight (wt)% and +0.3 wt% GO to Angelus MTA was created (two experimental groups) and compared with pure Angelus MTA and negative control groups. The materials were mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and Teflon molds were used to form 24 disc-shaped samples for each group. The samples were divided into groups according to the simple random sampling method. The cytotoxic effect of samples was determined on gingival fibroblast cells by using the MTT test, and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) kits in 24 and 72 hours. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests.

Results:

A significant difference was found between the material-applied groups and the control group at the TAC 24 and 72 hours and between the groups containing GO and the control group at the MTT 72 hours and TAC and TOS 24 and 72 hours ( p < .05).

Conclusion:

The addition of GO to MTA increased the dose and time-based toxicity and oxidant amount, and decreased antioxidant capacity.
Femoral Head Vascularity After Arthroscopic Femoral Osteochondroplasty: An In Vivo Dynamic Contrast–Enhanced MRI Study
Authors: Lazaro Lionel E. , Dyke Jonathan P. , Cady Adam , Banffy Michael B.
Published: December 2022

Background:

A serious concern with surgical procedures around the hip joint is iatrogenic injury of the arterial supply to the femoral head (FH) and consequent development of FH osteonecrosis. Cam-type morphology can extend to the posterosuperior area. Understanding the limit of the posterior superior extension of the femoral osteochondroplasty is paramount to avoid underresection and residual impingement while maintaining FH vascularity.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty on the FH vascular supply. It was hypothesized that keeping the superior extension of the resection zone anterior to the 12-o’clock position would maintain FH vascularity.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Ten adult patients undergoing arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery were included in the study. Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained before and after arthroscopic osteochondroplasty to define the extension of resection margins. To quantify FH vascularity, postoperative dynamic contrast–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was obtained at 2 time points: immediately after surgery and at the 3-month follow-up. Custom MRI analysis software was used to quantify perfusion.

Results:

CT scan analysis demonstrated that the superior resection margin was maintained anterior to the 12-o’clock position in half of the patients. The remining 5 patients had a mean posterior extension of 11.4° ± 7.5°. The immediate postoperative DCE-MRI revealed diminished venous outflow in the operative side but no difference in overall FH perfusion. At the 3-month follow-up DCE-MRI, there was no perfusion difference between the operative and nonoperative FHs.

Conclusion:

This study provides previously unreported quantitative MRI data on in vivo perfusion of the FH after the commonly performed arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty for the treatment of cam-type FAI. Maintaining resection margins anterior to the 12-o’clock position, or even 10° posteriorly, was not observed to impair perfusion to the FH.
An Activity Scale for All Youth Athletes? Clinical Considerations for the HSS Pedi-FABS
Authors: Carpenter Connor M. , Cooper Savannah B. , Wilson Philip L. , Miller Shane M. , Wyatt Charles W. , Johnson Benjamin L. , Shea Kevin G. , Ellis Henry B.
Published: December 2022

Background:

The Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) has demonstrated normally distributed scores in children aged 10 to 18 years. It has been used to evaluate knee injuries; however, there is limited information regarding its use in evaluating other injury types.

Purpose:

To (1) assess the validity and utility of HSS Pedi-FABS in youth athletes with injuries to different parts of the body and (2) evaluate the association between the HSS Pedi-FABS and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Global Health 7 (PGH), as well as PROMIS–Pain Interference (PGH-PI) and PROMIS-Fatigue (PGH-F) components.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective review of youth athletes aged 10 to 18 years who completed the HSS Pedi-FABS as part of their previsit intake questionnaire between April 2016 and July 2020. HSS Pedi-FABS score distributions were compared and evaluated for ceiling effects in cohorts determined by demographic, injury characteristic, and sports participation variables; a ceiling effect was determined to be present if >15% of respondents received the highest possible score. HSS Pedi-FABS scores were analyzed for a correlation with PGH, PGH-PI, and PGH-F components.

Results:

Included were 2274 patients (mean age, 14.6 ± 2.1 years; 53.0% female) participating in 21 distinct primary sports for 9.6 ± 7.9 hours per week. The mean HSS Pedi-FABS scores by injury group were as follows: elbow (22.7 ± 6.7), shoulder (21.0 ± 8.7), ankle (20.2 ± 8.8), knee (19.5 ± 9.1), and hip (15.4 ± 10.4) ( P < .001). Broad distribution was seen in each cohort, with no floor or ceiling effects. The HSS Pedi-FABS score correlated with patient-reported hours per week ( r = 0.33), days per week ( r = 0.33), and years of participation ( r = 0.21) ( P < .001 for all). All 3 PROMIS components correlated with HSS Pedi-FABS: PGH ( r = 0.28), PGH-PI ( r = –0.11), and PGH-F ( r = –0.15) ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Study findings indicated that the HSS Pedi-FABS is a valid tool for measuring physical activity level in most injured youth athletes, not just those with knee injuries. The correlation of HSS Pedi-FABS with the PGH suggests a positive relationship of childhood physical activity with general health.
Organizational Directives and the Persistence of Racial Discrimination in U.S. Public Accommodations
Authors: Byron Reginald A.
Published: December 2022

Public accommodations have been key sites of racial inequality in the United States for well over a century. Relative to employment and housing, however, systematic analyses of discrimination in public accommodations remain scarce in the sociological literature. Especially important may be whether and/or how organizational norms and directives underpin contemporary occurrences of racialized differential treatment in public accommodations. Based on an analysis of 319 closed case investigations gathered from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to civil rights commissions across 18 U.S. cities and states (2015–2020), findings reveal that African Americans and, in particular, African American men are frequent targets in formal complaints of racial discrimination in public accommodations. Building on theoretical expositions regarding the organizational foundations of inequality, case materials suggest that organizations’ ideal patron norms, policies, and directives play a foundational role in producing these racial disparities. Several purportedly “colorblind” institutionalized tools (e.g., admission tickets, restroom access, tote/bookbag rules, and dress codes) were also found to be central to these processes. As such, I argue that organizations of public accommodation contribute to the (re)creation of racial hierarchies as they normalize, direct, weaponize, and legitimize gatekeepers’ profiling and discretion—discretion which is often imbued with explicit or implicit stereotypes of the iconic ghetto/Negro—in these incidents.
Adapting Components of the Multimodal Minds in Motion Activity Program into General Practice
Authors: Kyrouac Greg , Helm Susan , Ala Thomas
Published: December 2022

Introduction: As promoted in the Best Practice Caregiving national database, the Minds in Motion (MiM) program is an evidence-based, multimodal activity program focused on improving the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of older adults with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. We describe herein how we translated the MIM principles into general practice. Methods: Our program consisted of 20 unique sessions on a twice per month schedule, each featuring a different theme based on a holiday, an activity, or a common past experience. Each session included physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and support group components. Our goal was to make the experience an enjoyable social interaction, while potentially benefiting brain function and quality of life. Results: Twenty-two older adults with cognitive impairment participated during 2019, our last pre-COVID-19 year, average 10/session, average age 79. Discussion: Our program demonstrated that the principles of the model MiM program can be translated into a “real world” clinical setting. We engaged our participants in meaningful, multimodal physical, cognitive, and social activities. We also demonstrated that the intensity, duration, and frequency of our program sessions do not overtax them. We have included considerations that may benefit other care providers who may be interested in developing their own multimodal programs.
Clinical Outcomes and Diagnostic Consistency of Serum and CSF Tumor Markers in Pediatric Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors in Thailand: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Sathitsamitphong Lalita , Monsereenusorn Chalinee , Techavichit Piti , Shotelersuk Kanjana , Suwanpakdee Piradee , Rujkijyanont Piya , Charoenkwan Pimlak
Published: December 2022

The diagnostic and treatment outcomes of intracranial germ cell tumors (ICGCTs) among low and middle income countries are limited. A total of 63 ICGCTs patients with a median age of 11.6 years were studied. A 30 (47.6%) and 33 (52.4%) patients were classified as pure germinomas and nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs), respectively. The concordances between serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) alpha-fetoprotein (84.3%) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (68.4%) were addressed. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates of pure germinomas versus NGGCTs were 83.9 versus 69.1% and 74.6 versus 57.7%, respectively. Patients undergoing radiation had higher 5-year OS and EFS than those without radiation treatment with P < .001. Chemotherapy combined with radiation is a cornerstone treatment to achieve outcomes. Adverse prognostic factors included age <8 years, surgery, and nonradiation treatment. Either serum or CSF tumor markers were adequately required as a diagnostic test among patients with ICGCTs.
Nursing Student's Satisfaction With Virtual Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic in India
Authors: Kanagaraj Puvaneswari , Sakthivel Rajathi , Christhumary Preetha Carolin , Arulappan Judie , Matua Gerald Amandu , Subramanian Umavalli , Kanagaraj Anbueswari , Jacob Jessy , Muniyandi Hemamalini
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the world in 2020. Every country adopted quarantine measures to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus infection. These measures resulted in dramatic changes in the daily lives of most people. In the academic world, students faced a shift from the traditional classroom-based teaching to virtual distance learning platforms. This shift in nursing education posed challenges both to the instructors and students as they were not fully prepared for this transition.

Objective

The study assessed the nursing students’ satisfaction with the virtual learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic in selected nursing colleges in India.

Methods

The study was conducted in four nursing colleges in India. A total of 1,166 Diploma, Post Basic BSc (N), BSN, and MSN nursing students participated in the study. Ethical approval was obtained from all the nursing colleges included in the study. The Google Forms satisfaction survey included student, teacher, course, technology, environmental, and practical dimensions.

Results

The response rate was 86.31% (n = 1,166). The overall satisfaction with virtual theory and practical classes has a mean and SD score of 67.14 + 11 and 16.21 + 3.46, respectively. The results showed that overall 51% of the students had good satisfaction with virtual theory classes while 48% had moderate satisfaction. In terms of overall satisfaction with virtual practical classes, approximately 39% had good satisfaction, 58% had moderate satisfaction and nearly 3% had poor satisfaction. In addition, the students expressed that they had good satisfaction with Teacher dimension (64.3%), Student dimension (63%), and Course dimension (57.2%). On the contrary, they expressed poor satisfaction in the Technical dimension (11.3%) and Environmental dimension (5.6%). The results showed that the courses, the place of attending class, and health issues were significantly associated with the student's level of satisfaction with virtual learning.

Conclusion

Although the majority of the students rated their satisfaction level as being “good” in virtual theory classes and “moderate” in virtual practical learning, most of them were dissatisfied with the Technical and Environmental dimensions of virtual learning. This results calls for blended learning strategies to be designed to enhance better learning outcomes and, to ensure deepened level of satisfaction with virtual learning activities.
Health Consequences of University Employees Post-COVID-19 Vaccination at Palestinian Universities
Authors: Shouli Mustafa Mohammad , Ayed Ahmad , Shouli Khaila Mohammad , Issa Bilal Mohammad , Khraiwesh Ibrahim Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The control of vaccine hesitancy comes with key protective measures against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and excellent efficacy in clinical trials and effectiveness in real-world data. However, some people believe that vaccination is ineffective and it causes health problems. This study aimed to assess the health consequences of university employees’ post-COVID-19 vaccination at Palestinian universities.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2021. A total of 310 university employees participated from six universities in Palestine. A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection and included the following: personal characteristics of university employees, knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination, medical background of the participant, and their perception regarding receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

The results revealed that 32.6% and 43.2%of the participants had fever post the first and second doses, respectively. Also, 49.0% and 39.4% of them complained of exhaustion or fatigue and headache post the first dose and 58.1% and 46.1% had exhaustion or fatigue and pain in their muscles post the second dose, respectively. In addition, 29.2% and 16.7% of them had respiratory and digestive problems post the first dose and 38.9% and 19.0% had problems in respiratory and digestive respectively post the second dose. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that fever, symptoms at (the injection site), and exposure to physical symptoms have significant differences between the first dose and second doses of the vaccine ( p < .001).

Conclusion

This study confirmed that the respiratory and digestive problems are the main problems post-COVID-19 vaccination. Also, this study confirmed that fever, symptoms at (the injection site), and exposure to physical symptoms have significant differences between the first dose and second dose of the vaccine.