bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guardians Looking From Outside: Gendered Experiences of Labor Migration and Psychosocial Health Among Nepalese Migrant Fathers and Left-Behind Mothers
Authors: Nguyen Megan , Kim Yoona , Choi Yuni , Jang Joyce , Shakya Manju , Adhikari Anup , Luitel Nagendra P. , Surkan Pamela J.
Published: September 2024

Nepalese migrant workers are at heightened risk of adverse mental health problems. However, the social mechanisms by which experiences of labor migration create such vulnerabilities are not well understood. Moreover, limited attention has been paid to the experiences of left-behind spouses. This study explores how migrant fathers and left-behind mothers experience labor migration and how migration affects mental health across migrant household members, paying special attention to the role of gender. We conducted 29 in-depth interviews with Nepalese migrant fathers ( N = 18) in South Korea and left-behind mothers ( N = 11) in Nepal. Labor migration imposes substantial stress on the entire family. Migrant fathers discussed their feelings of guilt and worry regarding their relationships with their children due to physical and emotional distance. Left-behind mothers indicated loneliness and caregiver stress due to additional responsibilities as a single parent. Migrant fathers reported that they felt respected by their communities for their work, while left-behind mothers felt heavily scrutinized. Our findings highlight how labor migration reinforces gender inequalities in domestic responsibilities and norms regarding the expected roles of migrating men and left-behind women. These findings suggest that psychosocial services must be tailored to the unique needs of migrant workers and left-behind families.
Measurement Invariance of the Perceived Invalidation of Emotion Scale: An Examination Across Race/Ethnicity, Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Intersection of Identities
Authors: Jeon M. E. , Kurtz A. J. , Udupa N. S. , Gratz K. L. , Tull M. T. , Joiner T. E.
Published: September 2024

The Perceived Invalidation of Emotions Scale (PIES), developed to measure emotional invalidation, could aid research efforts on various internalizing disorders and minority mental health. A prerequisite for its use includes its psychometric evaluation in diverse samples; thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PIES in a combined sample of minoritized adults ( N = 876). Results supported a unidimensional structure of the PIES that was invariant across the two minoritized samples, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and intersections of race/ethnicity and sexual orientation. A reduced 7- and 4-item PIES with improved unidimensionality and consequentially more interpretable total scores were generated using item response theory analyses. Significant correlations observed between theoretically relevant constructs of adverse mental health outcomes and the PIES above and beyond identity-based discrimination supported the construct validity of the PIES. Implications include the disproportionate amount of emotional invalidation experienced by individuals with minoritized sexual orientation, which may reflect the recent increases in discrimination faced by these individuals.
Risk Assessment and Radiomics Analysis in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMN)
Authors: Flammia Federica , Fusco Roberta , Triggiani Sonia , Pellegrino Giuseppe , Reginelli Alfonso , Simonetti Igino , Trovato Piero , Setola Sergio Venanzio , Petralia Giuseppe , Petrillo Antonella , Izzo Francesco , Granata Vincenza
Published: September 2024

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are a very common incidental finding during patient radiological assessment. These lesions may progress from low-grade dysplasia (LGD) to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and even pancreatic cancer. The IPMN progression risk grows with time, so discontinuation of surveillance is not recommended. It is very important to identify imaging features that suggest LGD of IPMNs, and thus, distinguish lesions that only require careful surveillance from those that need surgical resection. It is important to know the management guidelines and especially the indications for surgery, to be able to point out in the report the findings that suggest malignant degeneration. The imaging tools employed for diagnosis and risk assessment are Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast medium. According to the latest European guidelines, MRI is the method of choice for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with IPMN since this tool has a highest sensitivity in detecting mural nodules and intra-cystic septa. It plays a key role in the diagnosis of worrisome features and high-risk stigmata, which are associated with IPMNs malignant degeneration. Nowadays, the main limit of diagnostic tools is the ability to identify the precursor of pancreatic cancer. In this context, increasing attention is being given to artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics analysis. However, these tools remain in an exploratory phase, considering the limitations of currently published studies. Key limits include noncompliance with AI best practices, radiomics workflow standardization, and clear reporting of study methodology, including segmentation and data balancing. In the radiological report it is useful to note the type of IPMN so as the morphological features, size, rate growth, wall, septa and mural nodules, on which the indications for surveillance and surgery are based. These features should be reported so as the surveillance time should be suggested according to guidelines.
Health Care Use of ACA Marketplace Enrollees During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Xinqi , Frazier Lex , Lissenden Brett , Kautter John , McCrea Robin
Published: September 2024

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 had a sudden and substantial impact on health care utilization for most, if not all, individuals. We study the impact the pandemic had on the population insured in the individual and small group markets under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, using administrative claims data from January 2019 through December 2021. Our results demonstrated how health care utilization differed between the acute phase (i.e., 2020) and the post-acute phase (i.e., 2021) compared with the pre-pandemic phase. We found that in the ACA markets, most spending and utilization categories decreased drastically during the initial months of the pandemic and recovered by the end of 2021. While the role of telehealth among office visits decreased substantially by the end of 2021, it remained the main mode of delivery for mental health services.
Feminist Empowerment Through Labor Organizing: In-Depth Interviews With Female Labor Union Organizers at American Newspapers
Authors: Figueroa Ever Josue , Baines Annalise
Published: September 2024

In recent years, U.S. journalists have formed labor unions to address job insecurity, benefit cuts, and wage issues. Unions have played a critical role in advancing gender equality in the newsroom. Through in-depth interviews with women involved in union organizing at American newspapers, this study shows how feminist empowerment and gender dynamics manifested through organizing activities. The findings indicate union organizing empowers women by giving them opportunities to assume leadership roles, address systemic oppression, and shape the future of journalism.
Postseparation Financial Abuse Perpetrated Through Government Systems: A Survey of Australian Mothers’ Experiences of Child Support
Authors: Cook Kay , Byrt Adrienne , Edwards Terese , Burgin Rachael
Published: September 2024

Financial abuse is a form of violence that can extend well beyond intimate partner relationship breakdown. A survey of 540 Australian separated parents examined how financial abuse was perpetrated, with a focus on child support and other government systems. Women reported that their ex-partners minimized and withheld child support payments to inflict direct financial harm, while interactions between the family court, taxation, and benefit payment systems were taken advantage of to threaten or control them. Findings revealed how the mandatory and complex Australian child support system provided perpetrators with a useful means of perpetrating financial abuse across households.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pressure Injury in Home Care Patients
Authors: Ramadan Dilara , Metin Akten İlknur
Published: September 2024

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of pressure injury in home care patients and the risk factors that affected its occurrence. The study was conducted in a descriptive-cross-sectional design to 6 months between November 2021 and May 2022 with 170 home care patients who were registered to the Home Health Care Service at a public hospital a city western in Turkey and met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected with the in-person interview method by using the investigator-created Patient Evaluation Form, National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) Pressure Injury Staging System, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The prevalence of pressure injury was found to be 33.5% in the study. The prevalence of pressure injury was statistically and significantly higher in the patients younger than 75 years of age ( p = .043), underweight, and with normal Body Mass Index (BMI) ( p = .009). The prevalence of pressure injury was found to be lower in those who were oriented according to GCS ( p = .000). No statistically significant differences were detected between the presence of pressure injury and gender, education levels, marital status, income status, presence of systemic or chronic disease, continuous medication use, type of medication used, and duration of receiving home care services ( p > .05). The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of pressure injury was high in home care patients and that age, BMI, and level of consciousness variables were factors that influenced the development of pressure injury.
Development of a Health Insurance Navigation Program for Long-Term Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Warner Echo L. , Perez Giselle K. , Waters Austin R. , van Thiel Berghuijs Karely M. , Vaca Lopez Perla , Foor Allyson , Ray Nicole , Donelan Karen , Kuhlthau Karen A. , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Park Elyse R.
Published: September 2024

Adapting interventions to new contexts requires consideration of the needs, norms, and delivery structures of the new setting. We describe how we followed the ORBIT model of intervention development to create Health Insurance Navigation Tools (HINT), a health insurance patient navigation intervention for childhood cancer survivors. By engaging stakeholders and leveraging institutional resources, we identified and preemptively addressed real-world barriers, which may improve the feasibility and efficacy of the intervention. Using evidence-based implementation science models to adapt and refine interventions enhances rigor and reproducibility, implements checks and balances, and surmounts challenges of intervention rollout to accelerate the delivery of health insurance education to childhood cancer survivors.
‘We Really Thrive on Interactions’ – How Consumers Experience and React to Sudden Constraints of Sociality in Everyday Neighborhood Places
Authors: Leicht Thomas , Demangeot Catherine
Published: September 2024

This research investigates how consumers experience and deal with the constrained sociality of everyday places in their neighborhood (shops, parks, etc.) in times of crisis, using the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic as a revelatory context. Everyday neighborhood places outside the home or workplace do not only satisfy functional needs; they also serve people’s social life and enhance well-being. However, a gap exists in the literature about the impact of sudden consumer agency constraints on the felt sociality of such places, which hinders knowledge and advice on how service managers can effectively address consumer needs in such times. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with consumers and service providers in French and German urban environments, we find that the enacted restrictions changed how people related to the self, to others, and to the environment. Using ‘sense of place’ as a theoretical lens, we show that constrained sociality modifies the dialectical relationships between people and places: while consumers attributed new meaning to natural environments and re-valued the social resources of their neighborhood, the public restrictions made them increasingly concerned about their own agency. Since consumers thrive on everyday sociality, we discuss different ways service managers can enhance the experience of everyday places during public crises.
Retinal displacement following direct versus indirect fluid exchange in pars Plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Abdi Fatemeh , Zand Amin , Mirzakhan Mohammad , Zarehosseinabadi Vahid , Anvari Pasha , Mirshahi Reza , Sedaghat Ahad , Taherian Mohammad Mahdi , Gordiz Arzhang , Alemzadeh Sayyed Amirpooya
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To compare the occurrence and characteristics of retinal displacement following direct perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)-silicone oil (SO) exchange versus indirect PFCL for air and air for SO exchange methods during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods

A comparative case series study was conducted on 58 eyes with recent RRD, undergoing standard three-port PPV with SO tamponade. Fluid exchange was performed using either direct or indirect methods. Postoperatively, a comprehensive ophthalmic examination and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging were conducted at one month. The presence, amount, and direction of retinal displacement were assessed based on FAF imaging and compared between the direct and indirect fluid exchange groups.

Results

FAF imaging at one month revealed retinal displacement in 41.4% of eyes in the direct group and 62.1% in the indirect group, with no statistical difference between them ( P = 0.537). However, the mean displacement was significantly higher in the indirect group (282.61 ± 110.83 µm) compared to the direct group (220.33 ± 39.67 µm, P = 0.04). The direction of displacement (downward or upward) did not differ significantly between the groups ( P = 0.093).

Conclusions

While the occurrence and location of postoperative retinal displacement did not significantly differ between direct and indirect fluid exchange methods during PPV for RRD, eyes treated with the direct method exhibited lower mean displacement compared to the indirect method. These findings suggest potential benefits of the direct exchange approach in minimizing retinal displacement following surgery.
Multimodal imaging and histopathological evaluation in silicone oil keratopathy
Authors: Ferrara Mariantonia , Forbice Eliana , Segala Diego , Hau Scott , Beschi Giacomo , Morescalchi Francesco , Romano Mario R , Semeraro Francesco , Romano Vito
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To describe features in silicone oil keratopathy using multimodal imaging and histopathological examination.

Methods

Case report

Result

A 21-year-old male developed right corneal decompensation in the heavy SO (HSO)-filled eye. The patient underwent an initial lensectomy, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and HSO tamponade due open-globe injury with corneal wound, lens damage and in two retained intravitreal glass foreign bodies, followed by a revisional PPV with HSO tamponade due to tractional detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy and epiretinal membrane. One month after the removal of HSO, ophthalmic examination of the right eye showed corneal decompensation. The AS-OCT showed corneal thickening, intrastromal scattered hyperreflective dots and large rounded/oval hyporeflective space; the latter were suggestive of emulsified HSO microbubbles and larger bubbles, respectively. In vivo confocal microscopy showed multiple presumed SO-related corneal changes, including hyper-reflective fibrotic changes in the basal epithelium, reduced density ans altered morphology of keratocytes cell population, increased pleomorphism and polymegathism of the endothelium with reduced endothelial cell, and presence of inflammatory cells. The patient underwent a penetrating keratoplasty, pupilloplasty and retropupillary iris-claw IOL implantation. The histopathological examination of the host corneal button showed Descemet's membrane irregularity and thickened corneal stroma with focal intrastromal silicone oil vacuoles, surrounded by macrophages.

Conclusion

We described for the first time intrastromal hyperreflective dots as a sign associated with SO-related keratopathy. Moreover, this case report supports the ability of emulsified SO to penetrate the cornea inducing a local low-grade chronic inflammation.
Exploring the Correlation Between Hypoxia, HIF1A Variants, and Breast Cancer in Different Ethnicities, and Bangladeshi Women: Through ELISA and Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis
Authors: Islam Md. Shihabul , Jesmin
Published: September 2024

Background:

Hypoxia, a condition where there is a lack of oxygen, is known to play a role in cancer progression.

Objective:

This study investigates the correlation between HIF1A gene-altered expression and hypoxia in Bangladeshi breast cancer (BC) cases and TCGA_BC datasets.

Design:

This case-control study compares BC cases to healthy controls to understand the relationship between gene changes and cancer.

Method:

This study used advanced analysis methods to examine the transcriptional landscape of BC, and quantitatively assessed its correlation using integrated multi-omics analysis.

Results:

In Bangladeshi BC cases, the T allele of HIF1A rs1154946 correlates notably ( P-value < .001) with BC incidence. ELISA results confirmed a significant association ( P-value < .005) between elevated HIF1A expression and BC-related hypoxia. Bioinformatics eQTL analysis validated the correlation between increased HIF1A expression and rs11549465 T allele ( P-value < .01). Structural analyses suggested that rs11549465 (P582S) mutation may decrease protein stability (ΔΔG-value: −1.24 kcal/mole), potentially affecting HIF1A function. HIF1A enrichment analysis in BC underscores strong associations with oxygen levels, hypoxia, metabolic processes, apoptosis, and programed cell death ( P-value < .001). Transcriptomic data demonstrated a robust correlation ( P-value < .0001) between HIF1A expression and copy-number alterations, mutations, and abnormal methylation. Altered HIF1A expression showed strong negative correlations ( P-value < .00001) with methylation and the expression of the ER ( ESR1), in Whites. Survival analysis revealed marked differences in overall survival linked to high and low HIF1A expression ( P-value < .00001). Furthermore, HIF1A expression significantly correlated ( P-value < .000001) with hypoxia, TMB, MSI, and immune infiltration by CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, dendritic, and macrophages, providing deeper insights into the BC microenvironment.

Conclusion:

Thus, the HIF1A gene could serve as a promising biomarker for breast cancer progression, control, and survival across ethnicities, emphasizing its role in disease development and regulation.
Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic, Analgesic, and Antidiarrheal Activities from the Seeds of Commonly Available Red Grape (Vitis viniferaL.)
Authors: Hossain Md. Jamal , Lema Khadija Rahman , Samadd Md Abdus , Aktar Rumi , Rashid Mohammad A. , Al-Mansur Muhammad Abdullah
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

The current study aimed to conduct a phytochemical screening of commonly known fruit red grape ( Vitis vinifera L.) seed methanolic extract through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for its health benefits and evaluate the pharmacological potentialities of the extract and its fractions against oxidation, inflammation, pain, and diarrhea.

Methods:

The in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic characteristics of methanolic extracts and various solvent fractions of V. vinifera were evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, membrane stabilizing, and brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Furthermore, the study assessed the effects of crude extracts (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of body weight) on pain relief and reduction of diarrhea in animals using methods such as tail immersion, the acetic acid-induced writhing technique, and a diarrheal mouse model induced with castor oil.

Results:

A total of 73 phytoconstituents were predominantly found in the seed extract based on the GC-MS analysis. Among the identified compounds, 9-octadecenamide (13.7%), and ( 9E,11E)-octadeca-9,11-dienoate (11.07%) are most abundant. Several notable constituents, such as gamma-sitosterol, stigmasterol, paromomycin, 4,6-cholestadienol, gamma-tocotrienol, 24-Propylidenecholest-5-en-3beta-ol, and alpha-tocopherol acetate, are also present. The methanolic extract of V. vinifera seed and its different solvent fractions showed promising antioxidant properties (IC50 = 1.19-17.42 µg/mL) compared to the standard antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 = 20.46 µg/mL). Aqueous soluble fraction exerted inhibition of nearly 50% heat-induced hemolysis compared to the standard acetylsalicylic acid (42%). Besides, all the tested doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg bw) of the crude extract showed significant ( P < .05) analgesic and antidiarrheal effects.

Conclusion:

The current findings endorsed the health benefits of V. vinifera by revealing potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidiarrheal effects. Nevertheless, further in-depth analysis of the plant’s chemical constituents and pharmacological effects on health is warranted for novel drug discovery from V. vinifera.
Positive Association Between Family and Teachers’ Tobacco Use on the Smoking Behaviors of Iraqi Adolescents Attending Schools – A Cross Sectional Study Using the Global Youth Tobacco Survey
Authors: Al-Binali Fatima , Dargham Soha R. , Mahfoud Ziyad R.
Published: September 2024

Objective: Adolescent tobacco and E-cigarette use have been rising globally in the past decade. Iraq’s post-war conflict and economic crises posed psychosocial and mental health trauma, contributing to increased vulnerability to drug and substance use among adolescents. This study looks to assess the potential relationship between current tobacco and E-cigarette smoking and exposure to smoking at home and school among Iraqi adolescents attending schools.

Methods: Data analysis for the 2019 Iraq Global Youth Tobacco Survey, a cross-sectional study completed by 2560 Iraqi adolescents aged 11 to 17 years old was conducted. The survey tool which includes demographic, tobacco use, knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco use questions is anonymous and self-administered using paper-based bubble sheets that are scannable. Current tobacco and E-cigarette use (defined as past 30-days) were the main outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the main outcomes and the following variables: participants’ demographics, exposure to smoking, attitude and knowledge scores.

Results: Current tobacco and E-cigarette smoking prevalence among Iraqi adolescents attending school were 14.9% (95% CI: 13.5%-16.4%) and 9.7% (95% CI: 8.6%-11.0%), respectively. Exposure to smoking at home was high among fathers (39.1%), mothers (13.9%), siblings smoke (23.9%), other individuals smoke (56.1%). The percentages of students who witnessed people smoking within school premises was 45.7% and observed teachers smoking in schools was 57.6%. The current use of tobacco smoking among Iraqi adolescents was significantly and positively associated with exposure to smoking by the father (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.85), mother (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.30-2.60), sibling (AOR = 3.50; 95% CI: 2.62-4.67), teacher (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.10-1.98), and people in school (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.57-2.53). Similarly, the current use of E-cigarettes was significantly associated with father smoking (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.29-3.16), sibling smoking (AOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 2.04-4.67), and people smoking in school (AOR2.02; 95% CI: 1.39-2.95).

Conclusion: Stricter policies need to be enforced to ensure safer school environments that do not expose adolescents to smoking habits of teachers or other students.
Lobulated Hemangioma as a Rare Cause of Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Liu Fang , Dong Mingliang , Li Qingbao
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Cardiac hemangioma is one of the rarest tumors, with only a few cases described. Unlike other cardiac tumors, its symptoms are nonspecific, making misdiagnosis easy. Cardiac hemangioma can present with various clinical manifestations, including valve disorder, arrhythmia, pericardial effusion, and embolism. Echocardiography is the most direct examination, and surgical resection the simplest and most effective treatment.

Patients and methods:

We present a new case of lobulated cardiac hemangioma causing tricuspid regurgitation and discuss the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare tumor.

Results:

After surgical resection and tricuspid valve replacement, the patient recovered well.

Conclusion:

For cardiac hemangiomas involving the tricuspid valve, tumor resection combined with valve surgery is an effective treatment option.
The sensuous governmentality of glitter: Educating managing women scientists with gleaming STEM Barbies
Authors: Sandager Jette
Published: September 2024

This essay conceptualizes glitter as a sensuous materialization of governmentality. It does so, arguing that glitter governs in alluring ways by materializing light and sight. As such, the essay explores glitter as a sparkly substance, governing individuals in certain behavioural directions, which it also demonstrates in the illustrative case of a small group of gleaming STEM Barbies, intended to govern young girls in the direction of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics management careers, through sensuous stimulations of sight. However, in materializing light and sight, glitter leaves everything un-glittery in gloomy darkness, while governing with glitter also comes with the danger of producing an unfortunate ignorant blindness, potentially countering the aims behind the use of glitter as a governing means.
Purposive motivation in an Unlikely place: A study of party activists in Ukraine
Authors: Koo Sejin
Published: September 2024

This study examines the motivations of party activists in Ukraine, a country known for clientelistic and oligarch-led political parties. It investigates whether these parties attract individuals seeking purposive incentives and explores factors associated with such motivation. Data were collected from surveys of approximately 200 party activists across three major Ukrainian cities during the 2019 Parliamentary Elections. The analysis reveals that purposive motivation is more prevalent among party activists than previously thought. Older activists and formal party members demonstrate higher levels of purposive motivation compared to their younger and non-member counterparts, while the study finds no positive correlation between ideological extremism and purposive motivation. These findings challenge the conventional assumption of party activists as hired “mercenarie” in volatile party systems and extend the scope of party membership and activism research beyond established Western democracies.
Beginning teachers’ descriptions of ball games as pedagogic practice in Swedish physical education
Authors: Mustell Jan
Published: September 2024

Teaching approaches in ball games in school physical education (PE) have traditionally focused on technical proficiency. Technical approaches have been criticised for being teacher-centred, exclusive, and lacking meaning. Game-based approaches (GBAs) have been presented as an alternative way to teach ball games. Employing GBAs is, however, not without challenges. Scholars have pointed to teachers’ limited content knowledge of games, their poor understanding of GBAs, and cultural expectations of ball games as factors that constrain teachers’ work with GBAs. The aim of this article is to provide an understanding of how beginning teachers describe ball games as a pedagogic practice in Swedish PE. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 beginning teachers who had graduated from two physical education teacher education (PETE) institutions. Bernstein's concepts of classification and framing were used to analyse the teachers’ descriptions of pedagogic practice. The findings illustrate how the classification of ball games knowledge varies. Some of the beginning teachers aimed to develop pupils’ understanding of games while others instead used ball games as a means for developing general movement capability or cooperation. Ball games teaching was characterised by a combination of GBAs and technical approaches. The influence of competitive sport outside of school was seen as a challenge, and the beginning teachers used strong framing and different teaching strategies combined with assessment to manage this challenge. The findings raise questions about ball games education in PETE in relation to specific national contexts.
Experiencing the executive: Gender, ministers and institutions in Scotland
Authors: Convery Alan , Kenny Meryl
Published: September 2024

Women are historically under-represented amongst government ministers. While most research on gender and executives concentrates on who gets to (and stays at) the top, we examine the executive as a gendered institution, investigating how ministers experience the ‘heart of the machine’ once they get there. Using documentary sources and interviews with former ministers, we explore these dynamics through a case study of the early years of the (then) Scottish Executive (1999-2007), examining how men and women ministers navigated the complex rules and relationships of government in a new institution, and moving the research agenda on gender and the executive in the UK beyond Westminster and Whitehall. While we find evidence of both nominal and substantive change – in terms of ministerial recruitment, portfolio allocation and different ways of working – our findings highlight the continuing drag of the Westminster model on the ‘making’ of the Scottish Executive, limiting possibilities for innovation.
Grasping the opportunity for small state leadership: Estonia’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Raik Kristi , Arjakas Merili
Published: September 2024

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reinforced Estonia’s long-held worldview and strategic posture rather than bringing about any principled foreign policy change. There was a remarkable change, though, in Estonia’s international visibility. The turbulent security environment created an opportunity for small state leadership especially in the framework of regional organisations. During the two first years of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Estonia’s foreign and security policy focused on shaping the policies of North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union with a view to providing maximum support to Ukraine and increasing the cost of aggression for Russia. Estonia acted as a leader through shaping the public narrative, setting the agenda, leading by example, building coalitions and orchestrating the desired outcomes. Through analysing the Estonian experience, the article addresses the broader puzzle of how small states can overcome their relative lack of power and take leadership in matters of international security, usually dominated by great powers.
Demonstrating the data integrity of routinely collected healthcare systems data for clinical trials (DEDICaTe): A proof-of-concept study
Authors: Murray Macey L , Sato Laura , Panesar Jaspal , Love Sharon B , Lee Rebecca , Carpenter James R , Mafham Marion , Parmar Mahesh KB , Pinches Heather , Sydes Matthew R
Published: September 2024

Introduction/aims: Healthcare systems data (also known as real-world or routinely collected health data) could transform the conduct of clinical trials. Demonstrating integrity and provenance of these data is critical for clinical trials, to enable their use where appropriate and avoid duplication using scarce trial resources. Building on previous work, this proof-of-concept study used a data intelligence tool, the “Central Metastore,” to provide metadata and lineage information of nationally held data. Methods: The feasibility of NHS England’s Central Metastore to capture detailed records of the origins, processes, and methods that produce four datasets was assessed. These were England’s Hospital Episode Statistics (Admitted Patient Care, Outpatients, Critical Care) and the Civil Registration of Deaths (England and Wales). The process comprised: information gathering; information ingestion using the tool; and auto-generation of lineage diagrams/content to show data integrity. A guidance document to standardise this process was developed. Results/Discussion: The tool can ingest, store and display data provenance in sufficient detail to support trust and transparency in using these datasets for trials. The slowest step was information gathering from multiple sources, so consistency in record-keeping is essential.
Transient NOx emission modeling of a hydrogen-diesel engine using hybrid machine learning methods
Authors: Shahpouri Saeid , Gordon David , Shahbakhti Mahdi , Koch Charles Robert
Published: September 2024

One promising approach to reduce carbon foot print of internal combustion engines (ICEs) is using alternative fuels like hydrogen, particularly by converting medium and heavy-duty diesel engines to dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel engines. To minimize elevated NOx emissions from hydrogen-fueled engine, fast and accurate emission models are essential for engine model-based control and for engine calibration and optimization using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups. In this study, a fast-response NOx emissions sensor is used to measure the transient NOx emissions from a dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel engine. Subsequently, steady-state models (SSMs), quasi steady-state models (QSSMs), and transient sequential models (TSMs) in the form of black-box (BB) and gray-box (GB) models are developed for transient NOx emissions prediction. GB models utilize both information from a one dimensional (1D) physical engine model and experimental data for training, while BB models only use experimental data. SSMs are optimized artificial neural networks (ANNs) trained using steady-state data, QSSMs are optimized ANNs trained using transient data, and TSMs are time-series networks trained using transient data. Long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) networks are used as the time-series deep learning networks. The results showed that the 1D physical model has the poorest performance with successive model performance improvement from SSM to QSSM and from QSSM to TSM. The developed BB TSM model in this study can predict transient NOx emissions with an R2 value greater than 0.96 at 89,000 predictions per second which makes this model suitable for real-time engine model-based control where computational efficiency is crucial. The developed GB TSM model can predict transient NOx emissions with an R2 value greater than 0.97 but it is computationally more expensive. The extra accuracy of the GB TSM models makes them the best choice for HIL setups where more computational power is available, and accuracy is more crucial.
An efficient product design tool for aftertreatment system
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Yiqiang , Zhao Fucheng , Wang Ruiping
Published: September 2024

A numerical simulation technique based on the conservation of mass and energy in the gas phase has been developed to optimize the aftertreatment system with the lowest costs. Both oxygen storage capacity model and catalyst deterioration model have been integrated into the three-way catalyst performance model. Applications have been discussed, including XY-L 1.5L I3 gasoline turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) production hybrid vehicle, BY-L 1.5L I4 GTDI hybrid vehicle, XY-L (overseas version) 1.5L I4 GTDI hybrid vehicle, and G-L7 1.5L I4 GTDI hybrid vehicle. Vehicle tests in support of the proposed model have been described. The developed model covers the complete range of the cold start, high temperature and volume flow conditions. To optimize a three-way catalyst performance, this work simulated the effect of air fuel ratio, space velocity, temperature, biasing adjustment on the catalyst efficiency. The simulations presented the technique’s capability of well predicting emissions on fresh and full useful life aged aftertreatment systems, respectively, and carried out under transient conditions. The investigation indicated that excess fueling was used upon engine start to heat the catalyst up to its full operating temperature of greater than 350°C. The model results prompted a redesign of the I3 and I4 1.5L GTDI China 6b, Euro VId and Tier 3/SULEV30 exhaust systems over the world light vehicle test procedure (WLTP) and federal test procedure (FTP) cycles, respectively, for example, the model suggested that the latest design for the SULEV30 aftertreatment system on XY-L (overseas version) 1.5L I4 GTDI hybrid vehicle with the revised calibrations in the areas of cold-start and closed-loop fuel treated emissions of NMOG, NOx, and CO to the 70% of the SULEV30 standards with a $64 cost reduction relative to the baseline.
Psychological safety in online interdisciplinary student teams: What teachers can do to promote an effective climate for knowledge sharing, collaboration and problem-solving
Authors: Robinson Helena , Held Fabian
Published: September 2024

Interdisciplinary complex problem-solving relies on psychologically safe teamwork where individuals feel confident to speak up with unique knowledge, or voice dissent. Existing studies on psychological safety (PS) have mainly concentrated on developing diagnostic tools and categorising the antecedents to psychologically safe interactions in face-to-face teams. Few focus on the establishment and maintenance of psychological safety in online teamwork, let alone in the context of now-prevalent online learning in higher education. Leveraging the natural experiment in online teaching and learning brought about by COVID-19 lockdowns, we conducted a preliminary study that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the extent to which, and how, undergraduates experience psychological safety in virtual teams. Students reported experiencing relatively high psychological safety in their collaborations, yet the results also suggest that specific elements of instructional design were needed to support the establishment and maintenance of psychological safety in the online environment. These measures include extra provision for timetabled group work, demonstrating openness and curiosity, designing assessment tasks that necessitate diverse contributions and normalising constructive failure through iterative feedback. Pedagogical tools and practices related to these measures can help online student teams build and sustain psychologically safe collaboration to optimise problem-solving and innovation.
Damage monitoring of glass/epoxy-curved laminates with different stacking sequences using acoustic emission
Authors: Dinesh Babu Venkatesan , Arumugam Vellayaraj , Santulli Carlo
Published: September 2024

Delamination is a major concern in the curvature area of a composite laminate due to the flexural stresses occurring between the laminates. This research focuses on the respective merits of different stacking sequences obtained by layering the glass fiber reinforcement at various orientations in an epoxy resin to manufacture a curved laminate. In particular, laminates with stacking sequences, such as Unidirectional [0°]24, Cross-ply [0°/90°]6S, Angle ply [±45°]6S, and Quasi-isotropic laminates [0°/±45°/90°]3S, were tested by performing four-point bending tests. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring and experimental analysis characterized damage modes, including delamination. AE parameters, such as amplitude, energy, duration, cumulative count, and peak frequency, were utilized to characterize the damage mechanisms of the various stacking sequences. Experimental AE data confirmed that fiber orientation influences delamination resistance and failure mechanisms. Furthermore, compared to other layup sequences, the peak load of cross-ply (Layup B) was found to be greater by 48.7%, 32.87%, and 50.14%. Cross-ply curved laminates also have higher interlaminar tensile strength and curved beam strength than other sequences. They also failed less often due to delamination than other sequences. Finally, scanning electron microscope characterization verified and validated all damage processes found in the AE data collection. As a result, these findings play a significant role in predicting the lifetime, delamination failure, and strength of curved composite laminates.
Riding on information-based advantages: Business group affiliation and cross-border acquisition completion
Authors: Chakraborty Sumit , Fuad Mohammad
Published: September 2024

This study examines the impact of business group affiliation on the likelihood of completing cross-border acquisitions. Drawing on information asymmetry theory, we hypothesize that business group–affiliated firms are more likely to complete cross-border acquisition deals than standalone firms. Recognizing the role of formal and informal institutions in shaping information asymmetry in cross-border acquisition transactions, we also investigate the contingent effects of regulatory quality distance (a formal institutional factor) and cultural distance (an informal institutional factor) on the above relationship. Our empirical analysis, based on a sample of 1293 cross-border acquisition deals announced by Indian firms between 2000 and 2017, offers interesting insights. Specifically, we find that business group affiliation positively influences the likelihood of cross-border acquisition completion and that regulatory quality distance between the home and host countries attenuates this effect. However, contrary to our expectations, cultural distance also attenuates the positive impact of business group affiliation on cross-border acquisition completion, challenging the expectation that business group affiliation advantages would mitigate information asymmetry across all contexts. Thus, our study underscores the context-dependent nature of business group affiliation advantages, which are shaped by formal and informal institutional factors in cross-border acquisitions.
Teaching civics for sustainability in post-authoritarian order: The challenges of developing progressive citizenship in new democracies – Lessons from Poland
Authors: Szklarski Bohdan
Published: September 2024

Civics courses have a great significance – they are supposed to train new cohorts of citizens to engage in multiple public roles in (democratic) society. How it is done depends on a multitude of factors, and teachers’ performance and program contents are among the most important. In post-authoritarian order like Poland, civic contents of educational curricula acquire particular significance: they must lay foundation for new forms of citizenship necessary for the consolidation of democracy. In new democracies, defining development is a lot more than talking about economic or political formulas. Ideas of sustainable development belong in a package of ideas which may anchor people in progressive world order, yet they meet resistance from the traditions and mindsets inherited from the previous system (homo sovieticus). SDG Civics, that is, that part of the catalogue of Sustainable Development Goals which directly refers to political agency, becomes a set of patchwork ideas incorporated into democratic citizenship. Through the study of academic curricula, textbooks, and government policies, this paper addresses the complexity of the problem of civics education in new democracies. It sees sustainable development as a concept wrestling with pressures coming from different ideologies, institutions, actors, and visions of the future. This article should be seen as a contribution to the discussions about the political nature of sustainability.
Sustainability Strategies for Multisector Community Partnerships Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Wiggins Sa’Nealdra T. , Glasgow LaShawn , Durocher Becky , Bayer Erin , Plescia Marcus , Holtgrave Peter , Hacker Karen
Published: September 2024

Multisector community partnerships (MCPs) are a key element of the public health approach to addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). The Improving SDOH—Getting Further Faster (GFF) retrospective evaluation of MCP-driven SDOH interventions was designed to generate practice-based evidence that can help guide partnerships’ efforts to improve chronic disease outcomes and advance health equity by addressing SDOH. This article shares Year 2 GFF findings related to sustainability strategies for partnerships focused on SDOH and their interventions. GFF partnerships’ reported sustainability strategies, including establishing shared goals and increasing partners’ capacity for SDOH work through training, align well with the rich coalition building evidence base. Findings also indicate some evolution of sustainability strategies, such as adopting team-based, decentralized leadership models to help guard against partner or staff turnover. Organizations looking to form, fund, or provide technical assistance to MCPs that address SDOH can use the practice-based insights shared in this research brief to plan ahead for sustainability.
Occupational Therapy in Carceral Settings: Qualitative Study of Practitioner Experiences and Perspectives
Authors: Patel S. , Barnes M. A. , Jaegers L. A.
Published: September 2024

Scant evidence exists regarding occupational therapy in carceral settings. Exploring perspectives and experiences to understand current practices is needed. To explore how occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) navigate evaluation, interventions, and role delineation. Qualitative study using phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches Data gathered through semistructured interviews with seven OTPs with average experience of 16 months, representing six states and four practice settings. Themes were identified by two independent coders who analyzed the data with consensus by third researcher. Four themes emerged: managing contextual challenges, interpersonal professional relationships, evidence-informed services, and client-focused care. Practitioners applied various frames of reference, utilized self-report and observation evaluation methods, and implemented holistic direct and indirect interventions. Understanding and supporting the value of therapeutic relationships, activity/occupational performance analysis, and foci of occupational therapy (OT) domains and processes that emphasize indirect roles can further define and highlight the distinctive nature of OT within carceral settings.
Occupational Therapy for Adults With Acute Hand Conditions: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study
Authors: Sheerin Margo , Galvin Rose , Ryan Damien , Carey Leonora , Whiston Aoife , Coughlan Aoibheann , Morrissey Ann-Marie
Published: September 2024

Hand injuries account for up to one third of acute hospital presentations. Current guidelines and standards of care recommend patients with hand trauma are seen by hand therapists, typically occupational therapists. This study explored the feasibility of implementing an occupational therapy–led hand therapy service for adults presenting acutely with a hand condition, using the RE-AIM framework. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit adult participants ( n = 13). Outcome measures assessing function, health-related quality of life, pain, and occupational value and competence were completed. Focus groups were completed with patients and health care professionals. Data analysis revealed improvements in outcome measures post intervention and at 6-month follow-up. Participants were receptive of therapy-led services, and barriers and facilitators to service integration were identified using the RE-AIM framework. Occupational therapy–led hand therapy clinics show potential in treating people with acute hand conditions at emergency department settings, based on RE-AIM evaluation.