bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DUEL: Depth visUal Ego-motion Learning for autonomous robot obstacle avoidance
Authors: Wang Naiyao , Zhang Bo , Chi Haixu , Wang Hua , McLoone Seán , Liu Hongbo
Published: October 2023

Reliable obstacle avoidance, which is essential for safe autonomous robot interaction with the real world, raises various challenges such as difficulties with obstacle perception and latent factor cognition impacting multi-modal obstacle avoidance. In this paper, we propose a Depth visUal Ego-motion Learning (DUEL) model, consisting of a cognitive generation network, a policy decision network and a potential partition network, to learn autonomous obstacle avoidance from expert policies. The DUEL model takes advantage of binocular vision to perceive scene depth. This serves as the input to the cognitive generation network which generates obstacle avoidance policies by maximizing its causal entropy. The policy decision network then optimizes the generation of the policies referring to expert policies. The generated obstacle avoidance policies are simultaneously transferred to the potential partition network to capture the latent factors contained within expert policies and perform multi-modal obstacle avoidance. These three core networks iteratively optimize the multi-modal policies relying on causal entropy and mutual information theorems, which are proven theoretically. Experimental comparisons with state-of-the-art models on 7 metrics demonstrate the effectiveness of the DUEL model. It achieves the best performance with an average ADE (Average Displacement Error) of 0.29 and average FDE (Final Displacement Error) of 0.55 across five different scenarios. Results show that the DUEL model can maintain an average obstacle avoidance success rate of 97% for both simulated and real world scenarios with multiple obstacles, demonstrating its success at capturing latent factors from expert policies. Our source codes are available at https://github.com/ACoTAI/DUEL .
Hypodontia and Skeletal Malocclusions Among Orthodontic Patients of Kathmandu, Nepal: A Radiographic Study
Authors: Gupta Sanjay Prasad , Rauniyar Shristi
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess the association between hypodontia and skeletal malocclusions in orthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study comprised of orthodontic records of 40 hypodontic patients (12 males and 28 females) and 120 non hypodontic patients (58 males and 62 females) as control group matched for gender and age with the study sample who came to the orthodontic department for their treatment were selected. Orthopantamograms were evaluated for hypodontia, whereas lateral cephalogram were traced to determine the cephalometric parameters. The association between different classes of skeletal malocclusion and hypodontia was determined using Pearson’s Chi-square test and the cephalometric parameters between patients with hypodontia and without hypodontia (controls) were assessed using Student’s t-test.

Result

In hypodontic group, 19 (47.5%) patients had skeletal class II, 18 (45%) patients had skeletal class I, and only 3 (7.5%) patients had skeletal class III malocclusions. Whereas in non-hypodontic group (control group), 86 (53.75%) patients had skeletal class II, 63 (39.38%) patients had skeletal class I, and 11 (6.87%) patients had skeletal class III malocclusions. There was no statistical difference between hypodontia and different skeletal classes of malocclusions ( p = .654). Cephalometric parameters between the control group and hypodontic group did not reveal any significant difference ( p > .05).

Conclusion

This study did not find any association between different classes of skeletal malocclusions and hypodontia. The cephalometric skeletal parameters were not significantly different in hypodontic and control group. It is suggested that the patients having hypodontia will be evaluated on an individual basis for their treatment.
Critical observational drawing in geography: Towards a methodology for ‘vulnerable’ research
Authors: Brice Sage
Published: October 2023

Recent years have seen increasing experimentation with drawing as a first-hand method for observation, reflection, and analysis in critical geographical research. Interestingly, much of this work comes from scholars who in various ways are working from the margins, and use drawing in part to interrogate their own positionalities within the research environment. These experiments to date remain somewhat tentative and underdeveloped as methodological propositions. This article therefore reviews recent geographical use of observational drawing by situating it within a broader argument for ‘vulnerable’ methodologies in geographical research, to both amplify current innovative advances and offer direction to their future elaboration.
Analysis of the effect of parametric uncertainty on dynamic performances of doubly fed induction generator-based wind energy conversion system
Authors: Haile Endalew Ayenew , Tuka Milkias Berhanu
Published: October 2023

The wind, stochastic in nature, is one of the fastest-growing and most promising renewable energy resources in the entire world. Thus, this paper investigates the influence of parameter uncertainties upon a dynamic performance of a grid-tied Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-based Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). The main uncertain parameters found in the study are mutual and rotor winding reactances which occurred due to the variation of the angular positions of the rotor caused by varying wind speeds. The variation in the wind speed caused the generator rotor speed to deviate between 25% and 150%. Consequently, the rotor winding reactance of DFIG changes from its nominal value of 1.31 mΩ to between 0.983 and −0.655 mΩ; and the mutual reactance from its nominal value of 0.941 Ω to between 0.758 and −0.4708 Ω. As a result, the stator and rotor winding voltages and currents of the DFIG are uncertain.
Optimal control of the electro-hydraulic actuator for variable pitch variable speed wind turbine: Performance enrichment
Authors: Alemu Mahideremariam , Ayenew Endalew
Published: October 2023

The wind energy generation system is complex because of varying wind speeds and its control systems to improve its ability of energy harvesting. This paper considers a hydraulic actuator-based variable-pitch angle control of a 1.5 MW wind turbine. The existing control systems of the pitch mechanism of the wind turbines are complex and bulky size. This study applied Genetic Algorithm based Proportional Integral Derivative Controller (GA-PID), Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID), and Genetic Algorithm based Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative (GA-FOPID) controllers to adjust the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade. The performance of GA-FOPID, FOPID, and GA-PID controlled pitch angle is compared by considering different wind speeds. The GA-FOPID controller reduced the variation in mechanical power to 0.08% concerning the rated value and the variation in mechanical torque to 1.51% in comparison to the rated value. Therefore, the GA-FOPID controller shows better performance than the conventional PID.
The boundary contest that never was: Shadow banking and the relation between monetary system and financial system
Authors: Kuchler Barbara
Published: October 2023

What is the relation between the monetary system and the financial system? The two used to be rather clearly separated, with the realm of money-currency-banking operating under close sovereign control and financial markets being left to the private activities of financial actors. However, the rise of shadow banking has somewhat blurred the picture. Shadow banking is done with financial instruments that operate in practically money-equivalent ways but are not officially categorized as ‘monetary’. This has created some ontological ambiguity and has bred some dispute between orthodox and heterodox economists as to whether or not shadow banking instruments ‘are’ money and should be subject to monetary regulation. The article draws on the sociological concepts of (i) categorization and commensuration, (ii) boundary contest, and (iii) system to give a sociological redescription of the situation. It discusses three hypotheses. (i) The financial system has expanded its horizon of operation through processes of commensuration and has come to include activities that were formerly done in the protected monetary niche. (ii) As a consequence, there have occurred significant boundary shifts between monetary and financial turfs, which have, however, not developed into a veritable boundary contest that would pit opposing coalitions and money definitions against each other. (iii) The reason for this is the asymmetric systemness of the two sides: While the financial system is a well-developed and expansionary system, the monetary ‘system’ is not really a system but a regulatory structure that lacks systemic powers of self-assertion and self-defense.
Ghana’s recently introduced e-waste regulatory policy: A hope for a better e-waste sector?
Authors: Bimpong Frank Awere Kwayie , Asibey Michael Osei , Inkoom Daniel Kweku Baah
Published: October 2023

Electronic waste (e-waste), often dominated by the informal sector, has had adverse effects on recipient developing countries’ economies, health and physical environment. Ghana, over the years, has had support from international organisations to manage its e-waste crisis. Until 2016, there was no e-waste specific policy to guide the management of the sector. In 2016, Ghana passed a regulatory policy – Act 917 – to specifically deal with e-waste, supported by other frameworks such as a regulatory instrument (L.I. 2250), a technical guideline for environmentally sound e-waste management and an e-waste-specific policy, which is currently being developed. However, there is dearth of research on how effectively a regulatory policy such as Act 917 can help address an informally dominated sector whose crude recycling approaches have had great environmental and health impacts. Adapting the analytical framework and intervention theory, key stakeholders within the e-waste sector were interviewed on: the effectiveness of the Act, the challenges confronting them and their involvement in the design and implementation processes. The findings showed that stakeholders were represented at various stages of the process. Informal recyclers were provided with training programmes, health centres and an incentive scheme to minimise burning of electrical and electronic equipment. There however exist many challenges to the sound management of the sector, particularly, the lack of end-to-end recycling facilities, registering and formalising the sector and sequencing of the e-waste policy and regulatory framework. The research concludes by recommending areas for future studies.
Correlation of Sedation Depth During Critical Care Transport and Hospitalization
Authors: Roginski Matthew A. , Carroll Matthew C. , Trautwein Micah L. , Watkins Evan D. , Esteves Alyson M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose: We aim to assess the impact of the exposure to deep versus light sedation by a critical care transport agency during prehospital and interhospital transport on hospital sedation levels, medication exposure, and outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort review of mechanically ventilated adult critical care transport patients from January 1, 2019, to March 11, 2020, who arrived at an academic medical center. The primary outcome was the correlation of deep sedation during transport with deep sedation within the first 48 h of hospitalization (defined as Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale [RASS] −3 to −5). The secondary outcomes were duration of mechanical ventilation, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, inpatient mortality, delirium within 48 h, and coma within 48 h. Results: One hundred and ninety-eight patients were included, of whom 183 (92.4%) were deeply sedated during transport which persisted through the first 48 h of hospital care. Deep sedation during transport was not correlated with deep sedation in the hospital within the first 48 h (OR 2.41; 95% CI, 0.48-12.02). There was no correlation with hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, or hospital mortality. Deep sedation during transport was not correlated with delirium or coma within the first 48 h of hospitalization. There was a negligible correlation between final transport RASS and initial hospital RASS which did not differ based on the lapsed time from handoff (<1 h corr. coeff. 0.23; ≥1 h corr. coeff. 0.25). Conclusions: Deep sedation was observed during critical care transport in this cohort and was not correlated with deep sedation during the first 48 h of hospitalization. The transition of care between the transport team and the hospital team may be an opportunity to disrupt therapeutic momentum and re-evaluate sedation decisions.
Entrenched, Unrelenting, Unsettled: Cultural Essentialism in International Development Research on Domestic Violence in Nepal
Authors: Willey-Sthapit Claire , Lindhorst Taryn , Kemp Susan , Magarati Maya
Published: October 2023

Domestic violence (DV) is a serious problem that reinforces patriarchy and interlocking systems of oppression. Yet, as a form of gender-based violence, DV has long been implicated in essentialist discourses that produce cultural Others, primarily through a deficit lens. Similarly, the field of international development was founded upon a discursive binary between groups labeled “traditional” and an idealized portrait of Western modernity. Drawing on feminist and postcolonial scholarship, this study employed critical discourse analysis (CDA) to investigate how culture was constructed in 26 development research reports funded by international organizations that examined DV in Nepal. The analysis revealed that references to tradition and social change, and discourses of violence as endemic to place, sustained essentializing formulations of Nepali culture. Nevertheless, some passages in the documents inserted evidence that unsettled this essentialist narrative. These findings suggest that researchers, policymakers, and practitioners should develop a reflexive anti-essentialist stance, promote collaboration and leadership in research by diverse stakeholders in developing countries, seek to understand local strategies and resources that are being used to address social problems such as DV, and document the impacts of recent and transnational processes on social problems within developing countries.
Concepts Are Restructured During Language Contact: The Birth of Blue and Other Color Concepts in Tsimane’-Spanish Bilinguals
Authors: Malik-Moraleda Saima , Mahowald Kyle , Conway Bevil R. , Gibson Edward
Published: October 2023

Words and the concepts they represent vary across languages. Here we ask if mother-tongue concepts are altered by learning a second language. What happens when speakers of Tsimane’, a language with few consensus color terms, learn Bolivian Spanish, a language with more terms? Three possibilities arise: Concepts in Tsimane’ may remain unaffected, or they may be remapped, either by Tsimane’ terms taking on new meanings or by borrowing Bolivian-Spanish terms. We found that adult bilingual speakers ( n = 30) remapped Tsimane’ concepts without importing Bolivian-Spanish terms into Tsimane’. All Tsimane’ terms become more precise; for example, concepts of monolingual shandyes and yụshñus (~green or blue, used synonymously by Tsimane’ monolinguals; n = 71) come to reflect the Bolivian-Spanish distinction of verde (~green) and azul (~blue). These results show that learning a second language can change the concepts in the first language.
The asymmetric and long-run effect of demand-based CO2 emissions productivity on production-based CO2 emissions in the UK
Authors: Kirikkaleli Dervis , Addai Kwaku
Published: October 2023

Trade effects on atmospheric air contamination of countries have received increasing global policy focus over the past few decades. The United Kingdom is committed to changing the complexities in international trade, current pathways to economic output pursuit, and carbon dioxide emission toward realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol. This research is motivated to explore the asymmetric long-run impact of demand-based CO2 emissions productivity on production-based CO2 emissions for the UK economy. Data for this assessment was drawn from 1990 to 2019 and analyzed using Gregory-Hansen cointegration, nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL), and frequency domain causality techniques. Gregory-Hansen estimates for cointegration provide integration evidence for all variables. Estimates for NARDL long-run cointegration indicate (i) demand-based CO2 emissions productivity is a credible variable that contributes to reducing production-based CO2 emissions in the UK; (ii) both economic output and globalization contribute in rising production-based CO2 emissions in the UK; and (iii) the frequency domain causality test indicates one direction causality from demand-based CO2 emissions productivity, output, globalization, and consumption of green energy to production-based CO2 emissions in the UK.
Neuroscience explanations really do satisfy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the seductive allure of neuroscience
Authors: Bennett Elizabeth M. , McLaughlin Peter J.
Published: October 2023

Extraneous neuroscience information improves ratings of scientific explanations, and affects mock juror decisions in many studies, but others have yielded little to no effect. To establish the magnitude of this effect, we conducted a random-effects meta-analysis using 60 experiments from 28 publications. We found a mild but highly significant effect, with substantial heterogeneity. Planned subgroup analyses revealed that within-subjects studies, where people can compare the same material with and without neuroscience, and those using text, have stronger effects than between-subjects designs, and studies using brain image stimuli. We serendipitously found that effect sizes were stronger on outcomes of evaluating satisfaction or metacomprehension, compared with jury verdicts or assessments of convincingness. In conclusion, there is more than one type of neuroscience explanations effect. Irrelevant neuroscience does have a seductive allure, especially on self-appraised satisfaction and understanding, and when presented as text.
Challenging the boundaries of exclusive Europeanisation: How young refugees unsettle normative spaces of urban citizenship
Authors: Kirndörfer Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

This article combines postcolonial and feminist geography approaches to make sense of refugees’ everyday lives in Europe. The article weaves ‘global’ accounts on migration and ‘local’ negotiations of inclusion and exclusion into one story: how young refugees, within urban spaces of arrival, challenge and reformulate European orders of belonging and citizenship. Departing from works that conceptualise arrival within the urban fabric, it suggests a postcolonial lens to young refugees’ intimate and embodied processes of emplacement. My explorations are based on field research conducted in the East German city of Leipzig. This local urban context provides unique insights into how migration-related phenomena are negotiated in a very particular European region in which postsocialist and postcolonial histories of migration intersect. Based on qualitative interviews and ethnographic observations, the article interprets the young peoples’ articulations as ways of ‘speaking back’ to and countering the violent and hierarchical segmentation of the (post)colonial world. In creating alternative spaces of belonging, citizenship and encounter, they decentre Europe from below.
Look (Act) East Policy and Northeast India Achievements, Expectations and Realities
Authors: Ghosh Dipon
Published: October 2023

The government as well as a large section of experts claimed that the Look (Act) East Policy (LEP) could become an instrument of economic development for Northeast India through the expansion of trade and investments to the East and Southeast Asian countries. The claim is not only due to the strategic location of Northeast India but also to the abundant resources and potential for trade in the region. In this light, the present paper examines the achievements of Northeast India in terms of expansion of trade and investments during three decades of the LEP. The paper argues that the policy has failed to augment exports and also could not contribute to the economic development of the region as the region still continues to decelerate in socio-economic parameters, largely depending on central grants and aid. Moreover, Northeast India could attract a negligible amount of foreign direct investment even after three decades of economic reforms and the LEP. Finally, the paper also made a reality check of the ‘export-led growth’ strategy for the region, especially under the aegis of Act East Policy, given the stress on ‘connectivity’ development projects with South Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia, where Northeast India is centrally located.
Decent work, sustainable livelihoods and climate action: Time for a clean slate?
Authors: Carr Stuart C
Published: October 2023

Jobs have arguably failed to deliver for most job holders worldwide, with mass precariousness now the norm across the globe. Where does this leave career development, which is often associated with jobs? One constant is working to make a living. Securing that goal into the future – which is what ‘career’ implies – may require more than just what the United Nations/International Labour Organization call ‘Decent work’. ‘Sustainable Livelihoods’ span multiple forms of work, emphasise social connectedness, including social protection against crises of all kinds, plus protecting the ecosystem for present and future generations. As such, they resonate with all 17 of the 2015–2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They further imply re-starting anew with a metaphorical clean slate concerning how we (meaning all work and career professionals) conceptualise work, and work together to support sustainable careers for others. Biased in Humanitarian Work Psychology, this paper starts to sketch out a shape for that collaboration.
Climate change and mental health: Global challenges for psychosocial resilience and recovery
Authors: Chiu Lauren
Published: October 2023

Objective

As the greatest global challenge of our time, climate change is not only an ecological crisis but also a humanitarian one. Climate action is a defining opportunity to not only collectively mend ecological health and biodiversity but also to advance psychosocial resilience and social cohesion. This essay aims to understand the interconnectedness between climate change and mental health, as well as explore ways in which this can be transformed into a mobilising force.

Conclusions

The ramifications of climate change on mental health are complex, and there continues to be expanding knowledge on this through research undertaken out of heightening urgency. With knowledge of this, global recovery will require meaningful and transformative action that addresses the interconnection between climate change, mental health, and social injustice.
The Emergence of Green Banking: A Sustainable Financing Strategy for Protecting Against Deforestation in ASEAN
Authors: Hermawan Sapto , Khoirunisa Zenia Aziz
Published: October 2023

ASEAN countries face significant environmental challenges contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and soil degradation. Green banking can help redirect investments toward environmentally friendly activities and discourage deforestation by incentivizing sustainable financing and penalizing unsustainable practices. The article examines the potential benefits of green banking in promoting sustainable financing and discusses the challenges and opportunities for its implementation in ASEAN countries. This article was prepared using a simplified PRISMA method using selected literature and legal materials. The findings suggest that green banking can be vital in promoting sustainable financing and addressing deforestation in ASEAN countries. However, it requires a collaborative effort from stakeholders, including financial institutions, policymakers, and civil society. Importantly, there is a need for legal norms in several ASEAN to be carefully reformulated to support green banking performance.
Longitudinal Outcomes of Resilience, Quality of Life, and Community Integration in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Two-Group Matched Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Chia-Yi , Lee Ming-Been , Huong Pham Thi Thu , Chen I-Ming , Chen Hsi-Chung , Hsieh Min-Hsien
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Current evidence of nonpharmacological intervention for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is lacking. AIMS: To examine whether an 8-week nurse-led cognitive-behavioral based group intervention would enhance resilient coping and life quality among community-based patients with TRD.

METHOD:

The participants were randomly sampled from a cohort of TRD recruited from two general teaching hospitals. The two groups were assessed with multiple outcome measures at baseline (T0); 8-week post-baseline (T1); and at 3, 6, and 9 months after T1 (T2–4). Psychoeducation was nested in the cognitive behavioral group intervention to facilitate discussion.

RESULTS:

Of the 23 participants (mean age 56 years, 69.6% female) in the experimental group, higher resilient coping and lower mental distress levels at T1 as well as later improved quality of life and community integration at T2–4 were observed compared to the controls across COVID-19 (T3). Overall, the scores of resilience and community integration were higher throughout the four follow-up points of observations for the experimental group.

CONCLUSION:

The findings indicated that an 8-week nurse-led cognitive-behavioral based group intervention may enhance the TRD patients’ resilient coping and mental distress levels while providing the potentials for community reintegration after mental health psychoeducation engagement. It is imperative for the nurses caring for patients with TRD to extend from clinical-based intervention to community-based self-care approach, with the importance of short-term stress management and healthy lifestyle development highlighted during the community reintegration trajectory.
Mediation of Parental Aggravation in the Association Between ADHD Severity and Electronic Media Use: A National Survey of Children’s Health Study
Authors: Han Jennifer , Koser Karen , Mamey Mary Rose , Vanderbilt Douglas L. , Schonfeld David J. , Yin Larry , Deavenport-Saman Alexis
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To determine whether the association between ADHD severity and electronic media use was mediated by parental aggravation.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis from the 2016 to 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) involving children ages of 3 to 17 years with parent-reported ADHD ( n = 5,930). Path analyses were used to model the relationships between ADHD severity with parental aggravation (PA) as a mediator, and electronic device (ED) and television (TV) use as outcomes, controlling for covariates.

Results:

Parental aggravation mediated the relationship between ADHD severity and ED use and TV use (indirect effects: β = .02, p < .001; β = .01, p = .004). When stratified by age, the mediation effect between ADHD and ED use remained significant for adolescents and school-age children, and mediation between ADHD and TV use remained significant only for adolescents.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest a need to develop targeted interventions to address PA and manage excessive electronic media use in children with moderate/severe ADHD.
Evaluation of endoscopic-assisted feline lateral bulla osteotomy: a cadaveric study
Authors: Enright Dory , Cole Grayson , Hatfield Jordan
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The aims of the study were to investigate if feline middle ear anatomy can be visualized using endoscopy via a lateral bulla approach and to determine if scope-assistance increases rates of successful entry into the hypotympanum during feline total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO).

Methods

A total of 13 feline cadaver heads underwent CT to confirm the absence of pre-existing middle ear disease. For each head, an electronic coin toss was used to determine which ear would undergo endoscope-assisted TECA-LBO; a traditional TECA-LBO without the use of the scope was performed on the contralateral side. In endoscope-assisted procedures, a 1.9 mm scope was intermittently inserted into the tympanic bulla via a lateral bulla approach and used to identify middle ear structures, visualize the bony septum and confirm entry into the hypotympanum. After the bilateral TECA-LBO, the cadaver heads were imaged again and assessed for evidence of entry through the septum.

Results

Soft tissue and osseus structures of the middle ear were readily visualized with a 1.9 mm scope. Success rates for entry into the hypotympanum were high between both endoscope-assisted and traditional procedures, with entry confirmed for 12/13 ears in each group.

Conclusions and relevance

Endoscope assistance can facilitate the identification and examination of middle ear structures but does not appear to increase the success rate of entry into the hypotympanum during feline TECA-LBO, as entry through the bony septum was consistently accomplished even without scope-assisted visualization. Alternative benefits to scope assistance may exist, and future studies to elucidate its impact on rates of intraoperative trauma to middle ear structures are indicated.
Towards collective community education: Pasifika diabetes health forums in Southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: Akbar Heena G , Gallegos Danielle , Te Kani Aunty Wynn , Anderson Debra , Windsor Carol
Published: October 2023

Collective community education co-designed with the Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Pasifika (Pacific Islander peoples living in Australia) communities through participatory community engagement, Indigenous methods and cultural knowledge are vital for development and implementation of diabetes community forums. A community-based participatory action research was co-designed with three Pasifika diabetes community forums in partnership with Māori and Pasifika communities, a university and government health organisations in Southeast Queensland. The forums provided a culturally safe space for the communities to collectively engage in diabetes education, health checks and cultural knowledge sharing. The outcomes of these forums led to co-development of a Pasifika Women’s Diabetes Wellness Program aimed at promoting diabetes prevention and management for the Māori and Pasifika diaspora in Australia and internationally. Co-designed community forums have the potential to address health equity through inclusion of communities and key stakeholders in a collaborative agenda, empowering communities to improve health outcomes.
Secretory Breast Carcinoma: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Mouadin Amal , Tahiri El Ousrouti Laila , Boukansa Sara , Hammas Nawal , Chbani Laila , El Fatemi Hinde
Published: October 2023

Secretory Breast Carcinoma (SBC) is a rare subtype of breast cancer, predominantly affecting young women, and characterized by hormone receptor-negative and HER2-negative tumors with distinctive histological features, including secretory droplets within tumor cells. This article presents 2 unique cases of SBC, Case 1 involving a 42-year-old woman with triple-negative mammary carcinoma later diagnosed with triple-negative secretory carcinoma, and Case 2 featuring a 48-year-old woman with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma subsequently identified as invasive mammary carcinoma of secretory type. Both cases received diverse treatment regimens, incorporating surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. The importance of accurate diagnosis and the need for further research to optimize the management of this rare breast cancer subtype are emphasized. Raising awareness of SBC and reporting additional cases can enhance understanding and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, the integration of clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings, alongside specific molecular markers like S-100 and mammaglobin, is crucial for accurate SBC diagnosis. Given the lack of established guidelines for SBC management, collecting additional cases can aid in defining a more effective strategy for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment, ultimately contributing to advancements in the field.

Herein, we report 2 cases of this rare disease that were diagnosed and treated in our institution.
Efficacy of Transdermal Dihydrotestosterone and Testosterone Enanthate for Penile Augmentation in Patients With Idiopathic Micropenis: A Comparative Randomized Study
Authors: Karrou Marouan , Messaoudi Najoua , Assarrar Imane , Alla Achwak , Rouf Siham , Latrech Hanane
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Our study aimed to compare the efficacy of transdermal dihydrotestosterone and testosterone enanthate in treating idiopathic micropenis.

Patients and methods:

It’s a comparative randomized study of 49 patients with idiopathic micropenis who are followed up in the Endocrinology-Diabetology and Nutrition Department of Mohammed VI University Hospital Center of Oujda, Morocco. The study was conducted from December 2019 to April 2021. All patients received a clinical examination including measurement of penis size before and after hormonal treatment. The patients were divided into two random groups, each group received a different drug, the first arm was treated with transdermal dihydrotestosterone (27 patients) and the second arm was treated with testosterone enanthate (22 patients). The Trial registration number was researchregistry7745.

Results:

The majority of the patients were children. The mean age was 9.7 ± 4.4 years. In the first arm, the mean penile size increased from −2.42 SD to −0.7 SD with a gain of 2.37 cm on average. In the second arm, the mean size increased from −2.48 SD to −0.69 SD, with a gain of 1.82 cm on average. The increase in penile size in the first arm was significantly greater than in the second arm ( P = .008). No side effects were detected in both arms.

Discussion and conclusion:

In the present study, we demonstrated the superiority of transdermal DHT compared to injectable exogenous testosterone in the treatment of idiopathic micropenis. According to the age subgroups, there was no significant difference between the 2 treatments in each age group.
Paulo Freire and the praxis of liberation: Education, organization and ethics
Authors: Misoczky Maria Ceci
Published: October 2023

The appropriation of Paulo Freire’s ideas by academic and educators of the West often reduces them to a pedagogical method. This article’s argument affirms that considering his contributions from a strictly pedagogic perspective would empty the educative act of its political content and, according to Freire, would make it as dominating as any other. The text is written in a close relationship with the words of Freire. It is recognized, in the discussion of the challenges we face if we intend to explore the possibilities of practicing a liberating education at the space of management schools, that it is always possible to make something to contradict the dominant and to open space for creativity and hope. In this situation, it necessarily includes the critique of management and its insertion in the process of cultural invasion. The aim is not to provide a conclusive contribution; it is an invitation to future dialogues that embrace Paulo Freire’s ideas mainly around themes such as organization, leadership and education, always keeping in mind the praxeology and the critical ethics that are at the fundament of his propositions.
Diroximel fumarate in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: Final safety and efficacy results from the phase 3 EVOLVE-MS-1 study
Authors: Singer Barry A , Arnold Douglas L , Drulovic Jelena , Freedman Mark S , Gold Ralf , Gudesblatt Mark , Jasinska Elzbieta , LaGanke Christopher C , Naismith Robert T , Negroski Donald , Oh Jiwon , Hernandez Perez Miguel Angel , Selmaj Krzysztof , Then Bergh Florian , Wundes Annette , Ziemssen Tjalf , Castro-Borrero Wanda , Chen Hailu , Levin Seth , Scaramozza Matthew , Shankar Sai L , Wang Ting , Wray Sibyl
Published: October 2023

Background:

Diroximel fumarate (DRF) is approved for adults with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in Europe and for relapsing forms of MS in the United States. DRF and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) yield bioequivalent exposure of the active metabolite monomethyl fumarate. Prior studies indicated fewer gastrointestinal (GI)-related adverse events (AEs) with DRF compared with DMF.

Objective:

To report final outcomes from EVOLVE-MS-1.

Methods:

EVOLVE-MS-1 was an open-label, 96-week, phase 3 study assessing DRF safety, tolerability, and efficacy in patients with RRMS. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability; efficacy endpoints were exploratory.

Results:

Overall, 75.7% (800/1057) of patients completed the study; median exposure was 1.8 (range: 0.0–2.0) years. AEs occurred in 938 (88.7%) patients, mostly of mild (28.9%) or moderate (50.3%) severity. DRF was discontinued due to AEs in 85 (8.0%) patients, with < 2% discontinuing due to GI or flushing/flushing-related AEs. At Week 96, mean number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions was significantly reduced from baseline (72.7%; p < 0.0001); adjusted annualized relapse rate was 0.13 (95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.15).

Conclusion:

DRF was generally well tolerated over 2 years, with few discontinuations due to AEs; radiological measures indicated decreased disease activity from baseline. These outcomes support DRF as a treatment option in patients with RRMS.
Comparing the suitability of virtual versus in-person care: Perceptions from pediatricians
Authors: Leong Russell , Sanderson Kate E , Klassen Anne F , Ratcliffe Elyanne M , Zuniga-Villanueva Gregorio
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled a portion of healthcare to be delivered virtually. As the pandemic waned, health systems strived to find a balance between re-incorporating in-person care while maintaining virtual care. To find when virtual or in-person encounters are more appropriate, we surveyed pediatricians’ perceptions when comparing the suitability of virtual care to in-person care.

Methods

We surveyed a Canadian tertiary-level pediatric hospital where pediatricians assessed whether specific clinical encounters or tasks were more or less effective virtually than when performed in person. Pediatricians also rated the importance of clinical and patient factors when deciding if a patient needs to be seen in person.

Results

Of 160 pediatrics faculty members, 56 (35%) responded to the survey. When assessing different types of clinical encounters, triage, multidisciplinary meetings, discharge, and follow ups were more likely to favor virtual encounters. However, first consultations and family meetings were more likely to favor in-person encounters. Regarding clinical tasks, pediatricians were more likely to endorse explaining test results, offering treatment recommendations, and obtaining patient histories virtually. On the contrary, there was a preference for physical examinations, assessing patients visually, and assessing developmental milestones to be performed in person. When deciding if a patient should be seen in person versus virtual, pediatricians rated the patient's condition and communication barriers as the most important factors favoring an in-person appointment.

Discussion

These results offer an initial framework for pediatricians when choosing which encounter type may be most appropriate for their patients between virtual or in-person appointments.
Intention to report misconduct of the Royal Malaysian Police: Examining perceived offence seriousness, perceived disciplinary fairness and perceived legitimacy
Authors: Khan Norziaton Ismail , Ismail Aida Hazlin , Musatin Ratijah
Published: October 2023

The intention to report misconduct is the inclination of police officers to disclose wrongdoing perpetrated by other officers, whereas the code of silence is an unwritten policy prohibiting officers from reporting the misbehaviour of their colleagues. Hence, officers have the choice either to remain silent or to report any misconduct by their colleagues. This article investigates the determinants of the intention to report misconduct by Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) officers from the commercial crime investigation department. Organizational theory is used to form the framework and develop the hypotheses. Three hypotheses are developed concerning the intention to report RMP officer misconduct using three elements: perceived offence seriousness, perceived disciplinary fairness and perceived legitimacy. Face-to-face and online survey questionnaires were used as data collection methods. In total, 170 questionnaires were distributed, and 151 completed questionnaires were useable. The questionnaire contained four scenarios illustrating various forms of misconduct; each contained seven questions measuring police officers’ perception and assessment of their intention to report, perceived seriousness of the offence, perceived disciplinary fairness and other intentions to report. Ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that perceived offence seriousness and perceived legitimacy had a strong positive relationship with officer intentions to report misconduct. This study has important implications for national and international policymakers to find out how well officers understand their agency's rules on misconduct as well as their opinions about the seriousness of the different types of misconduct, the appropriate discipline for the misconduct and their willingness to report the behaviour.
Vertical and sagittal changes produced by an expander with differential opening versus a fan-type expander: A post-hoc analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Teixeira Rodrigo , Massaro Camila , Garib Daniela
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To compare the sagittal and vertical cephalometric effects in participants treated with an expander with differential opening (EDO) versus the fan-type expander (FE).

Design:

Two-arm parallel randomised clinical trial (RCT).

Methods:

This study comprised cone-beam computed tomography-derived cephalometric images from 48 participants from a RCT. The sample was randomly allocated into two groups. The study was single-blinded. In total, 24 participants were treated with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using EDO and 24 participants underwent RME using FE. The primary outcomes were the dentoskeletal vertical changes produced by RME. The secondary outcomes were the dentoskeletal sagittal changes. A cephalometric analysis was performed before treatment and 1 or 6 months after the active phase of RME using Dolphin Imaging Software. Intergroup comparisons of interphase changes were performed using the t-test and Mann–Whitney U test ( P < 0.05).

Results:

The final sample comprised 24 patients (11 men, 13 women; mean age = 7.6 ± 0.9 years) in the EDO group and 24 patients (10 boys, 14 girls; mean age = 7.8 ± 0.9 years) in the FE group. Both expanders produced a similar clockwise rotation of the mandible (FMA; mean difference [MD] = 0.09°, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.01 to 0.84). In the FE group, a greater increase of the SNA angle was observed after expansion compared to the EDO group (MD = 1.04°, 95% CI = −1.90 to −1.58). More palatal torque of maxillary incisors was observed in the FE group (MD = 1.32°, 95% CI = 0.05–2.56). Of the participants, 54% reported a little discomfort during the active phase of treatment and 46% of the participants did not report any discomfort.

Conclusion:

Both expanders produced similar vertical cephalometric changes. FEs caused slightly more maxillary anterior displacement after expansion with a compensatory palatal torque of the maxillary incisors, compared to the EDOs. However, the amount of sagittal difference was not clinically relevant.

Trial registration:

The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, under the identifier NCT03705871.
A method to quantify the advantages of a variable valve train for CI engines
Authors: Moretto Giordano , Hänggi Severin , Omanovic Andyn , Amstutz Alois , Onder Christopher
Published: October 2023

Today’s CI engines are subject to strict regulations of pollutant emissions and ambitious fuel consumption targets. Therefore, the interaction between the engine and the exhaust aftertreatment system (ATS) has become increasingly important. Numerous studies have shown that a variable valve train (VVT) improves the interaction between engine and ATS. However, most of these studies either quantify the advantage on a specific engine or only present complex CFD models, such that the results are not easily transferable to different engines. Thus, engine manufacturers cannot directly use these results to assess the advantage of various VVT strategies for their engines. In this paper, we propose a cycle-discrete cylinder model based on first principles which allows to simulate various VVT strategies. In contrast to present methods based on CFD, the proposed cylinder model can be realized with the equations presented. Furthermore, the model is identified with measurement data of an engine without a VVT. A separate engine, which is retrofitted with a fully VVT, is used to validate the proposed modeling approach. Using the identified model in combination with a mean-value model of the air path, we are able to simulate the effects of early intake valve closing, early exhaust valve opening, and cylinder deactivation for a complete CI engine that has no VVT installed. The model is then used to highlight the advantage of a VVT for two scenarios at part-load operation. At cold start, where the temperature of the ATS must be increased quickly, variable valve timing achieves higher enthalpy flows to the ATS while also lowering engine-out NOx emissions when compared to a standard engine strategy. If the ATS is at the operating temperature, cylinder deactivation achieves significantly higher enthalpy flows which prevents the ATS from cooling down. In addition, cylinder deactivation also lowers fuel consumption and engine-out NOx emissions.
‘I just want you to listen’: People who have experienced suicidal ideation/attempts talk about what they want from their crisis teams
Authors: Staniforth Barbara , Ali Behiye , Adamson Carole
Published: October 2023

This article uses data from a doctoral thesis concerning service users’ views on what works for them in relation to their mental health wellness following a suicidal ideation/attempt in Aotearoa New Zealand. In particular, it focuses on the experiences of service users regarding mental health crisis team responses and what they wanted from their crisis teams specifically. Participants indicated that what they wanted was to feel heard, respected and not judged, consistent with the core conditions of therapeutic alliance within such professions as social work, counselling and psychology. Social work has a valuable role to play in emphasising and advocating for social, contextual and non-medical responses within crisis teams and service delivery.