bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Norms of Democracy, Staged Democrats, and Supply of Exclusionary Ideology
Authors: Valentim Vicente
Published: October 2024

Existing literature sees attitudinal support for liberal democratic values as a crucial way to prevent the success of illiberal actors and their policies. But recent studies show that democratic support can coexist with lack of punishment for backsliding practices. To reconcile these findings, I argue that social norms generate incentives to declare that one opposes illiberal actors even if one does not—what I call staged democrats. Staged democrats are not a stable safeguard against illiberal politicians, because information shocks can reveal that they do not sincerely oppose illiberalism. Studying Switzerland, where referendums provide information on the sincere preferences of citizens, I collect data on referendum results, public opinion surveys, and party positions. My analyses show that if referendums reveal that the positions of far-right parties are more popular than expected, those parties become more exclusionary. Attitudes only prevent illiberal policy if they are sincerely held.
Distributed driving electric vehicle lateral stability control method considering time delay
Authors: Meng Qinghua , Zhang Ze-Kun , Sun Zong-Yao
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a novel control method to address lateral stability challenge in distributed driving electric vehicles. By considering inherent time delay and unknown sensor measurement error generated from design, manufacturing, and external disturbances, the proposed approach achieves better robustness. Firstly, we establish a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) dynamic model for lateral motion of an electric vehicle driven by in-wheel motors (EV-DIM). Based on this model, a control system considering time delay and unknown sensor measurement error is constructed. The control system incorporates a controller based on a dual domination gains observer, and its global asymptotic stability is rigorously proved by the Lyapunov method. Numerical simulations and co-simulations via CarSim and Simulink verify the method’s effectiveness. Compared to the sliding mode control, the proposed method shows better performance which indicates this approach promising for enhancing lateral stability of an electric vehicle.
The Days After the Funeral: An Ethnolinguistic Analysis of Christian Post-Funeral Death Practices in Jish (Northern Israel)
Authors: Habib Sandy
Published: October 2024

This study is in ethnolinguistics, the interface between culture and linguistics. It provides an ethnography (detailed description) of post-funeral death practices among Maronite Christians in Jish, a small village in northern Israel. It also linguistically analyzes some concepts and cultural norms related to these practices and explicates (i.e., defines in simple, universal terms) them using the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) approach. At the micro-level, this study provides a precise description and analysis of post-funeral death practices in one community sharing the same linguaculture (i.e., the same ways of speaking and living). This precise description and analysis can, in turn, provide an opportunity for a precise comparison between these Jish death practices and their counterparts in other micro-communities. Additionally, this study provides cultural outsiders (those who are outside the culture) with insights into some aspects of the Jish linguaculture; thus it may be of interest to linguists and anthropologists.
Confucian filiality revisited: The case of contemporary China
Authors: Pei Wang
Published: October 2024

The ideal of filiality ( xiao) – care and reverence for elderly parents and ancestors – is one of the central values in Confucianism. It has been hugely influential in Chinese society. However, it has often been misused and vulgarized in practice, leading to significant human suffering. Hence, there is a need to articulate a morally defensible and realistic interpretation of filiality that is appropriate for the Chinese context. In this article, I articulate an account of filiality that can be deployed to enhance understanding of the ideal, criticize misuses and promote healthy relations among family members. I argue that filiality comprises five parts that have been influential in Confucian philosophy and Chinese society. For each component, I demonstrate that a morally defensible and realistic interpretation must be sensitive to the age and health condition of family members, as well as the particularities of modern Chinese society such as the legacy of the one-child policy. I support my argument with empirical research findings from China. I do not deny the possibility that my argument may be valid outside of China, but I leave it as an open question.
Successful repair of infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with nonconfluent bilateral pulmonary veins
Authors: Ochiai Tomonori , Tatewaki Hideki , Masaki Naoki , Sai Sadahiro
Published: October 2024

We report a rare case of an infracardiac-type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with nonconfluent bilateral pulmonary veins in a patient diagnosed with heterotaxy syndrome with right atrial isomerism, mitral valve atresia, a single atrium, and double-outlet right ventricle. On the fourth day of life, the patient underwent successful repair using a sutureless technique. Two years after the surgery, the patient remained well without any signs of pulmonary venous obstruction.
Social solidarity and deservingness
Authors: RATZMANN NORA , MANTU SANDRA , BORRELLI LISA MARIE
Published: October 2024

The notion of social solidarity involves formal and informal practices, with various levels of institutionalisation. It builds on normative assumptions and discourses of reciprocal expectations of mutual help, on (perceived) ideas of sameness or neediness in relation to, among other, class, ethnicity, and/or gender and on notions of deservingness that are entangled in such ideas. In this contribution, we discuss how the intersection between institutionalised social solidarity in European nation-states and notions of deservingness informs who is seen as worthy of being part of welfare arrangements. Where ideas of solidarity and deservingness intertwine with legal categorisations of belonging, the results are exclusionary policies that often restrict migrants’ access to national welfare policies, and hence meaningful societal participation. Furthermore, we discuss migrants’ experiences with expressions of solidarity beyond the national realm, exploring how ideas about migrants’ deservingness become linked to their economic usefulness within the European (integration) project.
Citizenship
Authors: Könönen Jukka , Achermann Christin , Mantu Sandra
Published: October 2024

As a result of increased mobility and restrictive immigration policies in Europe, a growing number of people live in conditional and deportable positions with only limited social rights and access to welfare services. In this keyword, we discuss how the conception of national citizenship that underpins immigration and welfare regimes affects the position of non-citizens, with a particular focus on legal status as an instrument of hierarchisation and social marginalisation in European societies. Immigration systems create hierarchies and divisions by establishing different legal statuses for non-citizens, with wider implications for their position in society. Legal status has become a significant factor in social exclusion and marginality in European societies, intersecting with race, class, gender, and ethnicity to (re)produce social disadvantages. At the same time, migrants’ struggles are situated along the same historical continuum as other previously excluded and marginalised groups, revealing inherent contradictions related to citizenship in modern nation-states and challenging the boundaries of citizenship from the inside.
A systematic review of the extant literature on the Tanzanian e-government services for economic development
Authors: Mwilongo Kardo J. , Kachota Beth
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the existing Tanzanian e-government services for economic development through a systematic review of the literature. The main objective is to examine researchers’ articles on e-government services towards achieving the Tanzanian economic growth as well as the current issues and trends on e-government globally. Specifically, this study aims to answer three research questions on: what are the functional e-government services in Tanzania? What is the level of Tanzanian e-government service performance? And what are the factors influencing Tanzanian e-government service performance for economic development? A systematic literature search was conducted on four aggregate data sources, which included Google Scholar, ResearchGate, CORE, and Refseek. A combination of search key terms was employed to obtain the data sources from 2015 to 2022. One hundred and five articles were found by the combined search and screened, resulting to eighteen articles that were recommended for the study. Content and Microsoft Excel computer application were used to analyse the screened data sources. The findings reveal that, a number of functional services is offered and considered potential for revenue collection and contribute to the nation's economic development. Nevertheless, Tanzania has improved and dynamically advanced to the transaction level of e-government implementation where the majority of the citizens interact for services and information. However, factors related to the activeness of the platforms, accessibility, usability, infrastructure, security issues, privacy, and technical support services among others, were identified to influence the performance of Tanzanian e-government services and thus call attention to the government in addressing these issues.
Artificial intelligence can be trained to predict c-KIT-11 mutational status of canine mast cell tumors from hematoxylin and eosin-stained histological slides
Authors: Puget Chloé , Ganz Jonathan , Ostermaier Julian , Conrad Thomas , Parlak Eda , Bertram Christof A. , Kiupel Matti , Breininger Katharina , Aubreville Marc , Klopfleisch Robert
Published: October 2024

Numerous prognostic factors are currently assessed histologically and immunohistochemically in canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) to evaluate clinical behavior. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is often performed to detect internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations in exon 11 of the c-KIT gene ( c-KIT-11-ITD) to predict the therapeutic response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This project aimed at training deep learning models (DLMs) to identify MCTs with c-KIT-11-ITD solely based on morphology. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained slides of 368 cutaneous, subcutaneous, and mucocutaneous MCTs (195 with ITD and 173 without) were stained consecutively in 2 different laboratories and scanned with 3 different slide scanners. This resulted in 6 data sets (stain-scanner variations representing diagnostic institutions) of whole-slide images. DLMs were trained with single and mixed data sets and their performances were assessed under stain-scanner variations (domain shifts). The DLM correctly classified HE slides according to their c-KIT-11-ITD status in up to 87% of cases with a 0.90 sensitivity and a 0.83 specificity. A relevant performance drop could be observed when the stain-scanner combination of training and test data set differed. Multi-institutional data sets improved the average accuracy but did not reach the maximum accuracy of algorithms trained and tested on the same stain-scanner variant (ie, intra-institutional). In summary, DLM-based morphological examination can predict c-KIT-11-ITD with high accuracy in canine MCTs in HE slides. However, staining protocol and scanner type influence accuracy. Larger data sets of scans from different laboratories and scanners may lead to more robust DLMs to identify c- KIT mutations in HE slides.
Intergenerational Support and Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in China
Authors: Yuan Jiali , Xiang Jun , Liu Fei
Published: October 2024

This study examines intergenerational support (IGS) and its impact on the subjective well-being of older adults in Chinese families, focusing on both upward and downward support. Data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies show considerable mutual support between parents and children. Support from children to parents significantly improves the well-being of older adults, while support from parents to children has less impact. Contrary to expectations, the interaction between upward and downward support does not significantly affect the well-being of older adults. We categorized IGS into four family types and found that families with upward-IGS reported higher well-being than those with no IGS. Our findings underscore the central role of financial support and caregiving activities in enhancing the subjective well-being of older adults. These findings also suggest a policy recommendation for refining social eldercare systems in China to alleviate family pressures associated with eldercare responsibilities.
“Why Won’t You Let Me Hit On You?”: Sexual Harassment in Fieldwork as Data
Authors: Palęcka Alicja
Published: October 2024

The aim of the article is to introduce and demonstrate a research strategy which incorporates experiences of sexual harassment in the field into analysis. Violence in the field, while discussed more frequently after #MeToo, is still often referred to in separate descriptions, usually articles with the function of breaking the taboo, cautioning and giving advice. In the article a different approach is proposed, namely, regarding difficult encounters in the field as data, providing important information about the field of research. Three situations of sexual harassment by male research participants are analyzed. First, as their strategies to gain control and power in interview situations. It is possible because gender hierarchies prevail in the research set up. Second, as indicators in a broader context: the organizational culture of an institution, of the interviewee’s life situation and strategies, and of the power dynamics of a couple.
Adaptive MPC path-tracking controller based on reinforcement learning and preview-based PID controller
Authors: Feng Kun , Li Xu , Li Wenli
Published: October 2024

Path-tracking control is a crucial process for autonomous vehicles, ensuring that the vehicle drives safely along the reference path, and the suitable controller parameters ensure the accuracy and stability of this process. To enhance the adaptability of traditional path-tracking controller parameters, this paper proposes an adaptive model predictive control (MPC) controller based on a preview-based PID controller and deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm to achieve adaptive tuning of the controller parameters. Starting with the design of the dynamics tracking error model of the vehicle and the MPC controller. Based on the actor-critic reinforcement learning architecture, the DDPG agent is designed to tune the prediction horizon and weight matrix of the MPC controller. A preview-based PID controller is proposed to improve the efficiency and stability of reinforcement learning and compensate for the error in vehicle modeling. The improved algorithm performance is verified through the simulation scenarios of high-speed lane changing and accelerated overtaking scenarios constructed by MATLAB/Simulink. The results show that the improved algorithm significantly improves the adaptive ability of the traditional MPC controller to time-varying conditions and achieves higher tracking accuracy and stability.
Relations Between Distinct Dimensions of Physical Activity and Preschoolers’ ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Shoulberg Erin K. , Scott Hannah , Martin Caroline P. , Tompkins Connie L. , Dennis Marissa , Krasner Allison , Hoza Betsy
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This study examined the unique and interactive effects of PA volume and within-person fluctuations in PA volume (i.e., intraindividual variability in PA volume; PA-var) on preschoolers’ ( N = 141; 47.5% girls) ADHD symptoms.

Method:

Preschoolers wore accelerometers during the school day over a 2-week period. Teachers reported on children’s hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive symptoms on the ADHD Rating Scale-IV Preschool Version.

Results:

In the context of regression models, higher levels of PA-var were linked with lower levels of impulsive symptoms. Higher levels of PA volume were linked with higher levels of hyperactive and inattentive symptoms, but only when PA fluctuation (i.e., PAvar) was relatively low. Post hoc analyses with teacher-reported impairment as the outcome revealed a significant interaction such that the positive association between PA volume and impairment was stronger at lower, as compared to higher, levels of PA-var.

Conclusion:

Larger fluctuations in preschoolers’ PA volume may indicate lower risk for displaying impulsive symptoms. Moreover, preschoolers with high levels of PA that remain relatively consistent throughout the day may be at increased risk for exhibiting hyperactive and inattentive symptoms and related impairment, suggesting they are unable to regulate their activity to meet expectations in the school environment.
Punctate inner choroiditis and choroidal neovascular membrane formation following vitreoretinal surgery: A case report
Authors: Gandhi Priyanka , Prabhu Vishma , Hande Prathiba , Kathare Rupal , Mahendradas Padmamalini , Chhablani Jay , Venkatesh Ramesh
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To report a case of punctate inner choroiditis (PIC) and subsequent choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) development in a young, high myope following vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Case Description

A 44-year-old male with high myopia underwent pars plana vitrectomy for subtotal retinal detachment in the left eye, followed by cataract extraction and silicone oil removal. Three years postoperatively, he presented with blurred vision, and fundus examination revealed PIC lesions at the posterior pole. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed characteristic features of PIC, including hyperreflective nodule-like elevations, disrupted ellipsoid and interdigitation zones, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevations and increased choroidal hyper transmission signals.

Results

Initially, no treatment was initiated, and the patient was monitored. Three years later, the patient experienced further vision loss, and fundus examination showed progression of PIC lesions and new CNVM formation in the left eye. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids and an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection (Razumab® 0.5 mg/0.05 ml). Three weeks after the intervention, SD-OCT showed regression of the CNVM, and the patient's visual symptoms improved.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of long-term follow-up and timely intervention in managing PIC, especially in high myopes post-retinal surgery. Early identification and treatment with systemic corticosteroids and anti-VEGF therapy are crucial to preserving visual function and preventing severe complications like CNVM.
A partnership composition project between professional composers, a university music education program, and a comprehensive school extended music program
Authors: Paananen Pirkko , Nissi Kaisa
Published: October 2024

In this Finnish-based study, professional composers ( n = 2), student music teachers ( n = 6), eighth-grade comprehensive school pupils studying in an extended music program ( n = 22), and university and school music educators ( n = 2) were brought together to pilot a partnership model for teaching and learning music composition. The one-year project offered (a) a composition pedagogy course for student music teachers, including lectures by composers and a seminar and teacher training in a comprehensive school, and (b) collaborative composition workshops for eighth-grade pupils under the supervision of student music teachers, professional composers, and a school music teacher. In Part 1, we conducted a survey to investigate pupils’ experiences relating to their creative musical agencies and basic psychological needs. In Part 2, we used a phenomenographic approach to examine educators’ perceptions of student music teachers’ development as composition teachers. In Part 3, we used phenomenography to study the student music teachers’ experiences of their development as composition teachers. The results indicate that (a) the musical agency and basic psychological needs of the eighth-grade pupils were supported; (b) the educators succeeded in planning and implementing the pilot course, taking into account both the social and pedagogical aspects of collaborative composition; and (c) the student music teachers felt that their attitudes toward teaching music composition changed and that their confidence increased during the project. We recommend future modifications to the present educational model and consider its potential implications for music education in the Finnish context.
Breathe and let breathe: Breathing as a political model of organizing
Authors: Pérezts Mar , Fotaki Marianna , Shymko Yuliya , Islam Gazi
Published: October 2024

Take a deep breath. Although nothing is more natural or essential to human bodies than breathing, this simple yet vital act is the critical result of complex organizational, material, and political processes. We suggest that breathing can be thought of as a political model of organizing insofar as it shapes questions of life and death while rooting these “operationally” in immediate, urgent, collective and more-than-human intra-action. Breathing is also a social act because the self is bound up with others in a fabric of relations upon which each person depends, and so breathing can serve as a trope for regenerating and rethinking social structures, institutions and organizing blueprints. We take the act of breathing—its literal and metaphorical (im)possibility and collective organization—as the focus of a reflection on relations among humans and between other living beings, humans, and their ecological surroundings. Re-thinking the question of whose breathing we care about and whose breathing counts, we offer a political model that embraces the mutuality principle for post-humanistic and post-anthropocentric organizing and community building. We thereby hope to “inspire” and materialize new social and political realities for organizing our shared future, conceptualized as building a (scholarly) community of breathers who breathe and let breathe.
Identity-based rivalry: A common identity across competitors leads to rivalry perceptions and better performance
Authors: Zitek Emily M. , Malcomb Claire Sandman , Hager Frank J.
Published: October 2024

Researchers in psychology and management have recently examined what leads competitors to perceive that they are in a rivalry (e.g., repeated competitions) and what the consequences of rivalry are (e.g., better performance). Other researchers have long focused on the importance of social identity for how people evaluate themselves and others. In two studies, we connect and extend this past work by examining whether having the same identity as an opponent (specifically, gender or nationality) produces rivalry effects. In an online experiment, we found that sport competitors are more likely to perceive their same-gender opponents as rivals than their different-gender opponents (and this was especially the case for men). These stronger rivalry perceptions were predicted by competitors’ greater similarity, greater frequency of past competitions, and greater competitiveness with their same-gender opponents. Then, in an analysis of data from Major League Baseball (MLB), we found that batters from the Dominican Republic and the United States hit better when a same-nationality catcher was behind the plate. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of identity-based rivalry.
The knowledge and skills needed for forensic social work in Australia: A Delphi study
Authors: Lattas Dimitra , Davis Cindy , Creamer Catherine , Jefferies Gerard , Turner Shelley
Published: October 2024

Forensic social work is the application of social work knowledge, skills, values and ethics within a legal and criminal justice context. Globally, social workers play an integral role in the criminal justice system but in many countries, including Australia, there is limited conception of the competencies needed for this specialist practice. Australia serves as an example of forensic social work regulated through a generalist social work competency framework, where specialist skills and knowledge are not distinctly outlined or assessed. The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and skills used by forensic social work practitioners in Australia. This study used a 3-round Delphi method with an expert panel of social workers working in forensic practice across Australia. It consisted of a 1-hour semi-structured individual interview followed by 2 rounds of online surveys.

Findings

Consensus was obtained for 30 skill and knowledge items for Australian forensic social work. The panel identified these competencies as specialist, meaning requiring further training beyond generalist proficiency. Of these, eight of the skill and knowledge items were seen as essential for graduates entering forensic social work.

Applications

The findings from this study contribute to an evidence-based model of forensic social work competency. In Australia, they can be used to consider potential gaps between current generalist mechanisms and specialist practice expectations. With further research, these findings can be used to inform professional standards for forensic social work in Australia and potentially internationally.
Physical abuse by staff and co-residents of older people and people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Kjellberg Inger , Berg Karin
Published: October 2024

Physical abuse in care settings is a social problem with detrimental effects for residents, but effective prevention is dependent on staff reporting. In Sweden, designated officials, commonly social workers, are required to investigate reports of mistreatment. The aim of this study was to analyze what designated officials considered serious in reported incidents of physical abuse in two different care settings: care for older people and care for people with intellectual disabilities. Similar cases of physical abuse were chosen to demonstrate differences between judgments and provide a picture of how designated officials judge the relative seriousness of abusive situations. Interpretative content analysis and analytic induction were used to analyze reports of staff-to-resident abuse and resident-to-resident abuse in the two care areas.

Findings

There were no differences between incidents described as serious and those described as non-serious. Resident-to-resident abuse was the most commonly reported incident, particularly in dementia care and care for people with intellectual disabilities, and was rarely considered serious. Older people in dementia care were the highest risk group. In staff-to-resident abuse, staff were singled out as scapegoats. Organizational issues, rather than the details of abusive incidents, guided investigators’ judgments of seriousness. Tendencies to normalize violence and apply a narrow understanding of violence were found in the investigator’s judgments, particularly in resident-to-resident abuse.

Applications

Safeguarding adults from physical abuse in institutional settings is dependent on staff reporting and thorough investigations. This study shows that more training in assessing violence for social workers investigating reports is needed.
Health Workers’ Attitudes Toward Adverse Gender Norms and Implications for Young People’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in Nigeria
Authors: Mbachu Chinyere , Eze Irene , Agu Ozioma , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: October 2024

Background. Adverse gender norms within the health care system are detrimental to the sexual and reproductive health of young people. This study assessed the attitudes of health workers toward adverse gender norms related to intimate partner relationships across three domains: intimate partner violence (IPV); sexuality; and reproductive health behavior. Methods. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among 255 health workers in youth-friendly primary health centers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Attitudes to gender norm statements were assessed on a 3-point scale of agree (3 points), partially agree (2 points), and disagree (1 point). Mean attitude scores were estimated for each statement and the predictors of attitudes were determined through multiple linear regression analysis with p-value set at .05. Results. Majority of the health workers held gender biases regarding male control over sexual decision-making, men’s higher desire and value for sex, and the woman’s responsibility to prevent pregnancy. Over 40% of the respondents associated women carrying condoms with promiscuity, and 39.6% believed that only men have the “social” rights to purchase condoms. Urban residence predicted health workers’ attitudes to adverse gender norms related to sexuality (β = −.179, p = .003). Conclusions. Findings from this study provide a basis for in-service training programs that are designed to change the attitudes of health workers to adverse gender norms and transform their practices.
Comparison of Biomechanical Properties of the iCover and VBX Stent Grafts When Used as Bridge Stents in Fenestrated Endografts: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Blanco Amil Carla L. , Mestres Gaspar , Barahona Fabricio , Raventós Clara , Alomar Xavier , Riambau Vincent
Published: October 2024

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare in vitro the different biomechanical properties of 2 balloon-expandable covered stents, VBX (Viabahn VBX, W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) and iCover (iVascular, Barcelona, Spain), as bridging stents in fenestrated aortic endoprostheses.

Methods:

Three biomechanical tests were performed to evaluate a total of 12 stents (6 VBX 6 × 59 mm and 6 iCover 6 × 57m). First, a 3-point bending test was performed with a calibrated dynamometer to evaluate the bending strength of the 40% and 150% deformation of the system in its crimped state and the force necessary to deform the expanded stent by 40% with respect to its initial diameter. Then the stents were expanded to their nominal diameter inside a 6-mm-diameter handmade fenestration and flared up to 8 and 10 mm. The whole set was fixed in the dynamometer to carry out the pullout-force (perpendicular dislocation) and shear-stress-force (axial dislocation) tests. The resulting forces were recorded via the force transducer. Load, deformation, and displacement data were recorded in newtons. The results of each stent test were examined under the microscope, and both stent types were compared.

Results:

Higher forces were required to bend the crimped VBX (16.24 N [IQR, 13.87-17.47 N] for the iCover and 19.01 N [IQR, 16.01-19.50 N] for VBX; P < 0.001), but lower forces were necessary for the expanded VBX compared with the iCover (0.36 N [IQR, 0.1-0.49 N] and 1.01 N [IQR, 0.97-1.09 N], respectively; p = 0.004). Pullout forces were 3.56 N (IQR, 3-4.1 N) and 7.07 N (IQR, 6.86-7.28 N) for the 8-mm flare and 7.29 N (IQR, 6.13-8.45 N) and 14 N (IQR, 12.05-15.95 N) for the 10-mm flare for the iCover and VBX, respectively ( P = 0.333 for both comparisons). The shear-stress forces needed to dislocate the 6-mm iCover and VBX axially with a 10-mm flare to 50%, 100%, and 200% were 0.88, 1.61, and 3.55 N for the iCover and 0.71, 1.43, and 2.51 N for the VBX ( P = 0.343, P = 0.486, and P = 0.486, respectively).

Conclusion:

After evaluating the stents under in vitro conditions, the VBX and iCover stents showed similar results in terms of biomechanical properties, which demonstrates their competence in in vitro conditions. Further in vitro comparisons with other stent grafts are required.

Clinical Impact

The BECS used in FEVAR / BEVAR must ensure some properties to avoid the most frequent complications derived from the failure of these bridging stents (stenosis, thrombosis, stent integrity, dislodgement or endoleaks) that represent the most common cause for reintervention. This paper adds to the limited data available, information to the clinician after comparing some properties of two BECS used in these techniques that demonstrate their competence in in-vitro conditions.
Applying CO-OP Approach in Children With Specific Learning Disorder: Single-Subject Outcome Study
Authors: Rassafiani Mehdi , Babazadeh Nasrin , Behnia Fatemeh , Gharebaghi Soraya
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) in enhancing motor-based occupational performance challenges in five children with specific learning disorders (SLDs). Five children with SLD aged 9 to 12 years, participated in a multiple-baseline single-subject experimental design. Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency–Edition 2 (BOT-2). The CO-OP Approach comprised 12 sessions, conducted twice weekly. Based on the BOT-2 results, the intervention resulted in better motor performance scores in all five participants. Clinically significant improvement was found in both performance and satisfaction rating using the COPM after intervention as assessed by both parents and children. This study demonstrates the potential of the CO-OP Approach to enhance motor skills and achieve selected goals in five children with SLD.
Vulnerable Research Participant Policies at U.S. Academic Institutions
Authors: Jonathan Irene , Akers Eliza , Shi Min , Resnik David B.
Published: October 2024

Background: Historically, some of the worst abuses of human research participants have involved populations which are vulnerable to coercion, harm, or exploitation, such as prisoners, children, and people with compromised decision-making abilities. Although there has been considerable philosophical and ethical debate about how to protect vulnerable populations, there have been only a handful of empirical studies on vulnerable population policies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on vulnerable population policies from the 105 top funded U.S. academic research institutions. We used deductive and inductive methods to develop our framework for coding the policies. We tested for associations between policies and research and development expenditure rank, public vs. private status, geographic region, and Association for Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs accreditation (AAHRRP). Results: U.S. academic institutions have a variety of policies for research with vulnerable populations. Every institution in our sample had at least 2 policies for research with vulnerable populations (including a general policy) and most had 8 or more. As expected, the most highly prevalent policies pertained to populations covered in subparts B, C, and D of the Common Rule (pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, prisoners, and children) but other groups were well-represented, including people with disabilities; people with impaired decision-making capacity; students/trainees; and people with limited English proficiency including illiteracy. AAHRRP accreditation was positively associated with eight different types of policies. Conclusion: U.S. academic institutions have a variety of policies for research with vulnerable populations. Additional research is needed to better understand the types of safeguards that institutions have adopted to protect vulnerable populations and the factors that influence policy development.
Characteristics of Patients Utilizing Telemedicine in Hand and Upper-Extremity Surgery
Authors: Falade Oluleke , Munsch Maria A. , Latario Luke , Fowler John R.
Published: October 2024

Background:

The impact of social determinants of health on patients’ access to medical care and health outcomes is increasingly recognized. Telemedicine’s rapid and widespread adoption altered the delivery of care. This study describes the characteristics of patients undergoing telemedicine visits with hand surgeons, without COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions.

Methods:

All telemedicine encounters for 4 hand surgeons at a single institution between September 2022 and September 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics were recorded as well as the encounter type. The distance of the patients’ residential address and the area deprivation index (ADI) were recorded.

Results:

Sixty patient encounters were recorded. Forty-seven percent were male and 53% were female, 5 (8.3%) were new patients, 44 (73.3%) were established patients, and 11 (18.3%) were postoperative. The mean age was 43, and the mean and median distances from the clinic were 72 and 18 miles, respectively. Forty-three patients (72%) were from high ADI residences. Upon comparison of low ADI (0-50th percentile) and high ADI (50th-100th percentile) patients, no statistically significant differences in age, sex, distance from clinic, or encounter type were found.

Conclusions:

Telemedicine in hand surgery at this single institution is most frequently used for follow-up encounter types in patients living in high ADI communities, far from clinic sites. Low or high ADI did not correlate with seasonal changes in the use of telemedicine, encounter type, or patient demographics. Telemedicine may improve patient access to hand surgery follow-up care. This may particularly benefit patients facing geographic and economic challenges to healthcare access.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV.
Design of a seed implantation robot with puncture force and image feedback mechanism for prostate cancer brachytherapy
Authors: Yi Liang , Junjie Sun , Buyun Wang , Yongde Zhang , Yong Xu
Published: October 2024

This article focuses on the structural design of a surgical robot for radioactive prostate seed implantation and the position detection algorithm for the puncture needle. A seed implantation robot with the ability to pierce with force and receive image feedback is created to increase the positioning precision and puncture stability of the robot as well as to determine the real-time position of the puncture needle. Compared with existing puncture schemes, we use a statistical model approach for classification and a deep learning-based target detection algorithm. Since different human tissues have different structural properties, we conducted quantitative puncture experiments, and the experimental results demonstrated that this puncture scheme can effectively discriminate the punctured tissue and position the puncture needle tip, significantly improving the success rate of surgical radioactive seed implantation procedures.
Expert consensus on the use of third-generation EGFR-TKIs in EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer with various T790M mutations post-resistance to first-/second-generation EGFR-TKIs
Authors: Ma Jietao , Huang Letian , Han Chengbo
Published: October 2024

Third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have emerged as the mainstay of treatment for advanced EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), effectively overcoming the problems of acquired threonine-to-methionine (T790M) mutations associated with the first- or second-generation TKIs. Evidence from several studies suggests that these agents, including osimertinib and aumolertinib, also show potential benefits in T790M-negative or unknown populations, particularly those with brain metastases, where the high permeability of the blood–brain barrier allows effective control of intracranial lesions. Despite the encouraging results, further high-quality research, including prospective trials, is warranted to fully elucidate the efficacy profiles of these third-generation TKIs in T790M-negative or unknown NSCLC patients after first- or second-line TKI failure. The present expert consensus highlights the evolving role of third-generation EGFR-TKIs in overcoming therapeutic resistance and optimizing patient outcomes.
Mechanisms and Trends in Women’s Lacrosse Head and Musculoskeletal Injuries: A 15-Year Review of National Injury Data
Authors: Yendluri Avanish , Nietsch Katrina S. , Namiri Nikan K. , Gonsalves Grant , Corvi John J. , Herrera Joseph , Nowinski Christopher J. , Parisien Robert L.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Head injury rates in lacrosse may be higher among women compared with men. Understanding these trends can guide appropriate injury prevention for female athletes.

Hypotheses:

Injuries most commonly involve the head, with no significant decline over the study period; contact with other players would be the most common injury mechanism.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried (January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2022) for women’s lacrosse injuries presenting to United States (US) emergency departments (EDs). Patient demographics, injury diagnosis, body part injured, disposition, and clinical narrative were extracted. The provided narrative identified the mechanism of injury. Linear regression analysis assessed trends over time.

Results:

An estimated 57,635 women’s lacrosse injuries occurred during the study period extrapolated from 1899 evaluated NEISS cases. The mean age was 15.81 ± 5.35 years, with 68.3% of injuries sustained by high school (14- to 18-year-old) players. Over one-third of all injuries were to the head (national estimate [NE], 19,358; 33.6%), followed by the ankle (NE, 10,475; 18.2%), then the knee (NE, 6969; 12.1%). Strain/sprains were most common (NE, 19,402; 33.7%) followed by closed head injury (CHI)/sports-related concussion (SRC) (NE, 11,794; 20.5%) and contusion/abrasion (NE, 10,605; 18.4%). ED presentations of CHIs/SRCs and fractures remained elevated with no significant decline over the study period ( P > 0.05), despite a significant decrease in strains/sprains and contusions/abrasions ( P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). The most common injury mechanism was collision/contact with another player (NE, 10,664; 18.5%).

Conclusion:

An estimated one-third of women’s lacrosse players in the study sample had a head injury. CHIs and SRCs accounted for 20.5% of all injuries.

Clinical Relevance:

Given the high proportion of contact-related head injuries, headgear mandates and improved player safety protocols may be warranted.
Beyond effectiveness in eHealth trials: Process evaluation of a stepped-care programme to support healthcare workers with psychological distress (RESPOND-HCWs)
Authors: Mediavilla Roberto , García-Vázquez Blanca , McGreevy Kerry R. , Underhill James , Bayón Carmen , Bravo-Ortiz María-Fe , Muñoz-Sanjosé Ainoa , Haro Josep Maria , Monistrol-Mula Anna , Nicaise Pablo , Petri-Romão Papoula , McDaid David , Park A-La , Melchior Maria , Vuillermoz Cécile , Turrini Giulia , Compri Beatrice , Purgato Marianna , Roos Rinske , Witteveen Anke B. , Sijbrandij Marit , Bryant Richard A. , Fuhr Daniela , Ayuso-Mateos José Luis
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study presents the process evaluation of an effective stepped-care programme of eHealth interventions (Doing What Matters in Times of Stress [DWM] and Problem Management Plus [PM+]) for healthcare workers (HCWs) with psychological distress (RESPOND-HCWs trial) conducted in Spain. The aim is to analyse the context in which the programme was delivered, assess key implementation outcomes and explore mechanisms of action.

Methods

We used mixed methods. Quantitative data came from routine randomised control trial monitoring and structured observation, and qualitative data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with trial participants ( n = 12) and decision-makers ( n = 7) and a focus group discussion with intervention providers ( n = 7). We conducted a descriptive analysis of quantitative data using R software and a thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVivo.

Results

Context analysis revealed implementation barriers, including unrealistic expectations of participants about the programme and mental health-related stigma. The flexibility of interventions and the opportunity for mental health actions were enabling factors. Implementation outcomes showed that the trial was feasible, appropriate and timely, and that the intervention was delivered with minimal protocol deviations and good acceptance among participants. Mechanisms of action included confidence in the positive effect of the intervention, a good therapeutic relationship and specific intervention components.

Conclusions

These results supplement the outcome evaluation and can help inform large-scale implementation in similar settings. Specific recommendations include increasing mental health awareness and reducing stigma in the implementation setting, including a short orientation session and ensuring flexibility in schedules and peer support.

Trial registration number

NCT04980326.
Enabling awareness, agency and participation: Haematology patient experiences of an (in)patient portal's information affordances
Authors: Schmidt Simone , Boulton Adam , Butler Benita , Fazio Timothy
Published: October 2024

This study examines patient experiences of an inpatient portal's information affordances, including access to results, notes, vital signs, medication information and a schedule. Patient participants were recruited from an inpatient ward primarily catering to patients with haematological malignancies including leukaemia and bone marrow transplant recipients at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Although focused on the inpatient experience of a portal's information affordances accessed via a hospital-provided tablet, due to limited patient access to notes in the inpatient context, this study also explored patient experiences of their outpatient portal notes accessed via their smartphone. This study demonstrates the value of an (in)patient portal in enabling patient awareness, agency and participation in their care. It shows how an (in)patient portal not only helps patients make informed decisions in their care, but can also initiate patient conversation and collaboration with clinicians. This study points how the digital mediation of healthcare can provide greater transparency in the patient–clinician relationship and address the information asymmetry that typically characterises this relationship, particularly in the Australian context, where inpatient portals are still in their infancy.