bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Firm foundations: The statistical footprint of multinational corporations as a problem for political economy
Authors: Ergen Timur , Kohl Sebastian , Braun Benjamin
Published: May 2022

The discipline of comparative political economy (CPE) relies heavily on aggregate, country-level economic indicators. However, the practices of multinational corporations have increasingly undermined this approach to measurement. The problem of indicator drift is well documented by a growing critical literature and calls for systematic methodological attention in CPE. We present the case for a rocky but ultimately rewarding middle road between indicator fatalism and indicator faith. We illustrate our argument by examining two important cases—Sweden’s recent export success and the financialization of non-financial corporations in France. A careful parsing of the data suggests corrections to common characterizations of the two cases. Swedish exports have been reshaped by intragroup trade among foreign subsidiaries of domestic corporations. The growth of financial assets held by French firms is attributable to the growth of foreign direct investment and to cumulative revaluation effects, while what remains of financialization is concentrated among the very largest firms. Based on these findings, we propose a methodological routine that parses data by zooming in on the qualitative specifics of countries, sectors, and firms, while using all available options for disaggregation.
Knowing, Being, Relating and Expressing Through Third Space Global South-North COIL: Digital Inclusion and Equity in International Higher Education
Authors: Wimpenny Katherine , Finardi Kyria R. , Orsini-Jones Marina , Jacobs Lynette
Published: May 2022

This paper examines digital inclusion and equity in international higher education with particular focus on Global South-North Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). Practice examples, bringing together students and academics in Brazil, South Africa, and the UK, are used to consider how COIL is being integrated into higher education curricula to interrupt western hegemony and open up spaces in which “otherwise” ways of knowing, being, relating and expressing can thrive. We consider COIL as a Third Space within which academics can help facilitate the different intellectual, emotional, and socio-cultural positionings of Global South-North students and reflect on how meaning-making and engagement can be transformed as a result of this dialogue. We also recognize how the digital environment as a Third Space can be experienced as inaccessible and troublesome and make suggestions on how South-North digitalization practices can be designed to address access and inclusion needs of students and academics.
Understanding the musical identity and career thinking of postgraduate classical music performance students
Authors: López-Íñiguez Guadalupe , Burland Karen , Bennett Dawn
Published: May 2022

The classical music sector faces an urgent challenge as increasing numbers of performance graduates struggle to establish themselves as full-time professional musicians. In part, this situation relates to narrow higher music education curricula that do not sufficiently prepare musicians for the precarious and nonlinear careers that characterize music work. The study reported here employed Version 1 of the Musical Identity Measure (MIMv1) together with three open-ended questions to explore student musicians’ motivations to engage in music and their career-related meaning-making. A lexicometry analysis based on Bayesian statistics was applied to six psychological and environmental areas identified in MIMv1: (1) resilience and adaptability, (2) approach to learning, (3) emotional attachment, (4) social factors, (5) music and self, and (6) career calling. Results indicate that postgraduate classical music performance students have a strong musical calling and emotional attachment to music. They also recognize the importance of identifying themselves as learners to thrive in the profession, and they accept that the development of social capital, resilience, and adaptability needs attention both during their studies and during their professional life. The article presents recommendations for higher music education and identifies potential risks related to strong identification with music.
Impacts of the 2010 VA PTSD Rule Change on Participation in SSA Disability Programs
Authors: Contreary Kara , Tennant Jennifer , Ben-Shalom Yonatan
Published: May 2022

U.S. veterans who could qualify for disability benefits from both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) might view them as complementary or as substitutes for each other. For example, people who earn above a certain income lose their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, whereas VA Disability Compensation (DC) benefits do not change based on income. Veterans with disabilities who wish to work may therefore prefer to receive DC over SSDI, in effect treating the two programs as substitutes. We examined how an eligibility rule change in DC affected participation in DC, SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income to understand whether veterans with disabilities increase or reduce their take-up of SSA disability benefits when access to DC increases. Using Current Population Survey data from 2009 to 2016, we studied a 2010 DC rule change that made it easier for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder to demonstrate eligibility. After the rule change, veterans with self-reported cognitive difficulties reported increased receipt of DC, reduced receipt of SSDI, and reduced rates of work-limiting disability, seeming to treat the two benefit programs as substitutes.
‘It’s more than sadness’: The Discursive Construction of Depression on Australian Depression Websites
Authors: Horwood Grace , Augoustinos Martha
Published: May 2022

Depression has been the subject of increased awareness and concern in Australia, but there has been little research into how depression is constructed on mental health websites, which have become a major resource for mental health information among the general public. In this study, critical discursive psychology was employed to analyse the informational content of eight major Australian mental health websites concerning depression. Four interpretative repertoires were identified – a biomedical, a self-optimization, a normal-natural and a societal-structural repertoire. The biomedical and self-optimization repertoires were the most prevalent, constructing depression as an illness within an individual occurring as a result of a biological or psychological deficit. Whilst previous studies have identified the predominance of a biomedical repertoire of depression on official websites, this study highlights the growing prominence of a self-optimization repertoire alongside the biomedical. Whilst it appeared that the aim of the websites was to challenge stigma and encourage help-seeking, it is argued that this way of understanding depression may have counter-productive effects in that the problem is located within the individual rather than with society, and individuals may be positioned as responsible for managing their own mental health, under the guidance of experts. The implications of understanding depression in this way, and not in alternative ways, are discussed.
Categorical Confusion: Ideological Labels in China
Authors: Wu Jason Y.
Published: May 2022

The idea of a left-right ideological dimension helps citizens and parties organize their thinking about politics. While the left-right dimension is traditionally organized around questions of inequality and change in democracies, its meaning under authoritarian rule remains uncertain. This paper uses two national surveys to investigate the policy, partisan, and symbolic content of the left-right dimension in China. The analysis of these surveys reveals that while many Chinese citizens are willing to locate themselves on the left-right scale, their placements are distorted by a variety of perceptual bias known as differential item functioning. The labels of left and right do not carry a consistent programmatic meaning, and the partisan and symbolic content of these ideological labels is limited. One implication of the absence of a shared ideological understanding is that it prevents Chinese citizens from developing the type of vocabulary necessary for exercising political agency.
Foot Osteomyelitis Location and Rates of Primary or Secondary Major Amputations in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Winkler Elin , Schöni Madlaina , Krähenbühl Nicola , Uçkay Ilker , Waibel Felix W. A.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) often leads to amputations in the lower extremity. Data on the influence of the initial anatomical DFO localization on ultimate major amputation are limited.

Methods:

In this retrospective analysis, 583 amputation episodes in 344 patients (78 females, 266 males) were analyzed. All received a form of amputation in combination with antibiotic therapy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with the primary outcome “major amputation” defined as an amputation above the ankle joint was performed. The association of risk factors including location of DFO, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy was analyzed.

Results:

Among 583 episodes, DFO was located in the forefoot in 512 (87.8%), in the midfoot in 43 (7.4%), and in the hindfoot in 28 episodes (4.8%). Overall, 53 of 63 (84.1%) major amputations were performed because of DFO in the setting of peripheral artery disease as primary indication. Overall, limb loss occurred in 6.1% (31/512) of forefoot, 20.9% (9/43) of midfoot, and 46.4% (13/28) of hindfoot DFO. Among these, 22 (41.5%) were performed as the primary treatment, whereas 31 (58.5%) followed previously failed minor amputations. Among this latter group of secondary major amputations, the DFO was localized to the forefoot in 23 of 583 (3.9%), the midfoot in 4 of 583 (0.7%) and the hindfoot in 4 of 583 (0.7%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, initial hindfoot localization was a significant factor ( P < .05), whereas peripheral artery disease, smoking, and a midfoot DFO were not found to be risk factors.

Conclusion:

In our retrospective series, the frequency of limb loss in DFO increased with more proximal initial foot DFO lesions, with almost half of patients losing their limbs with a hindfoot DFO.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective cohort study.
A semi-analytical method for free vibration of semi-closed shells of revolution with variable curvature
Authors: Lian Yong-Sheng , Li Xue , Sun Jun-Yi , He Xiao-Ting , Zheng Zhou-Lian
Published: May 2022

This study is concerned with the free vibration analysis of semi-closed shells of revolution with variable curvature, with a focus on the analytical solution to the natural frequency of such shells. A semi-closed shell of revolution with variable curvature is firstly divided into some narrow small shell segments, then the first small shell segment with a closed shell apex is approximated with a semi-closed conical shell, while the remaining small shell segments are approximated with a series of progressively larger truncated conical shells. Since each small conical shell is part of the large semi-closed shell of revolution with variable curvature and has to vibrate in sync with the large shell, the analytical solution to the axisymmetric free vibration of the large shell can be transformed into the analytical solutions to the synchronous free vibration of these small conical shells. The general solutions for the natural frequencies of all small conical shells are analytically derived under the condition that conical shells have zero meridional curvature. The undetermined constants in the general solutions are determined by letting all natural frequencies of these small conical shells be equal. Finally, the analytical solution for the axisymmetric free vibration of semi-closed shells of revolution with variable curvature is presented and is proved to be basically reliable by conducting a confirmatory experiment based on polymer 3D-printing technique.
Passivity-based hierarchical sliding mode control/observer of underactuated mechanical systems
Authors: Moghanni-Bavil-Olyaei Mohammad-Reza , Keighobadi Jafar , Ghanbari Ahmad , Olegovna Zekiy Angelina
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates a passivity-based hierarchical SM control (PBHSMC) approach to solve the trajectory tracking issue of a special class of UMSs using unmeasured states and in presence of both unmatched and matched perturbations. First, a passivity-based SM observer (PBSMO) is designed for quick estimation of states in the UMS. Then, we develop a nonlinear two-layer switching surface using feedback passivation. The passivation-based approach ensures global asymptotical convergence of tracking error on the switching surface with the discontinuous term. Moreover, we develop an SMC law that can satisfy reaching mode and sliding mode conditions. Finally, to illustrate the performance of theoretical results, the developed control scheme is assessed by numerical simulation of two case studies including flexible-joint manipulator (FJM) and underactuated surface vessel (USV) systems. The simulation results indicate the superiority of the PBSMO-based PBHSMC scheme over the conventional SMO-based HSMC in suppressing unwanted oscillations of link, low tracking error and overshoot, short settling time, smooth and small control efforts, and also more accurate estimation of state variables with less chattering.
Structural optimization of vertical isolated rocking core-moment frames
Authors: Rahgozar Navid , Pouraminian Majid , Rahgozar Nima
Published: May 2022

Dual earthquake-resistant archetypes suffer residual damage following a severe earthquake leading to socio-economic drawbacks. A vertical isolated rocking core-moment frame (VI-RCMF) provides a resilience technique to curtail the seismic vulnerability using the isolation of subsystems. Viscous dampers, installed at each floor level of the VI-RCMF archetype, separate moment frame (MF) from rocking-core (RC). The self-centering RC performs as a passive strong-back core, which can uplift on its toes. Although the VI-RCMFs have exhibited superior performance compared to non-isolated dual frames, there are analytical challenges to come up with the optimal design due to the complex interaction of subsystems. This paper presents an optimization framework for quantifying the optimal design parameters of VI-RCMFs. Accordingly, the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) method is employed as the optimization algorithm. The objective function is defined to minimize the displacement of MF and the design vector includes mass, stiffness, and damping ratios. The SPSA optimization analyses are conducted for a set of archetypes using OpenSees software. Optimal normalized responses of subsystems are computed for 44 far-field ground motions and aleatory uncertainties are quantified for optimal design variables. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure for optimizing VI-RCMFs. The derived optimal design vector can be used for the preliminary design of low-to mid-rise archetypes.
Implementing Full Practice Authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses: A Case for Mitigating Critical Mental Health Services
Authors: Tice Johnny R. , Brown Whitnee C. , Boyle Madeleine , Martin Rebecca A. , Castillo Rachael , Mumba Mercy N.
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some perverse health disparities that we know have long existed in the United States. Disparities related to access, affordability, and cultural appropriateness of care cannot be overemphasized. More importantly, disparities related to provider shortages continue to contribute to adverse patient outcomes, particularly in rural areas and other socioeconomically deprived communities. Despite the push from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to ensure adoption and implementation of full practice authority (FPA) of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), currently only 28 states in the United States have achieved this goal. In addition, there are some states such as Florida that recently passed legislation supporting FPA for primary care APRNs, yet still have practice restrictions for specialty APRNs, such as mental health. The evidence is clear that patients managed by APRNs have better or comparable outcomes to those managed by physicians; thus, more advocacy is needed to ensure that all states and territories achieve this very important milestone for the profession as it has the potential to foster a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to patient care, which at the same time produces positive patient outcomes, employee satisfaction, and a work environment in which all members of the care team feel valued and autonomous.
Capital Management Capacity: Conceptual Development and Pilot Testing of a Framework
Authors: Seymour Benjamin , Yusuf Wie , Ebdon Carol , Kriz Arwi
Published: May 2022

Capital management capacity is an important precursor to government administration of public infrastructure. This research develops a framework to assess capital management capacity by extending an existing framework and demonstrating how the framework can be used in the U.S. to evaluate state and local governments’ capital management practices. The framework is evaluated using the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation and Palm Beach County Department of Engineering and Public Works.
Safety Assessment of L-β-Aminoisobutyric Acid (L-BAIBA): Subchronic Toxicity Study in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Devanand , Fan Qiru , Wang Mingru , Yi Ronghua , Wang Ou
Published: May 2022

L-3-Aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA) is an endogenous compound in human metabolism when thymine and valine undergo catabolism. L-BAIBA represents one of the two isomers of BAIBA in biological systems. BAIBA has been shown to reduce body fat percentage via an increase in fatty acid oxidation and a decrease in hepatic lipogenesis. However, no toxicological effects of L-BAIBA in animals or humans have been established. The present study was designed to evaluate the safety and toxic potentials of this compound, where L-BAIBA was administered orally to Sprague Dawley rats at 100, 300, and 900 mg/kg/day for 90 days. No treatment-related adverse effects were observed in any of the treatment groups. Based on the results, the No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) of L-BAIBA was 900 mg/kg/day.
A Seasonal Model with Dropout to Improve Forecasts of Purchase Levels
Authors: Wünderlich Robin , Wünderlich Nancy V. , Wangenheim Florian v.
Published: May 2022

Predicting future purchase levels is an important and constant challenge for marketing professionals, as purchase patterns often vary over time and across customers. Moreover, purchases often follow individual and cross-sectional seasonal patterns, which affect forecasts of purchase propensity and customer dropout. The authors develop the hierarchical Bayesian seasonal model with dropout (HSMDO), which captures the interrelation between individual and cross-sectional seasonality, purchase, and dropout rates, with the aim of improving forecast accuracy at specific points in time. They perform (1) a parameter recovery analysis with synthetic data; (2) an empirical validation on three noncontractual retail data sets; (3) an analysis of different model variants to isolate the effects of dropout, seasonality, and hierarchical seasonality; and (4) a comparison with several probabilistic models from the marketing literature. The results demonstrate that the HSMDO provides increased forecast accuracy and that tracking errors decrease further with data exhibiting strong seasonality and high customer retention. The HSMDO yields a measure of individual seasonality that has high discriminative power even with sparse data sets and is useful to customer relationship management analysts for customer segmentation, portfolio management, and improvement in the timing of marketing actions.
Improving the Identification of Frailty in Long-Term Care Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Arrieta Haritz , Rezola-Pardo Chloe , Sanz Begoña , Virgala Janire , Lacunza-Zumeta Mertxe , Rodriguez-Larrad Ana , Irazusta Jon
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To compare the capacity of blood myostatin concentration and physical, cognitive, and affective function tests to predict frailty among long-term care (LTC) residents.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from three randomized controlled trials involving 260 older adults in 14 LTC centers. Serum myostatin levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Frailty, physical fitness, cognitive and affective functions were assessed using validated tests and scales.

Results

The Timed Up and Go, gait speed, 6-minute walk, and Berg Balance Scale had excellent capabilities in identifying frail individuals in accordance with Fried’s Frailty Phenotype (FFP). The best tests for identifying frailty in accordance with the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) were Timed Up and Go and Berg Balance Scale. For the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), the best tests were Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) and Goldberg Anxiety. Myostatin, along with physical, cognitive, and affective function tests, improved the capability of the hand grip, arm-curl, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Goldberg Anxiety, Goldberg Depression, and QoL-AD to identify frailty according to FFP, while myostatin improved CFS-defined frailty identification by the hand grip, arm-curl, 6-minute walk test, Berg Balance Scale, 30-second chair-stand, gait speed, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Goldberg Anxiety, and De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale.

Conclusion

Among LTC residents, serum myostatin was associated with being frail according to FFP and CFS. However, this measure was less discriminating of frailty than physical fitness tests (for FFP and CFS) and affective function parameters (for TFI). However, evaluated concurrently with physical, cognitive, and affective parameters, myostatin improved the capabilities of these measures to predict CFS-defined frailty.
Effect of aging and lifestyle on healthy macular photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch membrane complex thickness
Authors: Ghanem Kadhim Zahraa , Mohammad Najah K.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Investigate how aging and some lifestyle factors correlate with changes in macular photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch membrane complex layers thickness in a sample of healthy population by using OCT segmentation technique.

Subjects and methods

A cross-sectional study conducted at the ophthalmology department in the Medical City in Baghdad. All participants underwent an interview of medical history and lifestyle habits. Maculae of all participants were scanned using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, followed by manual segmentation of retinal layers.

Results

The study included 152 healthy participants (152 eyes), their mean age was 57.3 ± 6.7 years, gender distribution was 82(53.9%) males and 70(46.1%) females. There was a decrement in retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch membrane layer thickness at central subfield (500 µm radius from fovea minimum) by − 0.178 µm/year (p = 0.019), inner macula (500–1500 µm radius from fovea minimum) by − 0.263 µm/year (p = 0.002), outer macula (1500–3000 µm radius from fovea minimum) by − 0.225 µm/year (p = 0.015) with no statistically significant effect on photoreceptor thickness. Physical activity and smoking had statistically no significant effect on these layers thickness, however smokers had higher photoreceptor thickness at fovea minimum and central subfield. Body mass index increase by one kg/m2 correlated with a decrement in photoreceptor layer thickness by − 0.108 µm (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Aging process affected the retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch membrane complex and photoreceptor layer thickness in a healthy population, and this process can be slowed down by avoiding some lifestyles which aggravate these changes like obesity.
Assessment of Microbiological Quality of Indoor Air at Different Hospital Sites of Dilla University: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ashuro Zemachu , Diriba Kuma , Afework Abel , Husen Washo Gose , Shiferaw Areba Abriham , G/meskel Kanno Girum , Hareru Habtamu Endashaw , Kaso Abdene Weya , Tesfu Mehret
Published: May 2022

Background:

In both residential and hospital indoor environments, humans can be exposed to airborne microorganisms. The hospital’s indoor air may contain a large number of disease-causing agents brought in by patients, staff, students, visitors, ventilation, or the outside. Hospitalized patients are at a higher risk of infection due to confined spaces, crowdedness, and poor infection prevention practices, which can accumulate and create favorable conditions for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the indoor air bacterial load in Dilla University Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the bacterial load in the indoor air at Dilla University Hospital. To determine the bacterial load, a passive air sampling technique was used. The settle plate method was used to collect data, which involved exposing Petri-dishes filled with blood agar media to the indoor air of the sampled rooms for 60 minutes.

Result:

A total of 72 indoor air samples were collected once a week for 2 weeks at 14-day intervals from 18 rooms in 8 wards, and samples were collected twice a day in the morning and afternoon. The mean bacterial concentrations ranged from 450 to 1585.83 CFU/m3 after 60 minutes of culture media exposure. The mean bacterial concentrations in the obstetrics, surgical, pediatric, gynecology, and medical wards exceeded WHO guidelines. A high indoor air bacterial load was found in 58 (80.6%) of the samples in this study. Gram-positive bacteria in the air were the most common 51 (71%) of the bacterial population measured in all indoor environments. Fungal growth was found in 65 (90.3%) of the samples. Temperatures (26.5°C-28.3°C) and relative humidity (61.1%-67.8%) in the rooms were both above WHO guidelines, creating favorable conditions for bacterial growth and multiplication.

Conclusion:

The majority of the wards at Dilla University Hospital had bacterial loads in the air that exceeded WHO guidelines. Overcrowding, high temperatures, inadequate ventilation, improper waste management, and a lack of traffic flow control mechanisms could all contribute to a high concentration of bacteria in the indoor air. To control the introduction of microorganisms by patients, students, caregivers, and visitors, it is critical to regularly monitor indoor air bacterial load and implement infection prevention and control measures.
Has Virtual Care Arrived? A Survey of Rural Canadian Providers During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Burton Lindsay , Rush Kathy L , Smith Mindy A , Görges Matthias , Currie Leanne M , Davis Selena , Mattei Mona , Ellis Jennifer
Published: May 2022

We investigated the uptake and perceptions of virtual care solutions by rural Canadian primary and specialist providers during the early phase (May-June 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based, cross-sectional survey of rural primary and specialty care providers examined types of virtual care platforms used (eg, phone, video), appointment length, experience and satisfaction with the solution used, plans for future use of virtual care, and patients’ use of virtual care services. Targeted participants were actively-practicing providers in rural Western Canada who were emailed an invitation for the study and its survey link. Fifty-nine providers (26% response rate) completed the survey. During the pandemic, 78% of providers reported using virtual care for more than 60% of their appointments, while only 3% did so frequently pre-pandemic. Most providers used phone consultations, despite believing that video provided a better virtual visit. Key barriers included workflow interruptions, unique concerns about quality of care, remuneration and sustainability, or poor internet access and bandwidth for both providers and patients. The key opportunity noted was improved access to care. While most virtual care visits were not conducted using video technologies, overall virtual care resulted in high provider satisfaction, while not increasing workload. Virtual care will continue to play an important role in future rural care practice; however, sustainability will require both provider-level and system-level changes.
Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Its Association With Anthropometric Fetal Indices
Authors: Dinh Le Tuan , Minh Bui Tien , Hien Vu Trinh , Phi Thi Nguyen Nga , Thanh Thi Tran Hoa , Nguyen Son Tien , Ho Thi Nguyen Lan , Van Ngo Manh , Huy Duong Hoang , Thanh Vu Binh , Dinh Hoa Trung , Nhu Do Binh , Le Duc-Cuong , Thi Nguyen Hien , Trung Nguyen Kien
Published: May 2022

Background:

In pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), insulin resistance (IR) increases the risk of developing manifest type 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with complications in both mother and fetus.

Objectives:

This research aimed to evaluate the associations between IR evaluated by 3 indices (namely updated homeostasis model assessment model (HOMA2), QUICKI, and McAuley’s index) and the diabetes risk factors and the fetal growth indices in Vietnamese women with GDM.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 370 women with GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women from January 2015 to May 2019. IR was calculated by HOMA2 (HOMA2-IR), QUICKI, and McAuley’s index. Fetal anthropometric measurements were assessed via ultrasound which was performed and interpreted by ultrasound experts.

Results:

In the simple regression analysis, McAuley’s index illustrated had statistically significant correlations to the highest number of risk factors of diabetes mellitus compared with HOMA2-IR and QUICKI indices. Moreover, McAuley’s index correlated statistically significantly to the highest number of fetal ultrasound measurements factors such as including biparietal diameter (BPD) ( r = −0.271, P < .001), head circumference (HC) ( r = −0.225, P < .001), abdominal circumference (AC) ( r = −0.214, P < .001), femur length (FL) ( r = −0.231, P < .001), estimated fetal weight (EFW) ( r = −0.239, P < .001) and fetal estimated age ( r = −0.299, P < .001). In the multivariable analysis, the McAuley’s index contributed the greatest to AC (Standardized B of −0.656, P < .001).

Conclusion:

The McAuley’s index was significantly associated with a higher number of more risk factors for diabetes mellitus as well as fetal ultrasound sonography findings measurements than compared with HOMA2-IR and QUICKI indices.
Modification of Skin Flaps for Single-Stage Reconstruction of the Nasal Ala Using All-Layer Suture: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kofler Katrin , Häfner Hans-Martin , Eckardt Julia , Scheu Alexander , Ulmer Anja , Schulz Claudia , Kofler Lukas
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

After local flaps, it may be necessary to reconstruct the contour of the nasal ala. This is possible with a single-stage all-layer shaping suture. In the present study, the functional and aesthetic results after single-stage reconstruction of the nasal ala were prospectively evaluated.

Patients and methods

Patients who underwent surgery for skin tumors of the nose between 06/2019 and 06/2020 who required reconstruction of the nasal ala as part of the defect closure and had an all-layer suture used were prospectively included in the study. A standardized evaluation of aesthetic and functional outcome was conducted by the patient and a physician at discharge as well as 4 weeks later. Patients additionally underwent a follow-up survey 6 months later.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were included in the study. Four weeks postoperatively, all flaps were found to be fully healed and vital. Aesthetic outcome at 4 weeks was rated as very good or good by physicians in 73% and by patients in 78.4%. Persistent complications due to reduced blood flow were not observed.

Conclusion

The reshaping of the nasal ala as part of the defect reconstruction with an all-layer suture demonstrates very good aesthetic as well as functional results and can be performed in a single-stage procedure.
Variations in policies for accessing elective musculoskeletal procedures in the English National Health Service: A documentary analysis
Authors: Rooshenas Leila , Ijaz Sharea , Richards Alison , Realpe Alba , Savovic Jelena , Jones Tim , Hollingworth William , L Donovan Jenny
Published: May 2022

Objective

The overall aim of this study was to investigate how commissioning policies for accessing clinical procedures compare in the context of the English National Health Service. Our primary objective was to compare policy wording and categorise any variations identified. Our secondary objective was to explore how any points of variation relate to national guidance.

Methods

This study entailed documentary analysis of commissioning policies that stipulated criteria for accessing eight elective musculoskeletal procedures. For each procedure, we retrieved policies held by regions with higher and lower rates of clinical activity relative to the national average. Policies were subjected to content and thematic analysis, using constant comparison techniques . Matrices and descriptive reports were used to compare themes across policies for each procedure and derive categories of variation that arose across two or more procedures. National guidance relating to each procedure were identified and scrutinised, to explore whether these provided context for explaining the policy variations.

Results

Thirty-five policy documents held by 14 geographic regions were included in the analysis. Policies either focused on a single procedure/treatment or covered several procedures/treatments in an all-encompassing document. All policies stipulated criteria that needed to be fulfilled prior to accessing treatment, but there were inconsistences in the evidence cited. Policies varied in recurring ways, with respect to specification of non-surgical treatments and management, requirements around time spent using non-surgical approaches, diagnostic requirements, requirements around symptom severity and disease progression, and use of language, in the form of terms and phrases (‘threshold modifiers’) which could open up or restrict access to care. National guidance was identified for seven of the procedures, but this guidance did not specify criteria for accessing the procedures in question, making direct comparisons with regional policies difficult.

Conclusions

This, to our knowledge, is the first study to identify recurring ways in which policies for accessing treatment can vary within a single-payer system with universal coverage. The findings raise questions around whether formulation of commissioning policies should receive more central support to promote greater consistency – especially where evidence is uncertain, variable or lacking.
Acceptability of a novel device to improve child patient experience during venepuncture for blood sampling: Intervention with ‘MyShield’
Authors: Oulton Kate , Williams Anna , Gibson Faith
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to explore the acceptability of a novel device (‘MyShield’): a device used for distraction during clinical procedures. It is a cardboard cuff, designed to fit around the arm, either above the elbow or around the wrist and used to hide the procedure from view. This device was tested in practice, to establish acceptability to children, parents and clinical staff. Fifty-eight children tried ‘MyShield’ during a venepuncture procedure. Feedback from 54 children, 58 parents/carers and 16 clinical staff was collected using surveys and interviews. In 24 cases, observational data were also collected. A large majority of children (94%, n = 51) and parents (96%, n = 56) reported a positive experience when using ‘MyShield’; saying they would likely use it again. Potential of ‘MyShield’ in promoting parent/clinician interaction with the child was highlighted. Data suggests that ‘MyShield’ may be a useful device for children undergoing venepuncture, when used in conjunction with standard care, and subject to individual preferences and choice. Further work is required to establish mechanism of action and whether use of ‘MyShield’ has any impact across a range of short- and long-term outcome measures relating to patient experience and effectiveness.
35 Years of health surveys in Denmark: a backbone of public health practice and research
Authors: Christensen Anne I. , Lau Cathrine J. , Kristensen Peter L. , Poulsen Hanne S. , Breinholt Larsen Finn
Published: May 2022

Denmark has a 35-year history of monitoring health status in the general population through health surveys. In this commentary, we outline the development of health surveys in Denmark from the beginning in 1987 to the present time. We describe how the current systematic framework for the Danish National Health Survey (DNHS) developed. We discuss the methodological basis for the DNHS and describe its application in public health practice and research. Over the years, the DNHS has become an important part of the Danish public health environment. Challenges for the DNHS in the future are to adapt to new trends in public health and at the same time to be able to monitor important changes consistently over time.
Health risks among long-term immigrants in Norway with poor Norwegian language proficiency
Authors: Kjøllesdal Marte K.R. , Gerwing Jennifer , Indseth Thor
Published: May 2022

Background:

Poor health among immigrants has been associated with longer duration of residence in the host country, poor host language proficiency and low education. However, the interplay among these factors is under-studied.

Objective:

To assess health among immigrants in Norway by combinations of duration of residence, Norwegian language proficiency and education.

Methods:

In 2015/2016 Statistics Norway carried out two cross-sectional Living Conditions Surveys in the general adult population ( N=5703, response rate 59%) and among immigrants from 12 countries, with ⩾2 years of residence ( N=3993, response rate 54%). Health outcomes (poor self-reported health, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, mental health problems, back/neck pain) were assessed with logistic regressions according to combinations of duration of residence, Norwegian language proficiency and education.

Results:

Negative health conditions were more common among immigrants than in the general population, and varied by duration of residence, proficiency in the Norwegian language and education. In age- and sex-adjusted regressions, immigrants had higher odds of all negative health conditions, except hypertension, regardless of their duration of residence, proficiency of the Norwegian language and educational level. Immigrants with a long duration of residence and poor proficiency in the Norwegian language had the highest odds of negative health conditions.

Conclusions:

Special attention is warranted towards health among immigrants who have lived in Norway the longest without acquiring good Norwegian language proficiency.
Role of conventional drilling and abrasive water jet induced damage on the mechanical response of flax/epoxy laminates with holes
Authors: Hoekstra Braedon , Kolasangiani Kamal , Oguamanam Donatus C. D. , Zitoune Redouane , Bougherara Habiba
Published: May 2022

Many engineering applications using composite materials require an assembly of components which can be accomplished using adhesives, welding, or fasteners. The last requires the machining of holes, which are usually done via conventional drilling or abrasive water jet process. The choice of the machining process is important because it has a direct impact on the surface quality of the machined holes, and, consequently, on the performance of the composite structure. Although most studies on the effect of machining methods were focused on conventional composites, little is known about the effect of conventional drilling (CD) and Abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining methods on the mechanical behaviour of flax composites with holes. This study is the first to experimentally investigate the influence of the machining process in pure flax/epoxy composites with three different layups, namely, unidirectional (F[0]), cross-ply (F[0/90]) and angle-ply (F[±45]). A delamination factor was employed to evaluate the degree of delamination damage around the surface of the hole. The lowest delamination factor at the exit of the hole was observed for F[0]-AWJ with a value of 0.777 and the highest was observed for the F[±45]-AWJ with a value of 1.484. Damage analyses of the layups under a quasi-static loading condition showed that the average final stiffness damage for F[0]-CD was 13% greater than that of F[0]-AWJ, and for F[0/90]-AWJ and F[±45]-AWJ were respectively 25% and 27% greater than their counterpart samples machined by CD method. The damage results correlate well with the delamination factor.
Homestay businesses’ strategies for adapting to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic: A study in Vietnam
Authors: Doan Tin , Aquino Richard , Qi Hongxia
Published: May 2022

Adaptation and recovery are essential for businesses to survive crises and disasters. Drawing on the concepts of business resilience and hospitality service delivery practices, this study explored strategies employed by owners of Vietnamese homestay businesses for adapting to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with 17 purposefully selected homestay owners were conducted during the pandemic. The thematic analysis of the data revealed three major strategies: adapting operational protocols, modifying products and service offerings, and reinstating the authenticity of the homestay experience. A conceptual model illustrating the transformations in homestay businesses was developed from the findings. As the study particularly revealed that the selected Vietnamese homestay businesses showed a strong capacity for adaptation, we discuss several factors influencing the implementation of adaptation and recovery strategies. This study contributes to the understanding of how micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises can adapt to external shocks and new externalities, and provides practical implications for homestay owners and stakeholders in relation to their post-pandemic business recovery.
Hierarchy and inequality in research: Navigating the challenges of research in Ghana
Authors: Mfoafo-M’Carthy Magnus , Grischow Jeff
Published: May 2022

This paper provides insights from experiences in data gathering and recruitment from two research projects on disability/mental health in Ghana. The focus of the study explores stigma amongst individuals diagnosed with mental illness and their caregivers. The study investigates the positioning of the researcher in a superior light by participants which often wrests power from those who should be considered the true experts of their own circumstances. Inequality in the interview process thus carried the risk of impacting the quality of the data, as some participants did not consider themselves as ‘experts’ of their condition. The paper explores strategies for addressing these challenges of hierarchy and inequality in the research process in the Global South. Based on the study, we report on our experiences as follows: (1) ensuring that participants are empowered to engage with researchers; and (2) training local researchers to engage in culturally sensitive research processes.
Lifestyles of enough exploring sufficiency-oriented consumption behavior from a social practice theory perspective
Authors: Kropfeld Maren I
Published: May 2022

Meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement requires absolute reductions of consumption levels, which implies changing consumption behavior toward more sufficiency-oriented practices. So far, these practices have mostly been researched in the areas of mobility and household-related activities. Therefore, this paper reviews sufficiency-oriented practices in other areas of consumption. A configurative literature review rendered eight relevant studies investigating nine different sufficiency-oriented consumption practices, seven of which related to clothing consumption. By aggregating and structuring the practices’ elements, insights into the materials, competences, meanings, and rules connected to sufficiency-oriented lifestyles could be made. In the area of clothing especially, high quality, durable, and repairable products as well as the ability to reflect critically on one’s consumption behavior are the basis for engaging in sufficiency-oriented practices. Tools and shared spaces as well as community events facilitate practices that encourage modal shifts of consumption or contribute to product longevity. The meanings behind these practices stretch from altruistic, environmentally conscious motivations such as a great concern for the environment to more egoistic or economic-related motives such as saving money. First implications of using social practice theory as a heuristic to research consumption behavior indicate that sufficiency-oriented practices offer various angles and opportunities, not only through consumer education but also by providing the right materials, spaces, and skills, to support more environmentally friendly “Lifestyles of Enough”.
The making of good public plans Phronesis, Phronetic Planning Research and Assemblage Thinking
Authors: Briassoulis Helen
Published: May 2022

Planning for the common good requires the exercise of phronesis and a fitting ontology of planning situations. This paper critically appraises Flyvbjerg’s Phronetic Planning Research approach through the lens of Aristotelian phronesis and Assemblage Thinking, showing that it inadequately addresses these interdependent issues. It proposes an Assemblage-based Phronetic Planning Approach (APPA) and a methodology to implement it. APPA conceptualizes planning situations as multiplicities comprising assemblages which best represent their complexity, materiality and spatiality and simultaneously enunciate the relationality and situatedness of individual and collective phronesis. APPA offers an immanent approach to study and support the making of public plans. It stresses the co-constitution of phronesis, phronimos, collective phronesis and the situated ‘common good’ within interacting assemblages and entangled planning multiplicities unfolding in a milieu over the planning process. Making good public plans under present and future uncertainty involves steering these multiplicities to foster the emergence of collective phronesis and the good plan that delivers the situated common good. Professional planners and other actors, desiring the ‘successful symbiosis’ of humans and the material world, may strive to become phronimos. Future research needs to engage with the Deleuzoguattarian and Aristotelian scholarship to elucidate critical theoretical issues, develop novel methodologies and analytical tools and empirically test APPA in diverse planning situations and geographical contexts.