bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool and Numeric Rating Scale in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Stollings Joanna L , Rumbaugh Kelli A , Wang Li , Hayhurst Christina J , Ely E Wesley , Hughes Christopher G
Published: July 2023

Purpose

We sought to determine the correlation between the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) to determine whether clinical factors modified the relationship between NRS and CPOT assessments.

Materials and Methods

We included nonventilated adults admitted to the MICU or SICU who could self-report pain and had at least 3 paired NRS and CPOT assessments. We performed Spearman correlation to assess overall correlation and performed proportional odds logistic regression to evaluate whether the relationship between NRS and CPOT assessments was modified by clinical factors.

Results

Nursing staff performed NRS and CPOT assessments every 4 h in 1302 patients, leading to 61,142 matched assessments. We found that the NRS and CPOT have a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.56 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.32 in intensive care unit patients. Factors that modified the relationship between the NRS and CPOT included the presence of delirium ( P < .001) and lower mean daily Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (<0.001).

Conclusions

The correlation coefficient between the NRS and the CPOT was found to be 0.56. The presence of delirium, decreased level of arousal, modified the relationship between the NRS and CPOT. Self-reported and behavioral pain assessments cannot be used interchangeably in critically ill adults.
3D Reconstruction using machine vision-based active shape from focus: A quantitative analysis on texture influence
Authors: Srikumar Mekhala Vignesh , Ranganathan Senthilnathan
Published: July 2023

In the modern manufacturing industries, the 3D reconstruction of scenes emerges as a critical element with far-reaching implications. This study presents the development of a 3D reconstruction system based on active illuminated Shape from focus to capture images with added surface texture. An algorithm is introduced to select the most suitable image frame from a series of images with different texture patterns based on their focus metrics, thereby enhancing the accuracy of depth interpretation. A comparative analysis is conducted between the proposed method for depth map reconstruction and the conventional shape-from-focus approach. The results demonstrate significant improvements in accuracy and performance. Root mean square errors for three different shape samples are reported as 2.50, 1.72, and 1.23, accompanied by correlation values of 0.56, 0.25, and 0.39. Furthermore, median filtering with a dynamic window size is employed to refine the initial depth map further, resulting in enhanced performance. The resulting root mean square errors are measured as 1.71, 1.12, and 1.13, corresponding correlation values of 0.82, 0.38, and 0.42. The results obtained in this study provide strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of the proposed method combined with median filtering using a dynamic window size in significantly improving accuracy and performance for depth map reconstruction.
Fatigue life estimation of dental implants using a combination of the finite element method and traditional fatigue criteria
Authors: Hernandez Bruno A , Freitas João PO , Capello Sousa Edson A
Published: July 2023

Failure by fatigue can be sudden and catastrophic. Therefore, ensuring that dental implants, which are under constant cyclic loading, do not fail to fatigue is imperative. The majority of the studies about the topic only performed in vitro tests, which are expensive and time-consuming. The Finite Element (FE) method is less costly and it allows the simulation of several different loading scenarios. Nonetheless, there are only a few studies analysing fatigue in dental prostheses using FE models, and the few available did not include all the relevant parameters, such as geometry effect, surface finishing, etc. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the fatigue behaviour of a single-unit dental implant with two screws using a combination of the numerical results and the traditional fatigue criteria – a combination that was not yet fully and correctly explored. A finite element model comprising a single implant, one abutment, one abutment screw, one fixation screw and one prosthetic crown was developed. Material properties were assigned based on literature data. A 100  N load was applied to mimic the mastication forces and fatigue analysis was conducted using the Gerber, Goodman and Soderberg fatigue criteria. The fatigue analysis demonstrated that the abutment screw could fail in less than 1 year, depending on the criteria, while the fixation screw exhibits an infinite life. The results illustrated the importance of analysing the fatigue behaviour of dental implants and highlighted the potential of finite element models to simulate the biomechanical behaviour of dental implants.
Nonlinear effects of urbanization routes (proportion of small cities, and proportion of large cities) on environmental degradation, evidence from China, India, Indonesia, the United States, and Brazil
Authors: Ali Arshad , Xinagyu Guo , Radulescu Magdalena
Published: July 2023

The dynamic stochastic effects regressions on population, affluence, and technology model used in this study reveals the nonlinear effects of urbanization routes on CO2 emissions in China, India, Indonesia, the United States, and Brazil during 1970–2020, using dynamic seemingly unrelated regression, dynamic ordinary least square, and fully modified ordinary least square techniques. The empirical analysis shows that urbanization and the proportion of small cities contribute significantly to CO2 emissions, while the square of urbanization and the square of the proportion of small cities significantly reduce CO2 emissions, thus supporting the inverted U-shaped relationship for the selected countries. However, the effect of the proportion of large cities significantly reduces CO2 emissions, while the square of the proportion of large cities significantly promotes CO2 emissions, supporting a U-shaped relationship for specific countries. Gross domestic product, industrial development, and transport infrastructure contribute significantly to carbon emissions, while renewable energy generation significantly reduces carbon emissions. The country-level augmented mean group estimator in the analysis supports an inverted U-shaped relationship between urbanization and carbon emissions and a U-shaped relationship between the proportion of large cities and carbon emissions in all selected countries. There is also an inverted U-shaped relationship between the proportion of small cities and carbon emissions in China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil. The causality test results acknowledge bidirectional causality between urbanization and carbon dioxide emissions; between urbanization squared and carbon dioxide emissions; between the proportion of the largest cities and carbon dioxide emissions, and between renewable energy and carbon dioxide emissions. This study recommends renewable energy options, green urban infrastructure, and digital technologies to improve the environmental quality of urban areas.

[Formula: see text]
Teaching complex time through pattern thinking and understanding
Authors: Brown Shae L
Published: July 2023

To move beyond its industrial era mechanistic paradigm, western education needs to include knowledges that enable students to think with and engage an increasingly complex world. The teaching and learning of complex time is one such knowledge, and pattern thinking and understanding are useful for this undertaking. As part of their teaching practice, the author developed and implemented a patterns-based design and educational strategy called spiraltime patterning with secondary school students more than a decade ago. Recently, the approach was implemented with university students as part of a doctoral inquiry project that focused on general complexity thinking and understanding. Spiraltime patterning is designed to perturb the dominance of linear temporalities and reposition them within a multitemporal patterning of complex time. The broad aim of this work is to contribute to transformational education, by facilitating temporal coherence and wellbeing for students, through embodied understanding of time as a complex phenomenon.
The Use of Ontologies to Accelerate the Behavioral Sciences: Promises and Challenges
Authors: Sharp Carla , Kaplan Robert M. , Strauman Timothy J.
Published: July 2023

Behavioral scientists produce a vast amount of research every year yet struggle to produce cumulative knowledge that is easily translated in applied settings. This article summarizes a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine consensus report on the development and use of ontologies to accelerate the behavioral sciences. The report examines key challenges in the behavioral and psychological sciences motivating an evaluation of ontology use and development in the behavioral sciences. The advantages of ontologies, including enhanced organization and retrieval of research evidence, improved scientific communication, reduction of duplication, and enhanced scientific replicability, are highlighted. Challenges that may impede the development and use of ontologies in the behavioral sciences are also considered. The article concludes with future directions for fulfilling the promise of ontologies to accelerate the behavioral and psychological sciences.
On the Cost-efficiency of Automobile Insurance Fraud Detection Methods: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Benedek Botond , Ciumas Cristina , Nagy Balint Zsolt
Published: July 2023

We suggest an improved cost savings calculation method in case of automobile insurance fraud detection. Moreover, we compare the cost saving ability of 77 fraud detection methods using heat maps and compare the cost saving ability of traditional statistics-based methods with that of machine-learning based methods, based on Romanian insurance data. The findings of this study clearly show that only a small percentage of the currently available automobile insurance fraud detection methods can be applied in a truly lucrative manner, and in general, machine-learning detection methods prove to be less cost-effective than the traditional econometric-statistic methods.
Identification and Management of Somatic Symptoms and Emotional Disturbance
Authors: Agarwal Vivek , Rohatgi Kopal
Published: July 2023

Somatic Symptoms or Medically Unexplained Symptoms are commonly found in children and adolescents. These symptoms generally reflect the underlying psychological distress and cause significant distress to the child. Presenting symptoms include abdominal pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain. The nature of illness prompts multiple visits to clinical setups, burdening the existing health resources. Risk factors include individual, family, and environmental factors. Most stressful factors are seen to arise from day-to-day problems in children like academic problems, bullying, familial disharmony, temperamental traits, abuse, financial constraints, and parenting issues. Psychiatric and physical comorbidities are prevalent. During the assessment, it is pertinent to rule in positive signs and keep in mind the common psychiatric/physical differentials. Management includes a multidisciplinary approach involving the child and family. An overall visualization of the biopsychosocial framework of the child is done to cater to specific needs. Psychoeducation remains a key strategy, while incorporating behavioral management. This includes promoting strengths and positive behavior in child, gradual reduction in secondary gains, promotion of general well-being, focus on a well-rounded schedule incorporating different activities, and relaxation training. Psychosocial factors are worked upon at length while enhancing coping skills. Familial factors are taken into consideration and home environment may be improved. Comorbidities if present can be managed with medications. The goal is functional recovery and rehabilitation, which can be time taking and requires patience from the treating team.
Executive Dysfunctions in Different Learning Disabilities: A Review
Authors: Khan Kaaynat , Lal Prerna
Published: July 2023

Background:

Executive functions (EFs) are a set of cognitive processes required to select and monitor behaviors that facilitate the achievement of desired goals. Many studies reported that students with learning disabilities appear to have impaired EFs and difficulties in performing school-related and daily activities.

Methods:

This review attempts to focus on identifying different components of executive functioning and its relationship with specific learning disabilities from the published literature. A search using 3 databases identified 37 relevant articles that met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

Many recent studies have found a relation between EFs with specific learning disabilities including meta-analysis and non-experimental comparative studies. Most of the studies were conducted among school children with reading, learning difficulties, and writing difficulties, university students with developmental dyscalculia and adults with or without dyslexia.

Conclusion:

Working memory is the key component affecting performances in children with learning disabilities whereas emotional control and metacognition skills such as organization of material, monitoring, planning, etc have a more specific role in different skills in performing the act of reading, writing, and mathematical operations. They may play a subdued role, but their involvement cannot be segregated because of the complex interplay between them.
Sense-Making in the Wild: The Historical and Ecological Depth of Enactive Processes of Life and Cognition
Authors: Sepúlveda-Pedro Miguel A
Published: July 2023

The enactive approach characterizes life and cognition as sense-making. The standard description of sense-making entails the co-emergence of an agent’s self and a meaningful world, as well as the emergence of a normativity that guides the behaviour of the coupled agent-environment system. This emergent process happens at different levels of interactions: biological, sensorimotor, intercorporeal and linguistic. Sense-making therefore accounts for the natural origins of intentionality and meaning and gives continuity to the emergent enactive processes of life and mind. The standard description of sense-making is nonetheless too abstract and neglects many historical and ecological aspects relevant to the scientific study of life and mind processes as they happen in concrete fields of action. To address this issue, I propose the enlarged description of sense-making in the wild, which is based on three fundamental concepts: norm development, enactive-situated normativity and transverse emergence. Norm development defines sense-making as a historically situated process that transforms the previously given dynamical configuration of the agent-environment system into a new one. Enactive-situated normativity asserts that in addition to the agent’s self-maintenance and the material constraints of the agent-environment system, many dynamical constraints, ecologically situated, shape the origin, maintenance and development of sense-making processes. Finally, transverse emergence describes the transformational process of the whole agent-environment system dynamically, as a reconfiguration of the landscape of attractors that exhibit the typical behaviour of the system. Sense-making in the wild thus aims to facilitate conceptual tools to study enactive cognition, as it happens in concrete fields of action.
Empowered Approaches to Critical/Challenging Encounters: Promoting PEACE in a School of Nursing
Authors: Carter Brigit , Arthur Crystal
Published: July 2023

The Promoting Empowered Approaches for Critical/Challenging Encounters (PEACE) program, developed at Duke University School of Nursing, is designed to navigate communication when there has been an exchange between community members, either with actions, words, or behaviors, that does not align with the school's core values. The goal of this program is to provide resources that promote conflict resolution through conversation, as well as managing conflict at the organizational level.
Against ‘resistance’? Towards a conception of differential politics in international political sociology
Authors: Huysmans Jef , Nogueira João P.
Published: July 2023

‘Resistance’ and related concepts like ‘counter-conduct’, ‘counter-politics’ and ‘revolution’ continue to gain an intense interest and use. At the same time, however, we observe an intensified questioning of the concept of resistance and in particular the logic of negativity that it inscribes into our understanding of difference and its politics. Engaging with contributions that have pushed the concept of resistance and its dialectic logic of negativity to its limits in order to explore what it yields for analysing different political practices, we look for new interventions into modes of thinking about critical politics. To that purpose, we introduce the concepts of ‘folds’ and ‘folding’. They allow for understanding how differences work not through opposition to something but through enveloping in dynamic structures of multiple connections that generate a specific social field. We speak loosely of ‘against resistance?’ not as a claim that the concept of resistance has or should be moved to the dustbin of history but rather to argue for experimenting in International Political Sociology with conceptions of non-dialectic critical politics that work in a perspective of co-existence in heterogeneity and multiplicity and the conditions for openness and social possibility that it creates.
Impact of graphite particle surface modification on the strengthening of cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol composites: A comprehensive investigation
Authors: Agrawal Pawan Kumar , Sharma Pragya , Verma Akarsh , Singh Vinay Kumar , Chaudhary Arun Kumar , Chauhan Sakshi
Published: July 2023

To reduce the hydrophilicity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), various methods are employed. Acid cross-linking is one technique, but it decreases the polymer's strength. To address this, different reinforcements are utilized to enhance the polymer's strength while mitigating the side effects of acid cross-linking. The present research intends to improve the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PVA by cross-linking it with fumaric acid and reinforcing it with modified graphite particles. The particles were prepared through oxidative acidic treatment and added in different weight proportions (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt.%) to the PVA matrix. Water absorption (WA) tests were conducted to affirm the formation of cross-linked bonds, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy was employed to confirm the oxidation of the graphite particles with acid. The composites were examined using scanning electron microscopy, which revealed a robust interfacial adhesion between the modified graphite and cross-linked PVA, resulting in better mechanical characteristics. The highest ultimate tensile strength was observed when using 1.5 wt.% of modified graphite particle reinforcement, resulting in a 31% increase in comparison to pure cross-linked PVA. Moreover, the thermal stability increased from 358°C (PVA alone) to 375°C (composite with 2 wt.% treated graphite particles). Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed an increase in glass transition temperature from 68.2°C to 72.9°C, and activation energy from 604.84 to 1028.21 kJ mol−1 (neat PVA to composite with 1.5 wt.% modified particles). The damping coefficient of the cross-linked composite was 0.257, making it suitable for acoustic damping applications like speakers.
Research on early literacy in Reggio and Montessori classrooms: A scoping review
Authors: Beach Pamela
Published: July 2023

This article presents the findings of a scoping review of 26 empirical studies that examined early literacy in Reggio Emilia and Montessori classrooms. A five-stage framework for conducting scoping reviews was used and led to the review of the selected studies. In addition, a thematic content analysis was conducted resulting in four main themes associated with the studies: 1. avenues for literacy learning, 2. home-school connection, 3. early literacy advantages, and 4. enriched literacy environments. The study contexts, research methods, and other relevant study characteristics are also reviewed and discussed. The results shed light on the research that has been conducted on early literacy in Reggio and Montessori environments. In addition, patterns across the two contexts are discussed and suggestions about future research are offered.
Cultural diversity in work teams and wellbeing impairments: A stress perspective
Authors: Leifels Katrin , Zhang Rita Peihua
Published: July 2023

It is empirically found that cultural diversity can influence group dynamics and social resources and demands. This study aims to explore if and how the effects of social demands and resources vary across teams of different levels of cultural diversity in the form of team compositions. This study proposes a research model to examine the associations between social demands (i.e., a lack of trust and accountability, misunderstanding and disagreement), social resources (i.e., managerial support and a positive team environment) and wellbeing impairments and empirically tests the model across three different team compositions. The sample is composed of 1049 participants who completed an online survey, working in either monocultural teams (i.e., one nationality only), bicultural teams (i.e., two nationalities), or multicultural teams (i.e., three or more nationalities). Multigroup structural equation modelling (SEM) was adopted to analyze the data and to perform cross-group comparison. The results show that the cultural composition of the team does influence the relationship between social demands and individual team members’ wellbeing. A lack of trust and accountability was found to be a significant predictor of wellbeing impairments in only mono- and bicultural teams, not in multicultural teams. Misunderstanding and disagreement was found to be positively associated with wellbeing impairments only in multicultural work teams, not in bi- or monocultural teams. No differences were found when comparing the effects of social resources on individual team members’ wellbeing between the three different types of teams.
The Effects of Framing the Survey Request and Using Targeted Appeals on Participation in Cross-sectional Surveys
Authors: Einarsson Hafsteinn , Cernat Alexandru , Shlomo Natalie
Published: July 2023

The presentation of survey requests represents an easily modifiable feature of survey communications that can in some contexts affect response propensities. Here, we examine how two features: the framing of the participation request (informed by prospect theory) and the inclusion of targeted appeals based on demographic background (age or electoral district), affect participation rates in the 2021 Icelandic National Election Study, a mixed-mode cross-sectional survey. We find that these features generally fail to affect response propensities and sample composition. However, framed requests produced marginally higher response rates for a subset of the sample that was invited to complete the survey online. This suggests that modifying the presentation of the survey request may be less effective in cross-sectional surveys than in longitudinal ones, where more information is available to inform the content of targeted messages.
Bicomponent melt spinning of polyamide 6/carbon nanotube/carbon black filaments: Investigation of effect of melt mass-flow rate on electrical conductivity
Authors: Kaplan Müslüm , Ortega Jeanette , Krooß Felix , Gries Thomas
Published: July 2023

Combining the several mixed phase structures and property profiles with a conductive, high aspect ratios nanofiller such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon black, specific morphological structures in melt spinning can be reached that offer much more potential for developing new functional fibers. Thus, understanding and controlling filler localization inside the developing phase morphology during melt spinning are the keys to the necessary structures. This work aimed to offer the possibility of producing fibers from electrically conductive polymer composites with a high filler concentration. First, the influence of different commercially available nanofillers, such as multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene and carbon black on Polyamide 6 (PA6)-based nanocomposite melt-spun fibers were examined. Following the lab-scale melt spinning experiments, PA6/MWCNT-CB nanocomposite filaments containing 10 wt% nanofiller (each 5 wt%), were chosen for a pilot-scale bicomponent melt spinning process to investigate the influence of the nanocomposite core material feeding parameters on the properties of melt-spun fibers. The electrical conductivity decreased by half (from 3.13E-02 to 6.72E-03) when melt flow rate was increased from 3 g/min to 6 g/min. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs and thermal gravimetric analysis thermograms showed that the change in MFR values significantly affected the nanocomposite filaments’ surface properties.
Timing of Exercise Among Young Adults Previously Enrolled in a Randomized Controlled Weight Management Trial: An Observational Study
Authors: Bailey Caitlin P. , Qian Jingyi , DiPietro Loretta , Napolitano Melissa A.
Published: July 2023

This study examined self-reported exercise time of day and psychosocial/behavioral correlates in a cohort of young adults previously enrolled in a randomized controlled weight management trial. An online survey was distributed to participants of the trial 2 years after conclusion. Questions assessed physical activity (PA), PA self-efficacy, sleep parameters, and BMI. One item assessed exercise timing: “During the last 7 days, I tended to exercise in the…” Response options included: Early morning (04:00-08:59 am), Mid-morning (09:00-11:59 am), Afternoon (12:00-04:59 pm), Evening (05:00 pm-3:59 am), varied times, or no exercise. Differences in baseline or follow-up characteristics were examined across exercise time using Fisher’s Exact and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Of 107 participants contacted, 38 responded, and 31 provided eligible responses. Evening exercise was most frequently reported (N = 11), followed by varied times (N = 10), early morning (N = 4), mid-morning (N = 4), and afternoon (N = 2). PA self-efficacy was highest in evening exercisers (16.1 ± 2.6) compared with those exercising at other times ( P = .015). Moderate-to-vigorous PA was also highest in evening exercisers (265.0 ± 123.1 min/week) compared with those exercising at other times ( P = .035). Pending evidence from larger observational studies, evening may be a relatively popular time to exercise among young adults, and may be associated with greater PA self-efficacy and weekly PA.
Comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognosis value of claudin family members in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dang Qihua , Wu Xingqi , Xu Jingjing , Zhang Shunmin , He Miaoxia
Published: July 2023

Objective: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for 80% of all renal cancers and has a poor prognosis. Studies have found that the abnormal expression of claudins (CLNDs) can influence the functions of tight junctions (TJs) and plays an important role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of malignant tumours in a variety of epithelial malignant tumours. However, the roles of the different CLNDs in ccRCC are poorly understood. Methods: Used the GEPIA, UALCAN, HPA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, String-DB, GeneMANIA, Metascape, and TIMER databases to collect data. Results: The expression levels of CLDN7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, and 19 were significantly reduced and promoters were hypermethylated in ccRCC-affected tissues. ccRCC patients with low expression levels are associated highly with the clinical cancer stages, tumour grades, and poor overall survival. Protein interaction and enrichment analysis showed the differential expressions of CLDNs were primarily associated with epithelial cell differentiation and regulation of cell adhesion. Moreover, differential expressions of CLDNs were significantly correlated with the infiltration of diverse immune cells, including six types of CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, B cells, CD8+ T cells, and dendritic cells in ccRCC. Conclusion: They are expected to serve as biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of ccRCC patients.
Perceived benefits and receptivity to sport psychology consulting services of elite athletes in developing nations of the Oceania region
Authors: Neumann David L , Piatkowski Timothy M , Moffitt Robyn L , Minahan Clare L
Published: July 2023

Sport psychology consulting services are commonly used by elite athletes in developed countries, but little is known about the athlete's perceptions of such services in developing countries. The present study examined the accessibility, receptivity, and perceived benefit of sport psychology services (via a sport psychology services questionnaire) through a cross-sectional survey of elite athletes ( N = 32; Mage = 23.06 years, SD = 5.81) from 12 nations of the Oceania region who participated in the Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain programme. These nations were Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Norfolk Island, Niue, Nauru, Kiribati, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. The results revealed that only a quarter of the athletes had ongoing access to sport psychology consulting services. Over half reported that they were receptive to sport psychology services and perceived that these types of services would be beneficial. The most desired services related to performance enhancement (e.g. performance under pressure). The athletes reported mixed levels of knowledge regarding mental skills, and most knowledge concerned the use of mental skills in competition. Specifically, most athletes rated their knowledge of mental skills at either the low (e.g. imagery) or high (e.g. goal setting, focus, and self-talk) range, and relatively fewer athletes rated their knowledge in the mid-range. The athletes demonstrated interest in learning more mental skills to enhance their performance. These findings indicate that a need exists for sport psychology service providers among athletes in the Oceania region. Existing non-local providers may also consider supplying services through digital modalities.
Reduced bone mineral density in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a case-control study
Authors: Tang Iris Yan Ki , Luk Lucas , Wong Victor , Pang Steve , Lao Virginia , So Ho
Published: July 2023

Background:

Patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are at risk of reduced bone mineral density (BMD).

Objectives:

To compare the prevalence of reduced BMD between patients with IIMs and controls and to determine its risk factors.

Design:

This was a single-center case-control study.

Methods:

BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The prevalence of reduced BMD in IIM patients and age-and sex-matched non-rheumatological controls was compared. The BMD results of female IIM were also compared to age-matched female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Independent factors associated with reduced BMD in IIM patients were identified by multivariate analyses.

Results:

A total of 230 patients (IIM: 65, non-rheumatological controls: 65, RA: 50, SLE: 50) were recruited. The mean age of IIM patients was 58.6 ± 11.0 years and 76.9% were females. Significantly, more IIM patients had reduced BMD (73.8% versus 43.1%, p = 0.043) and osteoporosis (29.2% versus 13.8%, p = 0.033) than non-rheumatological controls. Multivariate analysis confirmed that IIM was independently associated with reduced BMD (OR: 2.12, p = 0.048, 95% CI: 1.01–4.46). The prevalence of reduced BMD was not significantly different between IIM, RA, and SLE patients but the mean hip BMD was the lowest in the IIM group (0.641 ± 0.152 g/cm2 versus 0.663 ± 0.102g/cm2 in the RA group versus 0.708 ± 0.132 g/cm2 in the SLE group, p = 0.035). Lower body mass index and more advanced age were independently associated with lower BMD in IIM patients.

Conclusion:

Reduced BMD was more prevalent in IIM patients than in non-rheumatological controls. Hip BMD was lower in patients with IIMs than RA or SLE. Close monitoring and early treatment are encouraged especially in patients with risk factors.
Affective News, Affective Labor: Chinese Female “Little Editors” of WeChat Official Accounts in Australia
Authors: Yang Fan
Published: July 2023

In Australia, WeChat Official Accounts is known as a hub for the production and distribution of affective news, or sensationalized content, among Chinese migrants. This article aims to address: Who/What is responsible for this form of content production on WeChat? Who are the people (re)producing news information for WeChat Official Accounts in Australia? How and why do they engage with such activities for Australia-based WeChat Official Accounts? And how do they shed light on our digital culture, economy, and platform labor? To address the questions, from 2019 to 2022, I conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with Chinese-Australian media professionals at both managerial and staff levels as well as conducted a longitudinal ethnographic observation with more than 200 Australia-based WeChat Official Accounts that translate news stories for the Chinese diaspora. The article argues that in Australia affective news on WeChat is the news story that conveys emotional resonance to Chinese migrant readers; it is predominantly produced by Chinese female little editors who work as affective labor. The employment of affective labor, that is, Chinese female international students or postgraduates, has led to the concentration of precarity, exploitation, and alienation among the groups of Chinese female little editors who are vulnerably exposed to the double exclusion coming from both neoliberalism in Australia’s dominant society and patriarchal normativity embedded in the Chinese migrant economy. The research findings shed light on the intensifying social inequality based on one’s race, ethnicity, gender, and social class that has been imposed and further normalized by digital technologies.
Is Cervical Disc Arthroplasty an Effective Treatment for Cervical Degenerative Disease With Osteopenia?
Authors: He Junbo , Chen Hua , Wu Tingkui , Rong Xin , Ding Chen , Wang Beiyu , Liu Hao
Published: July 2023

Study Design

Retrospective case-control study.

Objectives

To evaluate postoperative outcomes of single-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) in patients with osteopenia and compare these results with a matched cohort of normal bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

Patients who had undergone single-level CDA were collected and screened. Included patients were divided into the osteopenia group and the normal group. 38 eligible patients with osteopenia were included in the final analysis. Subsequently, a 1:1 match was utilized. Clinical, radiographic data, and complications were recorded. Appropriate statistical methods were applied to conduct analysis using SPSS version 24.0.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 30.5 ± 27.3 months. The osteopenia group achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes, with no significant intergroup differences. Additionally, there were no significant differences between groups in any of the radiological parameters, either in cervical alignment or segmental height, or range of motion. The radiological incidence rate of adjacent segmental degeneration and heterotopic ossification (HO) was comparable in both groups, respectively, with a similar composition of ROM-limiting HO. However, the osteopenia group had a tendency of more implant subsidence (2.7% vs 15.2%). The logistic regression analysis showed the osteopenia group had a significantly higher incidence rate of anterior bone loss (ABL) (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 1.50 - 19.22).

Conclusions

Single-level CDA for patients with osteopenia achieved similar satisfactory clinical outcomes compared with the normal BMD group. Meanwhile, the osteopenia group maintained adequate sagittal balance and segmental height. Based on this observation, this option may be feasible for selected patients with osteopenia.
Relationship Between Bank-Specific Characteristics and Web-Based Disclosures of the Commercial Banks in India
Authors: Bhatia Raminder Kaur , Singh Prabhnoor
Published: July 2023

This article examines the extent of web utilization as a tool for the disclosure of corporate information on the website and exhibits the association between bank-specific attributes such as size, age, profitability, market discipline, listing status, leverage, foreign ownership, and type of sector in relation to the web disclosures of 87 public, private, and foreign sector Indian commercial banks. To achieve the objective, a checklist index of 143 items of information was developed. To examine the hypotheses of the study, a panel regression model was estimated on the data of 87 Indian commercial banks. Panel regression results indicate that size, market discipline (CAR), profitability, listing status, type of ownership, and type of sector have a significant relationship with the level of web disclosure, and banks are more likely to use the websites to disclose information. On the contrary, age, leverage, and market discipline (NPA) have insignificant relationship with the web-based disclosure level, and Indian banks have not shown any relationship with the disclosure score. The study will help the managers to meet the actual and potential informational needs of the investors; for the investor, it will help to assess investment decisions in a better way.
Impact of Technological Changes on Health Insurance Adoption in Rural Area
Authors: Upreti Kamal , Rao Balram , Israfil Mohd Afaque , Bhatnagar Shubhangi , Bhuwania Shivani
Published: July 2023

This study examines attitudes, actions, and willingness of rural residents to sign up for and pay for health insurance. It explores national health programs, statistical assessments of health insurance in rural populations, and responses to rural communities' attitudes and behaviors towards health insurance. Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, but rural residents face increasing challenges due to rising healthcare costs. Health insurance can help address these issues. However, awareness, perception, and behavior related to health insurance are still limited among rural residents. Barriers such as high delivery costs and lack of awareness hinder insurance adoption in rural areas. Education on the importance of health insurance and providing financial stability for major illnesses and hospitalization are crucial. This study aims to evaluate rural residents' perceptions, actions, and willingness to sign up for and pay for health insurance, alongside analyzing national health programs and schemes.
Leader trait analysis of Vladimir Putin: A translation studies approach to personality scores in translated English to Russian speech
Authors: Hallin Katherine
Published: July 2023

The study of how political leader personalities affect the foreign policy of their states is a long-standing query in foreign policy analysis, within which the use of leaders’ speech, or verbal statements, to explain how leaders behave is a methodologically productive subfield. One of the more prominent and reliable methodologies used to assess leader personality through leader speech is Leader Trait Analysis (LTA), developed by Margaret Hermann.

However, because LTA was developed using English language vocabulary and grammar, its accuracy using Russian language speeches to discern leader personality traits has relied on translation. Translation is both inefficient and may not accurately transfer the semantics of speech upon which LTA’s results depend. Responding to this issue, this paper applies Mona Baker’s translation studies criteria to qualitatively compare the semantic equivalence, or maintenance of a text’s original meaning, between English translations used to create an LTA profile for Vladimir Putin and Putin’s original Russian speeches. The research identifies the preponderance of grammatical differences between English and Russian in limiting how well English translations of Russian speech maintain semantic equivalence relevant to assessing leader personality. It is concluded that an accurate understanding of Russian leaders’ personalities requires Russian language specific LTA profiling.
Standards for Scaffolding in Health Sciences Programmes: A Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Masava Beloved , Nyoni Champion N , Botma Yvonne
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Health sciences programmes operate in complex, unpredictable contexts, underscoring the need for comprehensive scaffolding of the learning processes. Yet, the scaffolding approaches remain fragmented, and lack a shared approach to how programmes could integrate scaffolding across the curricula. The literature argues that standards result in the comprehensive implementation of educational practices. There are no reported standards related to scaffolding practices in these programmes.

OBJECTIVES

To develop standards for scaffolding in health sciences programmes utilising a consensus approach through a modified Delphi Technique.

METHODS

Following the recommendations on Conducting and REporting of DElphi Studies (CREDES), an online modified Delphi technique was applied. Evidence on the application of scaffolding in health sciences programmes, obtained through an integrative review, was synthesised to draft standards. Using purposive and snowball sampling, an international panel from diverse geographical and professional backgrounds refined and validated the standards. Descriptive statistics was utilised to analyse demographic data and consensus agreements to include standards and criteria. Qualitative analysis of textual comments ensured the synthesis and inclusion of critical divergent views and additions.

RESULTS

A total of 22 experts from around the globe agreed to participate in the study and one did not complete Delphi surveys. Most experts ( n = 18) held a PhD; and an average of 19 years of teaching in health sciences programmes. Four standards and 27 criteria were included after achieving consensus during the two Delphi surveys rounds. The included standards focused on four areas: structuring and sequencing educational activities, resources/tools for scaffolding, structuring the programme and instructional strategies to support learning.

CONCLUSION

The principle-based standards developed in this study could direct and support scaffolding practices in health sciences programmes. The standards’ emphases on macro-, meso- and micro-scaffolding present numerous opportunities for designing and applying contextually sensitive scaffolding strategies at every level of curriculum implementation.
Is there a difference in floor effects and reliability between intermixed and fixed-order items in a questionnaire?
Authors: Merkel Patrick , Ramtin Sina , Teunis Teun , Ring David
Published: July 2023

Objective

We tested whether intermixing mental health items with items addressing comfort and capability could limit the floor effects noted when mental health is measured in musculoskeletal specialty care.

Methods

One hundred and 31 people seeking care for upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions were randomized to complete randomly ordered, unlabeled mental health items intermixed with comfort and capability items, or intact and labelled questionnaires. For the two approaches, we compared: (1) flooring and ceiling effects; (2) mean and median questionnaire scores; (3) internal consistency (Cronbach alpha); and (4) exploratory factor analysis. We sought correlations between mental health and levels of pain intensity and capability.

Results

We found slightly more flooring in the intermixed group for symptoms of depression (66% [41 of 62] vs 46% [32 of 69], p-value = .034), no differences in the mean and median scores for each questionnaire, lower internal consistency measured by Cronbach alpha, and lower factor loading coefficients in exploratory factor analysis for symptoms of depression and anxiety in the intermixed group. The mean level of symptoms of anxiety was significantly different between two groups (intermixed: 0.87 [95% CI 0.82 to 0.92], fixed: 0.96 [95% CI 0.93 to 0.98]). There were no differences in the association of the mental health measures gathered via the two different strategies with measures of pain intensity and magnitude of capability.

Conclusion

The finding that intermixing mental health questions with questions about comfort and capability did not diminish floor effects suggests no advantage to intermixing mental health items in questionnaires used in musculoskeletal care and research.
A regionalized partially nonergodic ground-motion model for subduction earthquakes using the NGA-Sub database
Authors: Kuehn Nicolas M , Bozorgnia Yousef , Campbell Kenneth W , Gregor Nicholas
Published: July 2023

In this study, we derived a regionalized partially nonergodic empirical ground-motion model (GMM) for subduction interface and intraslab earthquakes using an extensive global database compiled as part of the NGA-Subduction project. The model can be used to estimate peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and ordinates of 5%-damped pseudo-spectral acceleration (PSA) at periods ranging from 0.01 to 10 s for M ≥ 5.0, M≤ 8.5 for intraslab events, M≤ 9.5 for interface events, ZTOR≤ 50 km for interface events, ZTOR≤ 200 km for intraslab events, 10 ≤ RRUP≤ 800 km, and 100 ≤ VS30≤ 1000 m/s. Besides a global version of the model, the GMM accounts for regional differences in the overall amplitude (constant), anelastic attenuation, linear site response, and basin response for seven subduction-zone regions: Alaska (AK), Central America and Mexico (CAM), Cascadia (CASC), Japan (JP), New Zealand (NZ), South America (SA), and Taiwan (TW). The functional form of the model is structured such that the breakpoint magnitude, the magnitude at which the magnitude-scaling rate (MSR) transitions from a steeper to a shallower slope, is an adjustable parameter in the model. This makes it possible to take epistemic uncertainty in this parameter into account or adjust it based on other empirical or physical information, such as when the model is applied to a subduction zone not considered in the GMM. Besides the traditional mixed-effects aleatory between-event standard deviations and within-event standard deviations, within-model epistemic standard deviations in the median prediction for each region is quantified from a posterior distribution of model coefficients, standard deviations, and coefficient correlations using a Bayesian regression approach. Our full 800-sample posterior distribution can be used to account for epistemic uncertainty in the model coefficients, standard deviations, and predicted values. We also provide a simplified epistemic model using magnitude- and distance-dependent within-model standard deviations that can be used to facilitate the inclusion of within-model epistemic uncertainty directly in a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The within-model standard deviations can also be used to scale the GMM using a backbone modeling approach.