bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parliamentary Committees: Meeting the Epistemic Threshold of Legislation
Authors: Patra Karunakar
Published: December 2023

Parliamentary committees are evolution of practice and procedures of legislations in liberal democracies over the years. The strength of a procedural democracy is enriched by the way the committees act to provide scrutiny, evaluation, and the improvement of the legislation and policy outcomes. This article articulates the imperative of parliamentary committees in strengthening legislation and policy commitments. How do parliamentary committees improve legislations and policy formulation in majoritarian democracies? This article includes the following sections: first, it discusses the meaning, role and objectives of parliamentary Standing Committees. Second, it focusses on the types of committees and their constitutional role in the process of legislation. Third, it deals with elaborate examination of the functions of the committees. The last section explores the recent trends of the functioning of the committees. The author concludes with the remark that the success of parliamentary democracy as an institution of representation would be strengthened with an integrated and independent role of parliamentary committees.
Apprenticeship Program Performance and Macroeconomic Fluctuations: A Case Study of Nevada's Construction Industry
Authors: Waddoups Jeffrey , Duncan Kevin
Published: December 2023

Apprenticeship training in construction is an important source of human capital investment for workers, employers, and society. We address the extent to which macroeconomic fluctuations such as building booms and recessions affect apprenticeship completion rates—an important indicator of program performance. Using data from the U.S. Department of Labor, we find that one of the most important determinants of performance is a measure of macroeconomic activity during the apprenticeship period. Apprentices that register into a growing economy, as indicated by falling unemployment rates, are significantly more likely to complete their programs than those who register into a recessionary economy. We also find that apprentices in programs jointly sponsored by trade unions and signatory contractors have higher completion rates and are less affected by conditions in the macroeconomy.
International Steam Coal Market Integration
Authors: Li Raymond , Joyeux Roselyne , Ripple Ronald D.
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the hypothesis that there is a single economic market for the international steam coal industry and investigates the degree of steam coal market integration over time. A regression test of convergence is employed to test for group convergence within a panel of steam coal exporting countries. The long-run relations between international steam coal prices are tested through cointegration analysis and the Kalman Filter analysis is employed to examine the convergence path of the price series. Monthly Free on Board (F.O.B.) prices for Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Poland and South Africa between January 1995 and July 2007 are used. Considering the outcomes of the three econometric techniques as a whole, we conclude that the international steam coal market is generally integrated.
Palynostratigraphy and depositional environment of Tura and Pre-Tura sedimentary successions in Dhansiri Valley of Upper Assam Shelf, Assam & Assam-Arakan Basin, Assam, India
Authors: Narsimha Kanchi , Phor Lusuchu , Ghosh Tushar Kanti , Panda Sudeshna , Geddada Divya , Patra Biswa Prakash
Published: December 2023

Detailed palynological investigations have been carried out to reconstruct stratigraphy and interpretation of depositional environment of Tura and Pre-Tura sedimentary sections in Dhansiri Valley of Upper Assam Shelf, Assam & Assam-Arakan Basin. Sediments of the Tura Formation dated as Early Eocene and interpreted to be deposited under subtidal to inner shelf environment. Pre-Tura sediments, developed in studied wells, led to the identification of Dergaon, Bamangaon and Moabund formations with intervening unconformities, having different tectonic history and distinct palynofossil assemblages. Early Permian sediments of the Dergaon Formation (=Talchir Formation), the oldest in the basin are deposited under the intracratonic phase, overlie the metamorphic basement complex. The sediments of the Dergaon Formation are unconformably overlain by the Bamangaon Formation deposited during the Early Cretaceous, whereas, in well DR-A, the sediments of the Dergaon Formation are directly overlain by the Moabund Formation corresponding to the Late Maastrichtian age. The sediments of the Tura Formation overlie the Maobund Formation in well DR-A, and they overlie the Bamangaon Formation in the rest of the wells in Dhansiri Valley.
Investigation on mechanism for water-gas jet-assisted laser processing of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer
Authors: Lin Ze , Jiao Hui , Zhou Liao , Zhang Guanghui , Huang Ping , Zhao Zhen , Liu Hanlin , Huang Yuxing , Zhou Jia , Long Yuhong
Published: December 2023

Water-jet-assisted laser processing suffers from energy losses, while gas-assisted laser processing encounters insufficient cooling. To better address these issues, this paper proposes a method of water-gas jet-assisted laser processing for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials to explore the thermal damage control effect in laser processing of CFRP. The method of water-air jet-assisted laser processing involves the formation of a water layer by the impact of a water jet on the workpiece, followed by the addition of auxiliary gas above the water layer to impact it. This method effectively suppresses water splashing and debris interference, thus enhancing the quality of CFRP processing. The present research investigates the effects of air pressure, water pressure, gas jet-target distance, and gas nozzle diameter on CFRP processing quality through single-factor experiments, which are subsequently optimized using orthogonal experiments. Furthermore, a three-dimensional model for water-gas jet-assisted laser processing was established in this study, and the flow field was analyzed using computational fluid dynamics software, aiming to explore methods for optimizing the flow field. Experimental and simulation results demonstrate that the water-air jet-assisted laser processing technique ensures both the cooling effect of water and minimizes the impact of the water layer on the laser transmission path, thereby facilitating the achievement of thermal balance removal in CFRP.
Evaluating militant decision-making with information science: The Irish republican movement during the “Troubles”
Authors: Eastin Joshua , Gade Emily Kalah , Gabbay Michael
Published: December 2023

Why do militant groups decide to escalate or deescalate their use of violence in conflict? Examining the case of the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland, we analyze groups that adopt violence as a political strategy and evaluate factors that influence its application. To do so, we adopt a novel empirical approach to the study of militant groups. Drawn from information science, this approach enables estimation of variable influence and uncertainty within structured case studies, and is thus ideal for topics such as militant decision-making where systematic data collection is difficult.
Liminality of COVID-19: Knowledge to Action
Authors: Kim Karl
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demands for planning knowledge and skills. Like other disasters, it has also created a liminal space for contemplating knowledge and action and making sense of this crisis. Despite our familiarity with uncertainty and interdisciplinarity with appreciation of normative and positivist approaches in planning, persistent concerns as to equity, justice, and fairness will shape agendas for research, teaching, and practice. While lessons from the pandemic for planning and disaster management have emerged, there are also broader, more complex, and ongoing threats such as climate change, globalization, poverty, and precarity which must also be addressed.
“It is ticklish meddling with the navy”: The British navy and Caribbean contraband trade, c. 1713–1750
Authors: Mewett R. E.
Published: December 2023

In the early eighteenth century, slow communications between the metropole and the margins of empire combined with fuzzy relationships among the various institutions of the composite imperial state to enable British naval officers to act with relative impunity. Facing little oversight and scant consequences for misbehavior, many captains took advantage of the entanglement of European empires in the Caribbean to pursue personal profit. They both protected local merchants engaged in illicit inter-imperial trade and themselves transported enslaved Africans across imperial lines. This article explores the extent of those activities and the intra- and inter-imperial conflicts they generated, emphasizing how naval officers’ behavior mirrored that of other public and quasi-public officials at the periphery. It also evaluates the conditions that allowed naval trading to persist despite its violation of longstanding laws and regulations, arguing that there was no powerful political stakeholder who clearly suffered by the naval officers’ actions.
Exploration of mechanical and structural properties of bitumen modified with polyethylene glycol and ZnO-nano particles
Authors: Karim Inam , Iqbal Faisal , Ahmad Niaz , Shakoor Abdul , Naeem Junaid
Published: December 2023

Bitumen is a petroleum residue that is extensively used as a pavement material. Rutting at high temperatures is one of the limitations of bitumen in warmer regions. The aim of this study is to improve the performance and increase the temperature susceptibility of neat bitumen. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and nano ZnO have been used to modify the properties of neat bitumen. Four samples were prepared by incorporating PEG and nano-ZnO with a standard laboratory mixer. Polyethylene glycol with 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight were mixed initially with neat bitumen along with nano ZnO (1.5% and 3%). To check its applicability in the road construction industry, the blends were subjected to mechanical properties tests such as ductility, flash point, fire point, softening point, and penetration test. It was investigated that decrease in ductility ranges from a maximum of 143 (neat bitumen) to a minimum of 83 (8 wt%). Softening point increased from 54°C to a maximum of 59°C (8 wt%). Flash and fire point increase first and then decrease; the optimum content was found to be 6%. The structural properties of blends were investigated using X-ray diffraction. The spectra show there is a shift of peaks in polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) as compared to neat bitumen, which leads to homogeneous mixing. The shift of peaks is because of an increase in interlayer spacing of neat bitumen and a decrease in Bragg’s angle. FT-IR analysis shows the presence of peaks in the range of 3000–2800 cm−1 which confirms the presence of additives in modified bitumen. SEM analysis was conducted to check the quality of dispersion and to investigate the microstructure. ZnO nano particles affect the mechanical properties of samples. The physical properties of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), PEG, and nano ZnO blends enhance the stiffness of samples at high temperatures.
Towards a Sustainable Future: The Interaction of Corporate Governance and Sustainable Policies with Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Nandi Ankita , Agarwala Nidhi , Sahu Tarak Nath
Published: December 2023

This study explores how the characteristics of a company’s board and audit committee, as well as their implementation of environmental and social policies, affect their corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. The sample for this analysis comprises Nifty 500 listed non-financial companies in India. The study draws secondary data from the Bloomberg database and annual reports of the sample firms and utilises panel data analysis to determine the impact of these factors on CSR performance. The results show that board size and implementation of environmental and social policies have a positive impact on CSR, whereas audit committee size and independence have a negative effect. Interestingly, board independence and gender diversity did not have a significant association with CSR performance.
“I’m Not Comfortable With COVID, But …”: Dilemmas and Decision-Making to Mitigate Risks Among Mothers Who Gave Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Johnson Nicole L. , Brann Maria , Scott Susanna F. , Bute Jennifer J.
Published: December 2023

Individuals have faced unprecedented uncertainty and risk surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and decision-making dilemmas have been complicated by quickly evolving and often contradictory recommendations for staying healthy. Using tenets of problematic integration theory and risk orders theory, we analyzed interview data from 50 mothers who gave birth during the pandemic to understand how uncertainty and risk perceptions shaped their decision-making about keeping themselves and their infants healthy in the first year after birth. Results describe how some mothers in our sample made sense of their decision-making to prioritize first-order risks to their own and their family’s physical health, and other mothers prioritized second-order risks to their relationships and identities. We also discuss the social nature of mitigating risk during the COVID-19 pandemic and the catalysts for shifting risk perceptions. Theoretical and practical implications include improving public health messaging and clinical conversations to enable individuals to effectively manage social and identity needs alongside serious threats to physical health.
Intraprofessionalism and Peer-to-Peer Learning in American Medical Education
Authors: Knopes Julia , Cascio M. Ariel , Warner Barbara
Published: December 2023

As previous research has observed, medical students and physicians alike confront vast amounts of knowledge in their education and practice, such that no one clinician can know everything there is to know about biomedicine. Even before clerkships, medical students learn to cope with this impossibility by prioritizing certain information based on its perceived utility for exams and clinical practice. Many factors can shape this process, including teamwork, wherein individual medical students rely on one another to address gaps in knowledge at the level of the group. This paper will draw on qualitative data from two allopathic medical schools in the American Midwest to demonstrate that peer-to-peer learning, a widely utilized pedagogical modality in North American medical schools, is amongst the earliest places where future physicians learn how to rely on their peers in the profession as they make choices about what to know and what not to know about biomedicine: cultivating a culture of “intraprofessionalism” between students with different knowledges and values, as they prepare to enter the same profession. The paper will also consider how differences in the student populations at two field sites impact intraprofessional development. Drawing on scholarship of peer-based learning strategies and the sociology and anthropology of medical education, the authors argue that peer-to-peer learning is a key site in the professional socialization of medical students toward the effective management of medical knowledge.
The Impact of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Administration in Critically ill COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Al Sulaiman Khalid , Aljuhani Ohoud , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Altebainawi Ali F. , Vishwakarma Ramesh , AlFaifi Mashael , Alsohimi Samiah , Alrayes Aljoharah , Albishi Sara , Alqahtani Reem , Alalawi Mai , Al Sulaihim Ibrahim , Alanazi Thamer A. , Alqahtani Rahaf A. , Almagthali Alaa , Jomah Shahamah , Alshlowi Areej , Alshammari Tahani R. , Alzahrani Shahad S. , Abdulqader Marwa I.
Published: December 2023

The use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may have a potential benefit. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ESAs on the clinical outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients. A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted from 01-03-2020 to 31-07-2021. We included adult patients who were ≥ 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection and admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Patients were categorized depending on ESAs administration during their ICU stay. The primary endpoint was the length of stay; other endpoints were considered secondary. After propensity score matching (1:3), the overall included patients were 120. Among those, 30 patients received ESAs. A longer duration of ICU and hospital stay was observed in the ESA group (beta coefficient: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.31-0.97; P = < .01, beta coefficient: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.12-0.69; P = < .01, respectively). In addition, the ESA group's ventilator-free days (VFDs) were significantly shorter than the control group. Moreover, patients who received ESAs have higher odds of liver injury and infections during ICU stay than the control group. The use of ESAs in COVID-19 critically ill patients was associated with longer hospital and ICU stays, with no survival benefits but linked with lower VFDs.
Polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions in metastatic breast cancer patients receiving cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors
Authors: Kapagan Tanju , Bulut Nilufer , Erdem Gokmen Umut
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have significantly changed the treatment strategy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor 2 negative (HER2) breast cancer. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of drug-drug interactions (DDI) in breast cancer patients using CDK 4/6 inhibitors and the extent of DDI reflected in the clinic and to increase clinical awareness among physicians.

Method

The data of 115 metastatic breast cancer patients using CDK 4/6 inhibitors who were admitted to the Medical Oncology outpatient clinic between July 2021 and July 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The Drugs.com® Drug Interaction Checker application was used for the interaction between the CDK 4/6 inhibitor and other drugs.

Results

Among patients included in the study, 97.3% had at least one additional drug use. We have identified a total of 170 potential DDI risks in 63.5 % of patients. Among these, 50.5% had a major potential DDI. In our study, there was a potential risk of QT prolongation in 45.2% of 170 DDI, an increase in the potential toxicity of the additional drug in 44.1%, an increase in the potential toxicity of the CDK 4/6 inhibitor in 5.3%, a decrease in the potential efficacy of the CDK 4/6 inhibitor in 2.9%, a decrease in the potential efficacy of the additional drug in 1.1%, and a serious potential infection risk in 1.1%. Most of the drug interactions were QT prolongation and increased toxicity of the additional drug. In terms of cardiovascular events, grade-2 and grade-3 QTc prolongation was found in 4.3% and 1.7% of these interactions, respectively. When evaluated in terms of CDK 4/6 inhibitor subtype, there was a potential risk of DDI at major level with Ribocilib and at moderate level with Palbociclib.

Conclusion

If CDK 4/6 inhibitors interact with concomitant drugs, they may cause an increase in the incidence of cardiac side effects and a decrease in the effect of the CDK 4/6 inhibitor or additional drug or an increase in toxicity. Increasing awareness of this issue will help to reduce the rates of side effects or toxicity and provide effective antitumour therapy.
The association of inflammatory bowel disease with postoperative complications, re-admissions and emergency department visits following primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Magruder Matthew L , Hidalgo Perea Sofia , Gordon Adam M , Ng Mitchell K , Wong Che Hang Jason
Published: December 2023

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder of the gut. Few studies have evaluated whether patients with a history of IBD have worse outcomes following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether IBD is associated with increased: (1) medical complications; (2) readmissions; and (3) emergency department (ED) visits.

Methods:

Using a nationwide claims database, patients with IBD undergoing primary THA were identified and matched to a comparison group according to age, sex and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Outcomes assessed included the development of 90-day medical complications, 90-day re-admissions and 90-day ED visit rates. A p-value <0.0001 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Patients with IBD had a greater incidence and odds ratio of total medical complications (31.90% vs. 11.47%; OR 2.89; p < 0.0001) compared with matched controls. IBD patients had significantly higher incidence and odds ratio of developing acute kidney injury (5.46 vs. 1.46%; OR 3.92; p < 0.0001), cerebrovascular accident (1.32 vs. 0.35%; OR 3.79; p < 0.0001), pneumonia (4.02 vs. 1.30%; OR 3.19; p < 0.0001), respiratory failure (1.21 vs. 0.41%; OR 2.94; p < 0.0001), deep vein thrombosis (0.89% vs. 0.30%; OR 2.93; p < 0.0001), and other adverse events. IBD patients also had higher incidence and odds ratio of 90-day re-admissions (4.20% vs. 3.23%; OR 1.31; p < 0.0001) and ED visits (6.56% vs. 3.99%; OR 1.69; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

This study found that patients with IBD are at increased risk of 90-day medical complications, re-admissions, and ED visits. Due to its systemic nature, surgeons operating on these patients should be aware of the disease’s extra-intestinal manifestations, and the potential postoperative risks in IBD patients. Providers should use this investigation when educating patients on potential risks of elective THA.
Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Disaster Risk and Emergency Health Management: A Critical Appraisal on Environmental Health
Authors: Bari Lazima Faiah , Ahmed Iftekhar , Ahamed Rayhan , Zihan Tawhid Ahmed , Sharmin Sabrina , Pranto Abir Hasan , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: December 2023

The risk evaluation of natural disasters is an obstacle to ensuring healthcare services during catastrophic events worldwide. Therefore, timely and appropriate environmental health risk evaluation is essential. In this study, we incorporated the information from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. We performed this study to explore the feasibility of using artificial intelligence (AI) in disaster risk and emergency health management. Natural disasters have some phenomenon that is bound to happen. So, we can use AI to inform healthcare authorities about environmental health risks and emergency medical management. The recent innovations in technology have created novel opportunities for improving healthcare services across the world. AI technology would be the backbone of the fourth industrial revolution because we are entering an AI-based world this decade. Therefore, we suggest the authorities consider this positive aspect of AI technology to minimize the disastrous outcomes of any catastrophic events.
Cyclic loading tests and numerical simulations of an assembled X-shaped flexural steel damper
Authors: Qiu Canxing , Huang Tianyi , Liu Jiawang
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes an assembled X-shaped flexural steel damper. Welding is waived for the novel damper. As the kernel element of the damper, the X-shaped flexural steel plates have the advantages of ease of installation and replacement if necessary. In the analytical part, the effective height of the flexural steel plate was suggested, and then, the yield displacement, yield load and initial stiffness of the damper were derived. The proof-of-concept cyclic loading test was conducted using one reduced-scale specimen within a four-bar linkage experimental setup. The hysteretic performance indexes, including strength, stiffness and energy dissipation, were quantified. The high-fidelity finite element (FE) models were established by ABAQUS. The parametric study was further conducted based on the verified FE model. The considered parameters were the height and thickness of the steel plates. The testing results indicate that the proposed damper has plump hysteretic curve with good energy dissipation capacity and excellent ductility, although slight slip behavior can be found due to the gap caused by the assembling process. The results obtained from analytical method and numerical model are in good agreement with the experimental data. The results of parametric analysis show that the numerical results well agree with analytical predictions, indicating the numerical model can reflect the mechanical behavior of AXSFD. A benchmark frame building was selected to demonstrate the seismic control efficacy of the damper. The nonlinear time history analysis results indicate that the damper reduced both peak and residual interstory drift ratios for the protected structure.
Extended access to general practice services during weekends in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wensaas Knut-Arne , Simonsen Kristian A. , Welle-Nilsen Lina K. , Litleskare Sverre
Published: December 2023

Objective:

The incidence, symptoms, and trajectories of COVID-19 in the community were unknown in the early phase of the pandemic. Consequently, organizing a primary health care response was challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate whether reorganizing general practice services with extended weekend access for patients was feasible, and to assess the extent to which patients used this service.

Design:

Observational study with registration after a simple intervention.

Setting:

General practice services in the second half of March 2020 when the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit Bergen, the second largest city in Norway.

Subjects:

All general practices in Bergen were asked to be available during weekends for their patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs), by telephone, video-, or e-consultation.

Main outcome measures:

Number of practices participating, patients connected to these practices, and consultations for RTIs and suspected COVID-19.

Results:

During the first weekend, 33 of 71 practices (45%) covering 51% of the population participated. The following weekend this increased to 39 practices (53%) covering 64% of the population. The first weekend 25 practices reported a total of 336 consultations for RTIs, eight of which were for confirmed and 113 were for suspected COVID-19. The corresponding numbers reported from 23 practices the second weekend were 158 RTI consultations, four for confirmed and 41 for suspected COVID-19.

Conclusions:

On short notice about half the practices in Bergen were made accessible during weekends for their patients with RTIs. The number of consultations per practice was small, but combined this amounted to a substantial improvement in the emergency services.
Telehealth Utilization Among Occupational Therapists in Oncology: Results From a National Survey
Authors: Sleight Alix G. , Klein Caroline M. , Feldman Alexandra E. , Stein Duker Leah I.
Published: December 2023

While the COVID-19 pandemic introduced wide expansion of telehealth access in health care, evidence concerning telehealth use in occupational therapy (OT) for cancer survivors remains limited. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and perceptions of telehealth services among occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in oncology. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used to analyze data from a pre-pandemic national survey of OTPs ( n = 126) focusing on telehealth. Most OTPs in oncology settings support telehealth use, despite a dearth of access prior to the pandemic. The highest levels of telehealth endorsement among OTPs related to ease of accessibility (48%). Treatments rated as best suited for OT oncology telehealth sessions included education (41%), quality of life/well-being/lifestyle (21%), and psychosocial interventions (19%). These data suggest widespread benefits of telehealth-delivered OT treatment in oncology. Advocacy is needed to ensure the continuation of legislation allowing expanded telehealth access and reimbursement for OT.
Playing Playfully to Overcome Adversity: A Telehealth-Based Group Teacher Training Program
Authors: Halperin Lola , Waldman-Levi Amiya
Published: December 2023

Teacher’s exposure to childhood adversity may lead to secondary stress compromising child–teacher interactions. Our telehealth-delivered teacher group program focused on play and playfulness in the classroom and stress management for teachers. Program manual and fidelity checklist were developed, and program’s fidelity was assessed through manual adherence and participants attendance and satisfaction. Five participants attended the program, and five occupational therapy students served as fidelity raters. Rater agreement levels confirmed that the checklist was sufficiently developed to capture the program’s essential elements. Follow-up interviews indicated that the program equipped participants with new skills and validated their existing knowledge/experience while offering tangible learning materials. Teachers’ stress can be mitigated by providing them with a safe space to learn skills to promote playfulness in the classroom and to share with and support each other. The manualization of our program and fidelity checklist can guide the development of similar interventions.
A Telehealth Delivered Toilet Training Intervention for Children with Autism
Authors: Little Lauren M. , Wallisch Anna , Dunn Winnie , Tomchek Scott
Published: December 2023

Background:

Independence in toileting is a vital skill, yet toilet-training interventions for children with autism are limited.

Objectives:

We investigated the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a hybrid telehealth intervention that used synchronous individualized coaching sessions and asynchronous online educational materials to support parents in toilet training their children with autism.

Method:

Participants included 34 families of children with autism ages 2 to 8 years. Measures were administered at pre- and postintervention (10–12 weeks) and included the Toileting Behavior Questionnaire, Goal Attainment Scaling, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.

Results:

Twenty-five families completed all intervention procedures. Parents found the intervention highly acceptable and reported significant improvements in child toileting behaviors; however, families accessed the asynchronous intervention materials at a low rate.

Conclusion:

A parent coaching model delivered through telehealth may be a promising method to increase toileting independence among families of young children with autism.
Measuring Caregiver Outcomes in Pediatric Rehabilitation Telehealth Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tkach Melanie Morriss , Earwood Juliana Hudson
Published: December 2023

Pediatric occupational therapy practitioners use telehealth to facilitate performance and participation in natural contexts. Optimal therapy outcomes occur when caregivers are integrated into telehealth sessions. This scoping review describes how caregiver outcomes are measured in the pediatric rehabilitation telehealth literature. We searched SCOPUS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ERIC for articles on pediatric telehealth interventions published from January 2005 to June 2022. We excluded non-empirical articles and articles that measured children’s underlying deficits only. Thirty-one articles met inclusion criteria. Studies measured caregiver outcomes with study-specific questionnaires, standardized measures, electronic tracking, and interviews. Caregiver outcomes improved after treatment, and caregivers reported high acceptability and satisfaction with telehealth. Ample evidence supports measurement of caregiver outcomes in pediatric rehabilitation telehealth services (PRTS). Future PRTS work should incorporate existing sound measures that comprehensively evaluate caregiver outcomes, including caregiver engagement and its components, to demonstrate the effect of occupational therapy telehealth services.
Feasibility, Client Engagement, and Person-Centeredness of Telehealth Goal Setting and Goal Management Intervention
Authors: Kang Eunyoung , Chen Julie , Foster Erin R.
Published: December 2023

Telehealth-delivered goal setting and goal management may guide occupational therapists (OTs) to form a strong foundation of active client engagement and personally meaningful goals on which to base effective telehealth intervention. The objective was to determine the feasibility of a goal setting and goal management system, called MyGoals, delivered through telehealth and hybrid formats for adults with chronic conditions. This was a mixed-method feasibility study. The Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire–8 measured credibility, expectancy, and satisfaction. The Goals and Participation subscales of the Client-Centredness of Goal Setting Scale measured engagement and person-centeredness. Targeted self-ratings measured change objective achievement. Individuals’ perspectives on MyGoals’ feasibility were further explored in semi-structured interviews. In telehealth ( N = 8) and hybrid ( N = 9) groups, MyGoals had good credibility ( M = 25.5, SD = 1.9), expectancy ( M = 23.4, SD = 3.3), satisfaction ( M = 31.3, SD = 0.9), client engagement ( M = 29.4, SD = 1.5), person-centeredness ( M = 19.5, SD = 1.2), and change objective achievement ( M = 9.6, SD = 0.2). The interview data suggested improvements for MyGoals. In conclusion, telehealth delivery of MyGoals is feasible to support goal setting and goal management for adults with chronic conditions.
Experiences of Exergaming for Upper Extremity Exercises in People With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Chen Yen T. , Kruger Grant , Devine Anita , Khanna Dinesh , Murphy Susan L.
Published: December 2023

Impaired upper extremity (UE) function has limited activities of daily living in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Exergaming, a combination of gaming and exercises, could be a novel way to improve UE exercise engagement. The objective of this study was to examine the usability of exergaming and to investigate participant experiences after exergaming among people with SSc. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Participants completed questionnaires regarding the usability of exergaming. Semi-structured interviews were conducted directly after exergaming. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were performed. Twenty participants with SSc participated. Exergaming was highly acceptable with a good System Usability Scale score (M = 71.6 ± 9.9). Participants described exergaming as motivating with potential physical and nonphysical benefits. Although results were generally positive, participants expressed some barriers and temporary side effects of using exergaming and needs for improvement. This work stands to inform future exergaming interventions in people with SSc.
“Kickstart to Recovery”: An Irish Football Program for Mental Health Service Users
Authors: Casey Hannah , Johnston Jenny , Dillon Maurice , Nolan Clodagh
Published: December 2023

The “Kickstart to Recovery” program is a collaboration between Irish mental health occupational therapists and the Football Association of Ireland. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether participants experienced changes in quality of life, recovery, social gains, and the meaning of football following participation in the program. A quantitative pre–post study design was employed, with 27 participants completing a questionnaire consisting of outcome measures aimed to measure the above changes. Findings revealed statistically significant improvements in the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) “Energy/Fatigue” domain for the total sample and the Recovery Assessment Survey–Domains and Scales (RAS-DS) “Mastering My Illness” domain for first-time program participants. Statistically significant results were found for domains of “Social Functioning” and “Emotional Wellbeing” in groups incorporating additional social elements. The Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) showed no change for the personal meaning participants attributed to football; however, high pre-test scores were noted. The “Kickstart to Recovery” program is attributed as a possible factor contributing to these results.
Comparison of Upper Extremity Function and Daily Use in Individuals with and without Post Stroke Depression
Authors: Assadi Khalil Samar , Kim Grace J. , Rand Debbie
Published: December 2023

Background

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a frequent psychiatric complication, however very few studies have investigated its relation to the affected upper extremity (UE) post-stroke. Objective. To compare the affected UE in terms of motor impairment, functional ability, and daily-use in individuals with and without PSD during the first 6 months post-stroke.

Methods

This study analyzed data from a previous cohort; participants were assessed at rehabilitation admission (T1), 6 weeks (T2), and 6 months (T3) post-stroke. At each time point we compared between participants with and without PSD (Geriatric Depression Scale score ≥ 5). The Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment assessed motor impairment, Action Research Arm Test assessed functional ability, and the Rating of Everyday Arm-Use in the Community and Home assessed daily-use. Independence in daily activities and cognition were also assessed.

Results

A total of 116 participants were recruited, 38% had PSD at T1. No significant differences were found between groups at T1 and T2. However, significant differences ( z = −5.23 to −2.66, p < .01) were found between groups for all UE measures at T3; participants with PSD had lower motor and functional ability and less daily hand-use than participants without PSD. At T3 participants with PSD were also less independent in daily-living.

Conclusions

PSD is associated with greater UE motor, functional, and daily-use disability at 6 months post-stroke. Our findings underscore the negative impact of PSD on UE during the crucial transition period when individuals return home and integrate back into the community. Further research is needed to delineate the effect of change in PSD status on UE outcomes post stroke.
Collaborative Virtual Reality Real-Time 3D Image Editing for Chest Wall Resections and Reconstruction Planning
Authors: Feodorovici Philipp , Schnorr Philipp , Bedetti Benedetta , Zalepugas Donatas , Schmidt Joachim , Arensmeyer Jan C.
Published: December 2023

The integration of extended reality (XR) technologies into health care procedures presents transformative opportunities, particularly in surgical processes. This study delves into the utilization of virtual reality (VR) for preoperative planning related to chest wall resections in thoracic surgery. Leveraging the capabilities of 3-dimensional (3D) imaging, real-time visualization, and collaborative VR environments, surgeons gain enhanced anatomical insights and can develop predictive surgical strategies. Two clinical cases highlighted the effectiveness of this approach, showcasing the potential for personalized and intricate surgical planning. The setup provides an immersive, dynamic representation of real patient data, enabling collaboration among teams from separate locations. While VR offers enhanced interactive and visualization capabilities, preliminary evidence suggests it may support more refined preoperative strategies, potentially influence postoperative outcomes, and optimize resource management. However, its comparative advantage over traditional methods needs further empirical validation. Emphasizing the potential of XR, this exploration suggests its broad implications in thoracic surgery, especially when dealing with complex cases requiring multidisciplinary collaboration in the immersive virtual space, often referred to as the metaverse. This innovative approach necessitates further examination, marking a shift toward future surgical preparations. In this article, we sought to demonstrate the technique of an immersive real-time volume-rendered collaborative VR-planning tool using exemplary case studies in chest wall surgery.
Contralateral Arm Pain as a Sign of Distress Regarding Symptoms
Authors: Davids Floor A. , Padilla Jose C. , Ring David , Vagner Gregg A. , Reichel Lee M. , Ramtin Sina
Published: December 2023

Background:

Pain intensity and magnitude of incapability are associated with common unhelpful thoughts about symptoms such as catastrophic thinking and kinesiophobia. To determine whether reports of pain in the upper limb contralateral to a non-trauma condition were associated with unhelpful thoughts, we measured the relationship between pain intensity in the opposite limb and levels of unhelpful thinking.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 152 new and return patients seeking care of an upper-limb musculoskeletal condition completed measures of upper-extremity-specific magnitude of capability, pain intensity of the involved and contralateral arms, unhelpful thoughts regarding symptoms, symptoms of distress regarding symptoms, and general symptoms of depression. Factors associated with contralateral and ipsilateral pain intensity and upper-extremity-specific magnitude of capability were assessed using multivariable statistics.

Results:

In bivariate analysis, contralateral arm pain was associated with symptoms of distress regarding pain, but not in multivariable analysis. Accounting for potential confounding in negative binominal regression analysis, greater pain intensity of the affected side was independently associated with greater feelings of distress regarding symptoms and no prior surgery. Greater upper-extremity-specific capability was independently associated with less distress regarding symptoms, married/partnered, men, and no prior surgery.

Conclusions:

The observation that greater pain intensity in the opposite arm was associated with greater distress regarding symptoms suggests that, in combination with other verbal and non-verbal signs of distress, patient concerns about pain in the contralateral limb can help direct patients and surgeons to evidence-based care strategies for alleviating stress regarding symptoms.
New Forms of Collaboration Between the Social and Natural Sciences Could Become Necessary for Understanding Rapid Collective Transitions in Social Systems
Authors: Thurner Stefan
Published: December 2023

Human societies are complex systems and as such have tipping points. They can rapidly transit from one mode of operation to another and thereby change the way they function as a whole. Such transitions appear as financial or economic crises, rapid swings in collective opinion, political regime shifts, or revolutions. In physics collective transitions are known as phase transitions; for example, water exists in states of liquid, ice, and vapor. A few variables determine which state is realized: temperature, pressure, and volume. For social systems it is less clear what determines collective social states. A better understanding of social tipping points would allow us to tackle some of the big challenges more systematically, such as polarization, loss of social cohesion, fragmentation, or the green transition. The physics concept of universality might be key to understanding some tipping points in human societies and why agent-based models (ABMs) might make sense for identifying the transition points. If universality exists in social systems there is hope that relatively simple ABMs will be sufficient for understanding collective social systems in transition; if it does not exist, highly detailed computational models will be unavoidable. Both are possible. Both need new forms of collaboration between the social and natural sciences, and new types of data will be essential.
Teacher and student interpretations of global citizenship education in international schools
Authors: Ferguson Caroline , Brett Peter
Published: December 2023

This study explores conceptualisations of global citizenship education expressed by teachers and students in international schools. Using qualitative research, three schools were investigated in the Netherlands, Finland, and Australia. Data for this study was drawn from phenomenological interviews with secondary school students, teachers, and school leaders. The study’s findings show that young people experience global citizenship through feelings of a global community, by participating in curriculum-based community service, within charity frameworks, but also in student activism. Teachers and school leaders displayed conceptual uncertainty of global citizenship education and tended to stay within their comfort zones. The article concludes that international schools could benefit from more social justice oriented approaches to global citizenship education.
Selective interference of liking and beauty judgements on affective working memory and visual working memory
Authors: Jiang Luyao , Liu Chang , Gao Cheng , Ding Jun
Published: December 2023

Aesthetic processing has profound implications for everyday life. Although liking and beauty judgements are outcomes of aesthetic processing and derive from a common hedonic value, there may be some differences in how they engage working memory. This study used maintenance and aesthetic judgement tasks to examine whether liking and beauty judgements make different demands on domain-specific working memory resources. Sixty participants (30 males) were instructed to rate picture for liking or beauty while maintaining the subjective affect or brightness of the presented pictures. Results indicated that liking judgements selectively impaired participants’ performance in the affect maintenance task, and beauty judgements selectively impaired their performance in the brightness maintenance task. In addition, maintaining affect and brightness feelings in the mind increased image ratings on beauty but not on liking. Our findings provide evidence that liking judgements draw more on affective working memory resources than beauty judgements, and beauty judgements draw more on visual working memory resources than liking judgements.
Friends like these: A shift in labour, security and the normative ideals of conflict journalism
Authors: Sharp Rob , Stupart Richard
Published: December 2023

This paper draws on previous work in the fields of conflict studies and journalism studies, as well as empirical work by the authors on the normative language of conflict journalism to argue that this subfield of journalism appears to have increasingly ‘moved house’ from the normative universe of institutional journalism to that of professional humanitarianism. We describe three shifts that are taking (or have taken) place whose effects may include a transformation of ideas around ‘what conflict journalism is for’ and how it understands its presence in armed conflict.