bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods and Strategies for Effective Teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Authors: Oloda Festus Sunday Smart , Ojo Solomon Gboyega , Durojaiye David Sunday
Published: October 2024

If the mathematics is to be interesting rather than a dull experience for the students, the first steps must be to make it a positive rather than negative emotional experience for the teachers. The importance placed on the subject is derived from the fact that it would help the nation meet its quest for science and technological advancement. A lot required from the mathematics teacher in terms of methods and strategies for effective teaching and learning of mathematics in secondary schools to meet the learning expectation of the students and other stake-holders. You need satisfied, competent and confident teacher to produce satisfied and confident students. The teacher is a major learning resource in mathematics at any level. If he is effective, he is catalyst, a stimulator, an inspirer and facilitator. He has to be able to facilitate learning by creating opportunities which enable learner to investigate situations. He has to have internalized techniques which enable him to go beyond ordinary routine questions ending at the knowledge level, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation which may together be called higher intellectual skills and abilities have to be viewed by the mathematics teacher as important attributes to be acquired by his students. Teaching process cannot be said to be complete if assessment of the students, teachers and the, methods and strategies employed are not thoroughly carried out, The teacher must know the best techniques and methods of presenting his ideas to the students putting into consideration students interest, needs, individual differences, difficulties and abilities. Thus, for effective teaching and learning of mathematics, a teacher must embrace active learning as against the traditional method of teaching mathematics.
Effectiveness of Radio Agricultural Programmes in Scaling Up Farming Activities of Smallholder Farmers in Bushenyi District
Authors: Musinguzi Duncan , Ssemakula Edward , Nuwemuhwezi Gershom
Published: October 2024

The study was about effectiveness of radio agricultural programmes in scaling up farming activities of smallholder farmers in Bushenyi district. The specific objective was to; determine the factors associated with radio listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages. The study was a descriptive-cross sectional survey employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Data was gathered from a sample of 360 respondents across 18 listener groups of agricultural extension programs using questionnaire and interview guide. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that that age bracket (39 – 48), radio ownership, place of residence, negative attitudes and perceptions, limited agricultural spaces, media exposure and investment capital were some of the factors associated with radio listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages in the area. The study concluded that agricultural extension radio programmes have a wider coverage and have been so pertinent to smallholder farmer’s activities, however listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages is still hampered by certain impediments that call for urgent address. This study therefore recommends that the programme should be changed to evening when most farmers are available in their houses. Radio producers and program hosts should do this through programme planning which informs the selection of topics, presentation of the topics on radio with interviews from selected experts and farmers.
High School Curricular Rigor and Cognitive Function among White Older Adults
Authors: Moorman Sara M. , Kong Jooyoung
Published: October 2024

Most research on the strong relationship between education and cognitive aging has focused on years of schooling. Using data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study—a sample of White persons born in 1939—we explored whether greater curricular rigor in high school was also associated with better cognitive function in later life. We estimated multilevel structural equation models in data from 2,749 participants who attended 308 Wisconsin high schools, graduating in 1957. Independent of academic ability and performance and school-level financial and material resources, a more rigorous high school curriculum was associated with significantly better global cognitive functioning in 2020, when most participants were 81 years old. There was also a significant mediation via eventual degree attainment. The mediation was moderated such that men and participants from high socioeconomic status families benefited most from a rigorous curriculum. We discuss implications for modern educational policy.
Access denied: Land alienation and pastoral conflicts
Authors: Richetta Cécile , Wegenast Tim
Published: October 2024

Conflicts involving pastoralists have been on the rise in the past two decades in West, Central and East Africa. This article argues that land alienation is a major source of this type of violence. We employ a narrow identification strategy of relevant pastoral conflicts based on the Armed Conflict Location Event Dataset and create a unique indicator of land alienation comprised of three types of land use changes (conversion of land into conservation areas, crop farms, and industrial mining projects). Relying on a disaggregated quantitative comparative design of 50 km-by-50 km cells covering the Sahelian region from 2002 to 2019, we find that land alienation is an underlying cause of pastoral conflicts. Moreover, we show that the impact of land alienation on pastoralist violence spreads over long distances and is influenced by state presence and climatic conditions. Our analysis further reveals an overlap between pastoralist violence and armed conflict. Bridging a gap between macro- and micro-level studies, we contribute to shed more light on the determinants of pastoral conflicts, a type of violence that has received scant attention in the geospatial quantitative literature.
Spontaneous hepatocellular and gastric tumours in African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis)
Authors: Martí-García Bernat , Priestnall Simon L , Saavedra Torres Yolanda , Suárez-Bonnet Alejandro
Published: October 2024

Three seven-year-old African clawed frogs ( Xenopus laevis) from an animal research facility showed weight loss, coelomic distention and an abnormal swimming gait were euthanised on welfare grounds. A complete necropsy of each animal showed a focal, firm, dark brown to green mass with multifocal haemorrhages in the left liver lobe in two animals and a transmural, firm, beige, multilobulated gastric mass in another animal. Additionally, one of the frogs with the hepatic mass had haemocoeloma. Histologically, the hepatic masses were diagnosed as hepatocellular adenomas and the gastric mass as a gastric carcinoma with trans-coelomic metastases. The three tumours were immunophenotyped using the following antibodies: cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, E-cadherin, P53 and Ki67 and, additionally, for the hepatic tumours only, synaptophysin, Prox-1, S100 and Sox-9. Masson’s trichrome, Periodic acid Schiff and Gram stains was also performed in selected cases. One of the hepatocellular adenomas was weakly positively labelled with E-cadherin whereas the other showed variable positivity for Sox-9 only. Vimentin labelled the stroma and sinusoidal endothelia. Interestingly in the liver, the cytokeratin AE1/AE3 labelling was restricted to the biliary epithelium and sinusoidal endothelia. The gastric carcinoma labelled positively with cytokeratin AE1/AE3 only. This report aims to guide laboratory animal veterinarians to accurately diagnose multi-organ masses in amphibians. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive morphological study on a case series of hepatocellular and gastric neoplasia in X. laevis.
An Immediate but Fleeting Interest in MPH Programs After the Onset of COVID-19: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Bather Jemar R. , Burke Emily M. , Plepys Christine M. , Rajbhandari-Thapa Janani , Furr-Holden Debra , Goodman Melody S.
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

The relationship between the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and interest in master of public health (MPH) programs is unknown. We examined trends in MPH application rates for 31 MPH concentrations and specifically for the MPH concentration in epidemiology and differences by race and ethnicity before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We constructed a quasi-experimental design to examine trends in MPH application rates from academic years 2015-2016 through 2022-2023 by using Centralized Application Service for Schools and Programs of Public Health data. We used an interrupted time-series analysis to test whether application rates surged after the pandemic’s onset (academic years 2019-2020 through 2020-2021) and whether this increase persisted during the pandemic (academic years 2020-2021 through 2022-2023). We fit models for the overall sample, a combined racially and ethnically minoritized sample, each racial and ethnic group separately, and a non–US citizen sample.

Results:

The pandemic’s onset correlated with an immediate increase in application rates across most samples: overall (38%) and among American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (91%), Asian (35%), Black (42%), Hispanic (60%), multiracial (30%), racially and ethnically minoritized (44%), and White (53%) samples. However, this trend was not sustained; application rate trends during the pandemic were significantly lower than prepandemic trends. Application rate trends for all MPH concentrations and the MPH in epidemiology concentration among non–US citizens were significantly higher during the pandemic than prepandemic.

Conclusions:

Our results highlight the need for innovative strategies to sustain MPH degree interest and a diverse applicant pool.
Can an Expert Opinion Mitigate Racially Biased Diversion Decisions? An Empirical Examination in the Context of Re-Offense Risk Assessment
Authors: Davis Riley M. , Batastini Ashley B. , Sacco Donald , Dahlen Eric R. , Warlick Craig A. , Anumba Natalie , Young Brittany
Published: October 2024

Using a vignette-based experimental design, this study tested whether the racial or ethnic identity of a justice-impacted person influences jury-eligible individuals’ perceptions of post-conviction risk, placement (incarceration vs. community supervision), and need for mandated treatment. Furthermore, we examined whether the inclusion of data from a reoffense risk tool could mitigate racial bias. Participants recruited through Amazon’s MTurk ( N = 448) were randomly assigned to conditions varying by race/ethnicity of an examinee (Black, Latino, White) and if/how risk assessment data were included (no risk data, risk data only, and risk data reported by a qualified examiner). There was no statistically significant effect of the examinee’s racial/ethnic identity on ratings of reoffense risk or placement decisions; however, the Black examinee was more likely to be mandated with treatment. Regardless of examinee identity, participants exposed to risk information proffered by an expert more often calibrated their risk decisions to the examinee’s actual risk level.
An old recipe, with a new spice: Union avoidance tactics adopted by organized crime when expanding in new territories
Authors: Mori Anna , Guerci Marco , Radaelli Giovanni , Cabras Federica
Published: October 2024

In its territories of origin, organized crime entrenched itself in the local institutional context by either colluding with or (often violently) silencing unions. Criminal organizations are today ‘discreetly’ expanding into new territories, and these tactics no longer fit with the strategy of the so-called ‘silent mafia’ when dealing with trade unions. This article explores the tactics that an Italian criminal organization (‘Ndrangheta) adopted in a new territory in its relations with unions in the labor market and workplace, as part of a broader strategy that ‘Ndrangheta pursued in relating with a wide set of local actors. The longitudinal case study, based on judicial documents and interviews with local informants, shows that the ‘Ndrangheta abandoned traditional tactics. It instead engaged in union avoidance by imitating tactics adopted by legal employers (the ‘old recipe’) made more effective through the violent potential of its criminal nature (a ‘new spice’).
Mother-Led Science: Rethinking Science-Based Social Movements Through Temporality and Care
Authors: Smith Geneva M. , Smith Lindsay A.
Published: October 2024

This article explores the subjective and temporal modes of organizing underlying science-based social movements through an analysis of two mother-led movements in Argentina. The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo appropriated forensic anthropology and nascent DNA technologies to identify their disappeared grandchildren during the 1976–83 dictatorship. The Madres de Ituzaingó Anexo developed community-led epidemiology studies and agrochemical contamination mapping to argue for a causal relation between intensive pesticide use and high rates of childhood illnesses. We focus on how these movements delineate visions of time, responsibility, and collective action by closely examining the underlying histories and practices of each social movement as they politicized motherhood and appropriated scientific practice. We offer the concept of mother-led science through the temporal registers of constancy, desgaste, and durability to illuminate the iterative relationship between care work, creating sustainable communities and institutions, and the fragile processes of stabilizing facts. Mother-led science, with its dual claims to scientific authority in an epistemic register and maternal authority in an affective register, articulates a potent form of scientific organizing. We suggest that these affective temporalities may be present across all science-based social movements but can be obscured by narratives of linear progress toward objective truths.
‘I feel like they don’t want us to stay’: identity negotiation and agency of international prospective teachers learning to teach in the United States / ‘Tengo la sensación de que no quieren que nos quedemos’: negociación de identidad y agencia de futuros docentes internacionales que aprenden a enseñar en los Estados Unidos
Authors: Bian Yue
Published: October 2024

With the rise in globalization and transnational migration, universities worldwide are experiencing an influx of international students, some of whom choose to pursue teaching as a profession. Despite the growing presence of international prospective teachers (IPTs), they continue to be positioned as outsiders through dominant discourses and teacher preparation practices. Employing narrative inquiry, the study examined how four IPTs navigated learning to teach in a predominantly White teacher education programme at a large public university in the United States. Inspired by the podcast This American Life, the study presented three ‘Acts’ that illustrate the complex stories of how IPTs negotiated multifaceted ascribed outsider identities — linguistically as non-native speakers, socially and culturally as international students, and professionally as foreign employees. The study also discussed situations where IPTs’ sense of agency was achieved, particularly when they embraced identity positions from an asset-based and strength-focused perspective. The study offered recommendations to teacher education researchers, practitioners and policymakers on supporting IPTs and other educators from minoritized backgrounds to join and thrive in the teaching profession.
The gendered trauma trajectories of mothers entering prison
Authors: Mitchell Sophie
Published: October 2024

Research has shown that many women involved in the criminal justice system have prior experiences of trauma and victimisation. This paper, based on qualitative narrative research with mothers, identifies the specific gendered trauma trajectories of mothers with experience of custody in England. This includes experiences of domestic abuse, removal of children and issues with perinatal mental health. In many instances, these issues are closely interrelated adding further layers of cumulative impact to the trauma experienced. Drawing on trauma theory and pathways theory, these experiences are then analysed and suggestions for mitigating the impact of this trauma are proposed.
Diverse Attitudes of French Pacifists and Socialists Towards the ‘Yellow Peril’ in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Yoon Jong-pil
Published: October 2024

This essay examines the various ways in which pacificists and socialists in France responded to the ‘yellow peril’ from the beginning of the Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895) to the end of the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905). I identify and examine four different attitudes they developed towards the ‘yellow peril’. On the one hand, some pacificists and socialists perceived it as a reality and used it as a means of exposing the problems of expansionism but differed on their views of what Asia would become for the West: whereas pacifists like Paul d’Estournelles de Constant invoked Asia as a potential existential threat, certain socialists welcomed ‘yellow’ workers as future comrades. On the other hand, there were people who viewed the ‘yellow peril’ as a myth or some sort of ideological smokescreen. Roughly speaking, they fell into two groups: socialists who treated it as a set of false ideas created to justify Tsarist imperialism, which practically led them to embrace Japanese imperialism, and revolutionary syndicalists who, opposing capitalist exploitation and expansionism in general, dismissed it as part of bourgeois ideology. Thus, I ultimately argue that the ‘yellow peril’ was less of an imperialist ideology consisting of negative racial stereotypes about East Asians than a versatile concept that was used against as well as for racial stereotyping and expansionism.
Paperless libraries: The trending way to go in the fifth industrial revolution
Authors: Enakrire Rexwhite Tega , Oladokun Bolaji David , Nsirim Onyema , Gaitanou Panorea
Published: October 2024

The idea that spurred the author’s interest in carrying out this study results from understanding a cashless society, where users of banking systems only move around with their ATM cards. With their ATM cards, they can access their money anywhere globally. This approach could resonate in libraries, where we now have a paperless society, having cost-benefit analysis in the era of the fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR). The 5IR has to do with humans interacting between technology or machines either to solve individual and organizational societal problems from a general or specific perspective. The interaction between humans and technology would assist in recognizing the synergistic in addressing the support for task accomplishment. The methodology applied is in two stages, first, a systematic literature review and second, interpretive content analysis of literature harvested from the database of Scopus. Findings revealed that technological advancements have enabled paperless libraries such that on-screen reading is increasingly prevalent, rapid development support through mobile computing, software, and internet/connections/Wi-Fi, multifarious electronic information retrieval among others. Furthermore, other findings were anchored on the relevance of paperless libraries in the 5IR, the functionality of paperless library systems, enhanced accessibility, and inclusivity, collaboration and connectivity, and environmental impact. Meanwhile, certain challenges and mitigation strategies were proffered. The study concludes that as we navigate this transformative era, the emergence of paperless libraries stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of technological prowess and human aspirations. Therefore, envision human-machine interactions be encouraged to bring about paperless libraries, considering the significance of AI and human-centric innovation.
The impact of Covid-19 on recovery after sexual violence and abuse: Voices of help-seeking survivors and those individuals working within specialist support services in England
Authors: Sleath Emma , Lutman-White Eleanor , Carter Grace , Brown Sarah , O’Doherty Lorna
Published: October 2024

We examined the impact of Covid-19 on service delivery within specialist sexual violence services and the healing journeys of survivors of sexual violence and abuse through the experiences of 22 professionals and 221 service users in England. The pandemic posed challenges across all sectors and economies across the globe, but practices and innovations that emerged at that time could enhance future services and user experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes within the data. Overall, the negative impacts of Covid-19 outweighed the positive changes: survivors reported increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and worry, exacerbated by isolation and lost connections with friends and family, and access to strategies for managing their mental health. Difficulties/delays in accessing support, service provision, and disruptions to rapport, trust, and safety were widespread in participants’ reports. Conversely, for some, requirements to remain at home provided safety from the world, and space for healing, and even prompted survivors of non-recent abuse to seek help. Remote service delivery was beneficial where clients could be ‘at a distance’ in discussing sensitive issues. Together with insights from professionals about their own isolation, blurred boundaries, and concerns regarding client confidentiality and engagement, this research highlights an agile sector responding to an unprecedented situation. Moving forward, survivors’ preferences for flexible/remote support must be integrated into everyday delivery.
The Twofold Role of Subjective Fluency in Displeasing but Preferable Visual Artworks: Self-Report and Eye-Tracking analysis
Authors: Lee Jinwoo , Choi Dayoun , Eom Joung-A , Kang Mijung
Published: October 2024

Subjective fluency affects preference evaluation in daily objects through two routes: increasing preference (‘hedonic effect’) and amplifying valence effects on preference (‘amplifying effect’). Contrarily, empirical aesthetics suggest that contextual knowledge, the primary source of fluency, prevents valence-dependent appreciation, challenging the amplifying effect model. Here, we examined the dual effects of fluency on preference for visual artworks with varying valence. We found that fluency increased preference and weakened valence effects. Using an eye-tracking approach, we also investigated the cognitive mechanism bridging fluency and preference. We hypothesized that contextual information facilitates controlled processing-related eye movement, and this gazing behavior enhances fluency and preference. While contextual information facilitated controlled processing and fluency, controlled eye movement did not mediate its effect on fluency. Although our findings motivate further research into the complex interplay between processing style and fluency, they elucidate art-specific affect-fluency-preference interactions.
The association between ultrasonographic findings and pain, physical function, and symptoms in patients with shoulder pain
Authors: Engin Onur , Çilengir Atilla Hikmet , Dirim Mete Berna
Published: October 2024

Background

Shoulder ultrasonography (US) is commonly employed to differentiate the causes of shoulder pain. However, the correlation between ultrasonographic findings and the individual's functional disability and daily activities remains unexplored.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between shoulder US findings and physical function, disability, and pain.

Material and Methods

The study investigated patients with shoulder pain. Tendons of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and long head of biceps brachii, acromiohumeral distance, and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) degeneration were evaluated using US. The QuickDASH questionnaire was employed to evaluate physical function, symptoms, and disability, while the visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized to assess pain levels.

Results

The study included 84 patients (69 [82.1%] women, mean age = 55.7 ± 11.9 years). Ultrasonographic examination revealed ACJ degeneration in 61 (21.4%) patients and biceps tendinitis in 21 (25%) patients. In addition, supraspinatus tendinosis was identified in 51 (61%) patients, while 28 (33%) exhibited a supraspinatus tear. The patients demonstrated a mean VAS score of 7.03 ± 1.49 and mean QuickDASH score of 45.6 ± 15.3. Individuals with a supraspinatus tear exhibited higher VAS ( P = 0.008) and QuickDASH ( P = 0.016) scores. Patients presenting with ACJ degeneration demonstrated increased VAS scores ( P = 0.014), whereas those with biceps tendinopathy showed higher QuickDASH scores ( P = 0.035).

Conclusion

The results obtained from our research demonstrate significant correlations between ultrasonographic data and pain, disability, and physical manifestations. The findings of this study indicate that shoulder US provides valuable information regarding the difficulties individuals face in their daily tasks and the degree of pain they endure.
Progressive bone pain caused by a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor in the left femur: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yan Jianfei , Jiang Jiangle , Wu Xiaoguang , Zhou Liuying
Published: October 2024

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) are extremely rare mesenchymal tumors of soft tissue and bone that cause tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO). Some of these tumors are completely asymptomatic and may grow undetected unless they become large enough to cause pain or discomfort. This type of tumor is crucial to diagnose in patients being treated for phosphate metabolism disorders and are a rare reason why patients seek medical help owing to pain. Here, we report the details of a patient with progressive bone pain caused by a PMT originating in the left femur.
Correlation between sphenoid sinus pneumatization and sella turcica dimensions using computed tomography
Authors: Hassan Nuhad A. , Ah Mahdi Mais , Irhyyim Noor S
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study was performed to determine the dimensions of the sella turcica (ST) in relation to sex, age groups, and sphenoid sinus (SS) pneumatization patterns in a cohort of Iraqi individuals.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed computed tomography images of 99 individuals (53 men, 46 women) aged 24 to 59 years to measure ST dimensions, including length, width, height, depth, and surface area. SS pneumatization was classified by sex and age. We also examined the relationship between ST size and SS pneumatization patterns.

Results

Women exhibited a significantly greater mean ST depth (9.37 mm) than men (8.19 mm). The ST diameter was significantly larger in the middle-aged group (13.1 mm) than in the young adult group (11.83 mm). The ST area showed a highly significant difference between sexes. The sellar pneumatization pattern was the most common, whereas the conchal pattern had the lowest prevalence. A significant correlation was observed between ST size and SS pneumatization.

Conclusion

The ST depth and diameter showed statistically significant differences across sex and age groups, respectively. The variability in SS pneumatization patterns underscores the importance of considering pneumatization types during surgical planning to minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury and improve treatment outcomes.
Effects of Income Distribution and Fiscal Policy on Growth in Turkey: A Kaleckian Analysis
Authors: Yilmaz Eda , Bahçe Serdal
Published: October 2024

This study examines the effects of functional income distribution and fiscal policy on growth in Turkey. A post-Kaleckian open economy model is used to analyze the Turkish economy by integrating fiscal policy tools into the econometric model, such as tax burdens on labor and capital and government expenditure for 1988–2017. The novelty of our study is that it considers the private profit motive and rollback of government activities by including public-private partnership investments in the model. Our findings suggest that government ideologies in providing services through different channels do not cause alteration in the domestic demand regime; it stays wage-led in all scenarios we applied. Yet, the overall regime turns out to be profit-led since net export is sensitive to labor costs.

JEL Classification: E12, E62, L33
Injecting care and negotiating pleasures with weight loss pharmaceuticals
Authors: Warin Megan , Bombak Andrea , George Bailey
Published: October 2024

The recent rise of injectable ‘wonder drugs’ for weight loss has been rapid and unregulated (so rapid that it has resulted in a worldwide shortage of Ozempic). We analyse the commercialisation of these drugs, and the political manoeuvres companies engage in to leverage and manufacture the gendered capitalism of ‘care’. Marketing relies heavily on situating ‘obesity’ as a chronic disease influenced by genes or other aspects of biology, working therefore to supposedly mitigate the blame and shame of the taken-for-granted aetiology of ‘obesity’, overwhelmingly understood as excess food intake and insufficient activity. Armed with this evidence, women are told to ‘stand up against weight care judgement’ and to engage in ‘shame free’ care. Pharmaceutical interventions are at the ready to inject this weekly dose of care, producing freedom through neoliberal pleasure but, ironically, in doing so, sacrificing the pleasure of food and non-conditional self-acceptance as vital forms of self-care.
Using Collective Impact to Examine Direct Service Worker Training and Credentialing in North Carolina: Recommendations for Change
Authors: Lane Sandi J. , Basrai Zavera , Yoon Caroline , Scales Kezia , Farnham Trish , Carson Erin , Boucher Nathan A.
Published: October 2024

Older adults and people living with disabilities receive home- and community-based services (HCBS) from approximately 113,000 often under-resourced and inadequately supported direct service workers (e.g., personal care aides, direct support professionals, nurse aides) in North Carolina. The demand in NC is projected to be ∼ 23,000 new direct service jobs from 2020 to 2030. We conducted a Medicaid-funded landscape analysis of direct service training/credentialing requirements and practices across service delivery models using the Collective Impact (CI) framework. With input from HCBS, licensing entities, advocates, and those with lived experience, we characterized NC’s HCBS training/credentialing landscape and generated a first-of-its-kind comprehensive crosswalk resource. This project revealed the complexity and limitations of the multiple and varied training and credentialing requirements for direct service workers in NC. Robust community engagement efforts drove the development of preliminary findings and recommendations for improving the training and credentialing requirements for direct service workers in NC.
Predicting the fatigue life of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy using a physics-informed neural network incorporating continuous damage mechanics
Authors: Wu Qimin , Wang Haijie , Li Bo
Published: October 2024

The material characteristics of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy, including the random distribution of process-induced micro defects, microstructual anisotropy, and grain morphologies with complex diversity, poses a significant challenge in accurately predicting its fatigue life, limiting its application in the aircraft field. This work herein introduces a novel approach incorporating a physics-informed neural network (PINN), in which an artificial neural network (ANN) is embedded with a damage mechanics model (CDM) and the critical process parameters of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing. The partial differential equations of the updated CDM model are introduced into the training procedures of the PINN to building a loss function, effectively “teaching” the PINN to learn the physical knowledge. A comparison of the fatigue life prediction results of ANN and the proposed PINN models shows that the PINN model outperforms its counterparts with a 38.71% higher prediction accuracy. The effects of L-PBF process parameters on the fatigue life of as-built AlSi10Mg is examined using both ANN and PINN, proving the better predictive performance and data-physics consistency of the PINN model. The scheme of this work can inform the efficient prediction of fatigue life of additively manufactured alloys and also reverse prediction or fast finding of optimized process parameters for additive manufacturing.
Dynamic Attending in percussionists and wind players
Authors: Miksza Peter , Goldman Andrew
Published: October 2024

Percussionists have been shown to have superior temporal perception, but the underlying mechanisms for this advantage deserve further investigation. Dynamic Attending Theory, which posits the way attention aligns with rhythmic temporal structure, may explain why percussionists exhibit superior temporal perception. Percussionists may entrain more strongly to periodic stimuli than other musicians, and possibly at multiple hierarchical levels as opposed to only the tactus. To test these hypotheses, we asked a total of 41 musicians, 20 percussionists, and 21 wind players to complete a target detection task. Participants listened to periodic bursts of noise ( priming bursts) and tried to detect target bursts of noise at different temporal positions, some in phase and some out of phase with the initial noises. Target-burst amplitudes were calibrated to be at each participant’s perceptual threshold. We analyzed the hit rates at the different temporal positions, as well as the Fourier transform of those hit rate curves. No discernible difference between groups was found in the time domain, but in the frequency domain the percussionist group showed stronger fluctuation at a frequency that matched the priming bursts, but not at other hierarchical levels (specifically, double that frequency). Our findings help explain percussionists’ perceptual advantages, although questions about entrainment at different hierarchical levels deserve further consideration.
Effects of pitch range on singing accuracy training
Authors: Pfordresher Peter Q. , Greenspon Emma B.
Published: October 2024

Recent theory and data suggest that inaccurate ( poor-pitch or poor) singing may be based on impoverished sensorimotor mapping between auditory perceptual representations and motor plans. One of the symptoms of poor singing is a restriction of vocal pitch range during pitch matching tasks that is not reducible to physical vocal limitations. We here test the hypothesis that remediation of poor singing may be best achieved by incorporating a wide pitch range during training. Two treatment groups underwent singing training using a procedure found to be effective in recent research. One group matched pitches from a wider range of one octave, whereas the other matched pitches from a narrower range of seven semitones (a perfect fifth). A third group completed visual imagery tasks for the same period of time and served as a control group. All three groups completed the Seattle Singing Accuracy Protocol (SSAP) before and after training, with all phases completed in a single session. The only significant improvement was found in the wide-range training group, for matching of single pitches from the SSAP, rather than four-note melodies. Results thus offer partial support for the hypothesis and suggest that successful remediation of singing accuracy may benefit from adopting a wide range of pitches.
Learning from disaster inquiries and other reporting: How top-down responses erode community recovery
Authors: Ewenson Lisa
Published: October 2024

Disasters do not happen in a vacuum. Instead, they compound upon the inequities already present in every environment in which humans exist. We can no longer neatly separate environmental issues from social justice issues, with the stark recognition that people already socially and economically marginalised bear the greater burden of disasters, and therefore carry the greater impacts of climate change. Just as recognising that the social determinants of health has been a revelation in effectively striving to improve the health outcomes for a range of populations, the social determinants of disaster recovery are also key.
Achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all: The importance of digital inclusion
Authors: Dastyari Azadeh , Jose Chinnu
Published: October 2024

This article examines the significance of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for all. It argues that Australia must address digital inclusion disparities to meet its SDG4 commitments. Equitable, meaningful, and safe access to digital technologies for all students is vital for bridging the digital divide affecting educational opportunities for underserved populations. Ensuring all students have access to digital tools is essential for achieving SDG4 by 2030.
Factors Influencing Knowledge and Acceptance of Nonavalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Among University Population in Southern China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fang Peiwan , Zheng Haiyan , Liu Li , Pan Jie , Chen Mianjia , Yu Xiaolin , Chen Miao , Yuan Weicheng
Published: October 2024

Background

Vaccine hesitancy among young Chinese remains a challenge, contributing to low vaccination rates for the nonavalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This study evaluated the knowledge and acceptance of this vaccine among students at a southern Chinese university and identified factors influencing these outcomes.

Methods

This cross-sectional, anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted from April to November 2023 at a multi-campus university in southern China. The questionnaire was comprised of three sections: the first collected demographic data; the second evaluated students’ knowledge of the nonavalent HPV vaccine on a scale from 0 to 15, with cut-off points at 5 and 10 delineating low, medium, and high knowledge levels, respectively; the third section assessed vaccine acceptance on a scale from 8 to 40, using scores above the 50th percentile as the benchmark for positive acceptance.

Results

Among the participants, 18% demonstrated low-level, 40.20% medium-level, and 41.70% high-level knowledge of the nonavalent HPV vaccine. Notably, 71.95% of respondents showed positive acceptance, whereas 28.05% expressed negative acceptance. Male students and those with lower economic conditions (monthly living expenses below 1000 RMB, P = 0.004; 1000-1499 RMB, P = 0.012) exhibited lower knowledge levels. As for acceptance, female students and those with higher monthly living expenses (1000-1499 RMB, P = 0.007; 1500-1999 RMB, P = 0.002; over 2000 RMB, P = 0.002) demonstrated greater vaccine acceptance. A positive correlation was noted between the level of knowledge and vaccine acceptance (rs = 0.256, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Gender and economic status are significantly associated with nonavalent HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptance among university students. These findings highlight the potential impact of targeted educational initiatives, especially for economically disadvantaged male students, in enhancing vaccine uptake rates.
Do Heuristic Cues Affect Misinformation Sharing? Evidence From a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Yanqing , Xie Juan
Published: October 2024

Information overload in online environments leads individuals to be more likely to rely on heuristic cues to make decisions about (mis)information sharing. Drawing on dual-process models of information processing, namely the heuristic–systematic model and the elaboration likelihood model, we conducted a meta-analysis of 31 individual studies to examine the combined effects of five major heuristic cues on misinformation sharing. The results revealed that the affective heuristic of anxiety exerted the strongest impact on misinformation sharing ( r = .343), followed by three cognitive heuristics: the self-confirmation heuristic ( r = .249), endorsement heuristic ( r = .125), and fact-checking heuristic ( r = -.115)—but not the authority heuristic. The endorsement misinformation receives, consistency between misinformation and individuals’ prior attitudes or beliefs, anxiety people feel, and absence of fact-checking labels all make people more likely to share misinformation. Moderation analyses also highlight the importance of considering contextual and cultural factors in future research.
Feasibility Evaluation of a Parenting Group for Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Rizo Cynthia Fraga , Armora Langoni Eliana , McNaughton Reyes H. Luz , Benavides Quetzabel , Radtke Spenser R. , Jiwatram-Negron Tina
Published: October 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive concern among Latina women that requires accessible and culturally appropriate services for survivors, including programs to support parenting in the context of IPV. Evaluations of such programs are sparse, limiting understanding of how agencies can best serve Latina survivors who are parents. We conducted a feasibility study of a parenting group for Latina IPV survivors that included an analysis of administrative data, focus groups with program participants ( n = 17), and interviews with facilitators ( n = 4). Findings center on demand, acceptability, implementation, and recommendations. Overall, the program was well received, and results include suggestions to enhance the program.
Decreasing IV magnesium infusion time to improve delivery of patient care
Authors: Lofy Molly , Ninos Cameron , Dow-Hillgartner Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Hypomagnesemia is a common issue in patients with cancer due to magnesium wasting drugs like calcineurin inhibitors, chemotherapy sides effects such as diarrhea, and poor oral intake. Historically, magnesium has been given over prolonged infusions due to concern for rapid elimination of magnesium when large doses are administered. At UW Health, magnesium was given at a rate of 1g/60 min. A prolonged infusion rate often creates logistical issues including limited IV access, incompatibility concerns and increased chair time. The purpose of this project is to increase the infusion rate of IV magnesium without compromising therapeutic repletion, benefit, and safety.

Methods

The magnesium infusion rate was increased to the following rates: 4g/60 min, 2g/30 min, 1g/15 min. The primary outcome is the grams of IV magnesium replaced per outpatient visit between the pre-intervention (prolonged) and post-intervention (rapid) groups. Secondary outcomes include assessment of differences in chair time between groups and total incidence of critical magnesium lab values.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in magnesium requirements per outpatient visit between a prolonged and rapid magnesium infusion rate (2.18g vs 2.15g; p = 0.49). Additionally, there was no difference in number of outpatient visits (3 vs 3; p = 1). The average chair time was decreased by 110 min per outpatient encounter between the prolonged and rapid magnesium infusion rate, which was determined to be clinically and statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study suggests that there is no difference in magnesium requirements between a rapid or prolonged magnesium infusion in both solid and liquid tumor patients.
Utilizing Federal Data Sources to Support Nursing Workforce Analysis
Authors: Kang Byunggu , Fernando Theekshana , Pang Jinman , Shirey Peter , Armstrong David P.
Published: October 2024

Effective health workforce analysis requires robust data and information. Quality data facilitate monitoring workforce trends, identifying shortages, forecasting employment needs, and planning educational programs. A wide range of federal agencies collect various forms of data, including administrative data, surveys, and censuses, which can be used for health workforce analysis. However, identifying the most appropriate data sources to address a specific nursing workforce issue can be challenging, particularly for newcomers to the field or those researching unfamiliar topics. In this article, we introduce and review 18 federal data sources pertinent to nursing workforce analysis. We categorize the datasets by their associated federal agency, describe each source, discuss their applicability to nursing workforce studies, present examples of past studies that employed these datasets, and highlight their limitations. Our aim is to help researchers, policymakers, and healthcare administrators efficiently locate and leverage relevant data for their analysis.
The Correlation Between Essential Amino Acid Tryptophan, Lysine, Phenylalanine and Chemotherapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lv Yafeng , Yang Xuan , Song Ying , Yang Dechun , Zheng Kai , Zhou Shaoqiang , Xie Hanhui , Guo Rong , Tang Shicong
Published: October 2024

To investigate the differences in serum tryptophan, lysine, and phenylalanine levels in breast cancer patients, the correlation between the three amino acids with the chemotherapy regimen, and their significance in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Clinical data were collected from the Department of Breast Surgery at Yunnan Cancer Hospital, encompassing 216 cases from July to December 2020, including 91 healthy individuals, 38 with benign tumors, and 87 with cancer. Amino acid levels were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analyses, such as the Kruskal-Wallis H-test and Wilcoxon test, were conducted to compare the levels of these amino acids across the healthy group, benign tumor group, and breast cancer group. The χ2 test and Fisher's exact probability method were employed to assess the relationship between amino acid levels and breast cancer stage, grade, and chemotherapy regimen.

The results indicated that there were significant differences in serum lysine (H = 36.13, P < .001) and phenylalanine (H = 34.03, P < .001) levels among the three groups. However, tryptophan levels did not show statistically significant variances. Specifically, lysine and phenylalanine levels were significantly different when comparing the healthy group with the breast cancer group and the benign tumor group with the breast cancer group. These differences were not significant when comparing the healthy group with the benign tumor group. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant distinctions observed in lysine (F = 0.836, P > .05) and phenylalanine (F = 1.466, P > .05) levels across different conventional chemotherapy regimens among the breast cancer cases studied.

Serum lysine and phenylalanine levels might serve as potential biomarkers for breast cancer, and the choice of chemotherapy regimen is unlikely to impact significant changes in these amino acid levels.
Being Human and “Hanging Out”: Mutuality, Trust, and “Voice” in Youth Participatory Research
Authors: Lee Meghan
Published: October 2024

Reflexively drawing on my experiences as a young researcher conducting collaborative research with young people from migrant backgrounds in rural Australia, this paper brings a critical lens to participatory or co-designed research processes with youth. Drawing on learnings from three relationships with young people involved, I explore some of the ethical complexities of participatory processes with young people, the nature of voice and listening, trust and reciprocity, and knowledge co-production. I argue that paradigms of youth participation and co-design should involve more than sharing projects. They should also involve sharing processes of co-imagining and co-creating accessible, ethical, enjoyable, and realistic forms of participation with young people—which vary across communities, places, and over time. Further, I explore what might be possible, in these processes, if we move beyond “word-centric” approaches to knowledge, “voice”, and connection, and learn to listen with our whole selves. What new insights might emerge when we recognise participatory processes and voice itself as co-created, co-creative, and mutually transformative?