bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilevel Evidence for the Parent-Adolescent Dyadic Effect of Familiarity With Climate Change on Pro-Environmental Behaviors in 14 Societies: Moderating Effects of Societal Power Distance and Individualism
Authors: Xia Weiwei , Li Liman Man Wai
Published: October 2022

In the present study, we adopted a global view for exploring how parent–adolescent dyads influence one another’s pro-environmental behaviors across 14 societies. We evaluated whether their own and the other’s familiarity with climate change are linked with their pro-environmental behaviors between parents and adolescents. We also explored the moderating role of societal power distance and individualism on these dyadic effects. We tested hypotheses using the data from the Program for International Student Assessment 2018 (including 62,080 parent–adolescent dyads from 14 societies). Conducting multilevel actor–partner interdependence models, we found that parents’ and adolescents’ familiarity with climate change generally predicted their own and the other’s pro-environmental behaviors within a family context in most societies. More importantly, the dyadic patterns were stronger in societies with lower levels of power distance or higher levels of individualism. Finally, we discuss the implications of promoting pro-environmental behaviors from a cultural perspective and a dyadic approach.
Early Childhood Exposures to Fluorides and Child Behavioral Development and Executive Function: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study
Authors: Do L.G. , Spencer A.J. , Sawyer A. , Jones A. , Leary S. , Roberts R. , Ha D.H.
Published: October 2022

It is important to both protect the healthy development and maintain the oral health of the child population. The study examined the effect of early childhood exposures to water fluoridation on measures of school-age executive functioning and emotional and behavioral development in a population-based sample. This longitudinal follow-up study used information from Australia’s National Child Oral Health Study 2012–14. Children aged 5 to 10 y at baseline were contacted again after 7 to 8 y, before they had turned 18 y of age. Percent lifetime exposed to fluoridated water (%LEFW) from birth to the age 5 y was estimated from residential history and postcode-level fluoride levels in public tap water. Measures of children’s emotional and behavioral development were assessed by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and executive functioning was measured by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Multivariable regression models were generated to compare the associations between the exposure and the primary outcomes and controlled for covariates. An equivalence test was also conducted to compare the primary outcomes of those who had 100% LEFW against those with 0% LEFW. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted. A total of 2,682 children completed the SDQ and BRIEF, with mean scores of 7.0 (95% confidence interval, 6.6–7.4) and 45.3 (44.7–45.8), respectively. Those with lower %LEFW tended to have poorer scores of the SDQ and BRIEF. Multivariable regression models reported no association between exposure to fluoridated water and the SDQ and BRIEF scores. Low household income, identifying as Indigenous, and having a neurodevelopmental diagnosis were associated with poorer SDQ/BRIEF scores. An equivalence test confirmed that the SDQ/BRIEF scores among those with 100% LEFW were equivalent to that of those who had 0% LEFW. Exposure to fluoridated water during the first 5 y of life was not associated with altered measures of child emotional and behavioral development and executive functioning.
Treatments for Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Alvarenga-Brant R. , Costa F.O. , Mattos-Pereira G. , Esteves-Lima R.P. , Belém F.V. , Lai H. , Ge L. , Gomez R.S. , Martins C.C.
Published: October 2022

The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials was to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for pain relief of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Five databases and gray literature were searched. Independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome was pain relief or burning sensation, and the secondary outcomes were side effects, quality of life, salivary flow, and TNF-α and interleukin 6 levels. Four comparable interventions were grouped into different network geometries to ensure the transitivity assumption for pain: photobiomodulation therapy, alpha-lipoic acid, phytotherapics, and anxiolytics/antidepressants. Mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were calculated for continuous outcomes. The minimal important difference to consider a therapy beneficial against placebo was an MD of at least −1 for relief of pain. To interpret the results, the GRADE approach for NMA was used with a minimally contextualized framework and the magnitude of the effect. Forty-four trials were included (24 in the NMA). The anxiolytic (clonazepam) probably reduces the pain of BMS when compared with placebo (MD, −1.88; 95% CI, −2.61 to −1.16; moderate certainty). Photobiomodulation therapy (MD, −1.90; 95% CI, −3.58 to −0.21) and pregabalin (MD, −2.40; 95% CI, −3.49 to −1.32) achieved the minimal important difference of a beneficial effect with low or very low certainty. Among all tested treatments, only clonazepam is likely to reduce the pain of BMS when compared with placebo. The majority of the other treatments had low and very low certainty, mainly due to imprecision, indirectness, and intransitivity. More randomized controlled trials comparing treatments against placebo are encouraged to confirm the evidence and test possible alternative treatments (PROSPERO CRD42021255039).
Identifying Tourist Spatial and Temporal Patterns Using GPS and Sequence Alignment Method
Authors: Choe Yunseon , Lee Choong-Ki , Choi Jinmu , Kim Minjun , Sim Kyu-won
Published: October 2022

This study identified the spatial and temporal patterns of national park visitors by combining global positioning system (GPS) technologies and surveys using the sequence alignment method (SAM) based on the concept of space–time path of time geography. Data were collected from a sample of 344 GPS tracks and questionnaires obtained from Gyeryongsan National Park in South Korea. A complex random stratified sampling method was employed to represent a national sample based on mobile positioning data. The result of the SAM analysis revealed that the derived visitor typologies constituted three groups from 83 unique paths extracted from 341 sequences. Significant intergroup differences were found for the paths based on average travel distance, average visit duration, and average travel speed. The main theoretical contribution of this study is in expanding the application of the theory by providing methodological improvements using SAM and GPS analysis of the theoretical basis of time geography.
An embedded Hildreth-based model predictive control of an Elbow Joint Orthosis Robot
Authors: Hmida Hmaied , Hafsi Sami , Bouani Faouzi
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we consider a constrained model predictive control design for an Elbow Joint Orthosis Robot. The challenge of the robotic device control is to achieve passive and resistive rehabilitation movements with hard and soft constraints. A fast quadratic programming solver based on the Hildreth method is developed to meet the short real-time implementation sampling time. The online optimization solver based on the Hildreth method is compared with two other solvers proving its superiority in terms of computation time in the simulation environment. Simulation results show successful set point tracking and constraints satisfaction. An embedded version of constrained model predictive control using the Hildreth quadratic programming solver is implemented on an Arduino Due microcontroller. The results are satisfactory, and motion tracking errors and inputs variance are minimized. Less effort, optimal performances, and absence of overshoot and control signal oscillations are considered to evaluate the different studied motions. A lower computational cost is obtained taking into account the trade-off between the control effort and the closed-loop performances.
Psychological Well-being of Employees, its Precedents and Outcomes: A Literature Review and Proposed Framework
Authors: Mishra Himani , Venkatesan M.
Published: October 2022

Is the psychological well-being (PWB) of employees essential to be considered by organizations? Does it have an impact on an organization in the long-run? This study attempts to provide a holistic view of literature on PWB and how it has become indispensable for employees and the organization. The study also proposes a framework consisting of precedents and outcomes of PWB of employees in organizations. A review of the literature of 142 studies was done using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework along with the main construct PWB and ten related organizational variables. PWB has been analysed from a eudaimonic perspective. Literature review reveals the scarcity of management literature on the eudaimonic sense of well-being of employees, and how well-being is not distinguished on the basis of its philosophical roots. Our research discusses the variables which have been studied comprehensively in juxtaposition with well-being, and also those variables which are yet to be explored with eudaimonia as the focus. The study is a novel attempt to systematize literature on the under-examined eudaimonic perspective of PWB of employees and its relationship with prominent organizational variables. The study intends to give practitioners and the managers value adding insights into the factors that affect the PWB of employees and also how these factors can be honed for better employee mental health leading to higher organizational returns.
The Effect of Economic Freedom on Quality of Life: Exploring the Role of Political Risk Factors in Africa
Authors: Akinlo Anthony E. , Okunlola Charles O.
Published: October 2022

This article examines economic freedom’s impact on quality of life conditional on the political risk factors in Africa over the period 1985–2016, using the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique. The results show that economic freedom has a significant positive effect on the quality of life. However, political risk fundamentals, namely civil liberties, political rights and conflict, cause economic freedom to deteriorate the quality of life in African. These results support North’s (1990) argument that political institutions play a cardinal role in Africa’s economic outcomes and well-being. Therefore, governments in Africa must improve on the political factors to enhance economic freedom’s impact on quality of life. Moreover, policies that lead to an increase in aid and economic growth will improve the quality of life in Africa.

JEL: C23, I31, P25
Oppressive pines: Uprooting Israeli green colonialism and implanting Palestinian A’wna
Authors: Sasa Ghada
Published: October 2022

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Israeli green colonialism, denoting the apartheid state’s misappropriation of environmentalism to eliminate the Indigenous people of Palestine and usurp its resources. I focus on the violence of ‘protected areas’, encompassing national parks, forests, and nature reserves. This article argues that Israel primarily establishes them to (1) justify land grab; (2) prevent the return of Palestinian refugees; (3) dehistoricise, Judaise, and Europeanise Palestine, erasing Palestinian identity and suppressing resistance to Israeli oppression; and (4) greenwash its apartheid image. I situate Israeli green colonialism within the broader histories of Western environmentalism – particularly its perpetuation of the human–nature binary – and Zionism. Furthermore, I identify various means through which Palestinians and their land resist this phenomenon. I also explore Palestinian environmentalism, which is influenced by the concepts of a’wna (collaboration), sumud (steadfastness), and a’wda (return), in addition to the Islamic concept of tawhid (unity). I offer it as an alternative environmentalism, which is holistic, anti-racist, feminist, socialist, and nonlinear, while rejecting the trope of the ecological savage. Overall, the intrinsic link between all humans, and them and the environment must be recognised, to realise a just and sustainable society, in Palestine and beyond.
Health as an emerging value in the construction of quality of berries in Huelva (Spain)
Authors: Mozo Carmen , Moreno Nieto Juana , Reigada Alicia
Published: October 2022

This article examines how health is constructed as an emerging value of quality standards in intensive agriculture in the province of Huelva (Spain) with a specific focus on the health and welfare of female seasonal migrant workers. Based on an ethnographic approach, the research draws on two sources: an analysis of Global G.A.P. quality standards documentation and qualitative in-depth interviews with four key social actors, including local producers, social and professional organisations, healthcare professionals and migrant women working on seasonal contracts. Drawing on theoretical contributions from convention theory and the socio-anthropological approach of political economy, the study identified imbalances between the meanings and practices around health and safety. Principally, the study concludes that norms established by quality standards focus almost exclusively on consumers’ health while neglecting the health costs and inequalities experienced by female agricultural workers.
Values and the making of standards in ‘sustainable’ coffee networks: The case of 4C and Nestlé in México
Authors: Renard Marie-Christine
Published: October 2022

The ‘sustainable’ coffee industry has experienced steady expansion in recent decades, due to the emerging demand and values of consumers. Coffee corporations have invested in this market segment, participating in multi-stakeholder initiatives through which they seek to control the definitions of sustainability and to secure the supply chain. After highlighting the ambiguity of the concept of sustainability, the article analyzes the impacts of the 4C code of conduct adopted by Nestlé, in the context of Mexico’s growing coffee crisis. It highlights the existing dissonance between the sustainability proclaimed by the code of conduct and the reality in the coffee producing regions of Mexico where Nestlé sources 4C certified coffee. It concludes that the application of this code is far from adhering to the values of economic, social, and environmental sustainability that it claims to defend.
Posttraumatic Cognitions Differ Between Men and Women after Military Sexual Assault Revictimization in Their Contribution to PTSD Symptoms
Authors: Tannahill Hallie S. , Barrett Tyson S. , Zalta Alyson K. , Tehee Melissa , Blais Rebecca K.
Published: October 2022

Sexual revictimization is heightened among military service members and veterans and is associated with greater posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and severity. The heightened distress following revictimization may be due to posttraumatic cognitions (PTC), which include negative beliefs about the self and world, and self-blame. Moreover, it is unclear whether men and women experience different levels of PTC. The current study tested PTC (overall and subdomains) as a possible mediator between sexual revictimization and PTSS severity, and gender as a possible moderator of these associations. Revictimization was defined across time periods (military sexual assault [MSA] only vs. premilitary sexual trauma + MSA) and in military rape frequency (0, 1, 2+). Participants were 400 ( n = 200 [50%] male) service members/veterans with a history of MSA and completed online, anonymous, self-report questionnaires. PTC mediated the association between revictimization and PTSS severity. A significant interaction of gender suggested that men reported high overall PTC and PTC about the self regardless of revictimization; by contrast, overall PTC and PTC about the self were lower for women in response to MSA only and increased with revictimization. Results also showed men were more sensitive to PTC about self-blame as it pertains to more severe PTSS compared to women. There were no unique gender interactions when assessing revictimization by rape frequency, although PTC (overall, all subdomains) significantly mediated the association between rape frequency and PTSS severity. PTC may be a beneficial target when treating PTSS in men, and may be especially heightened in women who have experienced revictimization.
A Growth Mindset and Self-Affirmation Intervention to Reduce Violent and Risky Online Behaviors: The Moderating Role of Previous Victimization
Authors: Calvete Esther , Fernández-González Liria , Orue Izaskun
Published: October 2022

The Internet is the setting for several forms of violent and risky behavior among adolescents, such as cyberbullying, sexualized interactions with adults, sexting, and online dating violence. Often, these behaviors are responses to experiences of online victimization. This study examined the differential effects of a wise intervention (WI), combining growth mindset and self-affirmation strategies, on these behaviors for adolescents who had experienced victimization and those who had not. A sample of 1,085 adolescents (54.3% girls; ages 11–18 years) were randomized into two intervention conditions (WI and an anti-stress control intervention). They completed measures of violent and risky behaviors at pretest and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups and measures of victimization at pretest. The results of multilevel analyses indicated that the WI was beneficial for adolescents without experiences of victimization at pretest, as they displayed smaller increases in online peer aggressions, sexualized interactions with adults, and sexting than the adolescents in the control condition. However, the WI was not beneficial for adolescents with experiences of victimization at pretest. Moreover, the adolescents under the anti-stress control condition displayed better outcome. These findings suggest that previous victimization experiences of adolescents should be considered to select an appropriate intervention.
Book review: Nutan Kapoor Mahawar and Ankita Dutta, Eds, Women and Power: Gender within International Relations and Diplomacy
Authors: Sjoberg Laura
Published: October 2022

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar and Ankita Dutta, Eds, Women and Power: Gender within International Relations and Diplomacy (Macmillan Education, 2022). Pp. 336, ₹2720 (hardcover); ₹1428 (Kindle).
Just transitions for a new eco-social contract: analysing the relations between welfare regimes and transition pathways
Authors: Krause Dunja , Stevis Dimitris , Hujo Katja , Morena Edouard
Published: October 2022

By combining environmental and social objectives in order to address climate change and other environmental challenges, ‘just transitions’ have the potential to accelerate low-carbon transitions in an inclusive and equitable manner. More broadly, by strengthening an egalitarian and ecological public sphere that protects workers’ rights and the rights of nature, just transitions can contribute to a new eco-social contract for both people and planet, guaranteeing full access to social rights and a viable future for all. But like other strategies, just transitions vary in their ambition and thus their eco-social visions. This article builds on the analytical framework developed by the Just Transition Research Collaborative to comparatively assess different just transition pathways in Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United States in the context of different types of welfare state and economic structure. The comparison may help stakeholders to evaluate different just transition policies according to contextual factors and transformative potential.
Giant Renal Artery Aneurysm With Hydronephrosis and Severe Atrophy of the Renal Parenchyma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ghenu Maria Iuliana , Bach Francisc Iohann , Manea Maria Mirabela , Ionescu Dorin , Dragoş Dorin
Published: October 2022

Background:

It is known that renal artery aneurysms may lead to hydronephrosis, but utter shrinking of the renal parenchyma due to a giant renal artery aneurysm has not yet been reported. This report is of an 88-year-old woman with resistant hypertension, hydronephrosis, and renal atrophy due to a giant saccular aneurysm of the left renal artery.

Case Report:

The patient presented with 2 weeks of worsening low back pain on the left side and resistant hypertension. The discovery of a left flank mass on physical examination, lead to the ultrasound detection of a para-aortic mass and a cyst-like partially septate structure replacing the left kidney. Thereafter, a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a giant saccular aneurysm of the left renal artery causing severe hydronephrosis with severe parenchymal thinning. The extreme parenchymal atrophy of the left kidney made it an unlikely culprit of resistant hypertension, therefore the interventional radiologist considered that an endovascular attempt to re-establish the patency of the left renal artery would have scarcely produced any benefit. Given the advanced age of the patient, the vascular surgeon considered that risk of a nephrectomy outweighed the benefit, in agreement with the patient’s unwillingness to accept an invasive intervention. Therefore, she was discharged with blood pressure lowering and pain relief medication and was thereafter lost to follow-up.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the most severe kidney parenchymal shrinking in association with a renal artery aneurysm reported in the literature.
Nonlinear analysis of torsional vibrations of dual mass flywheel in a three-cylinder engine
Authors: Maghsoudi Gharehbolagh Ghasem , Rohani Bastami Abbas , Safarpour Pedram , Abbaszadeh Yaghoub
Published: October 2022

Torsional vibration of the power transmission system is one of the main factors which affects ride comfort and fatigue of the driveline components. These vibrations are caused by periodic changes in the gas pressure and inertial forces. To reduce these vibrations, dual mass flywheels (DMF) are used in some vehicles. DMFs are usually modelled as two disks connected with linear springs. However large rotation angle in DMFs can invalidate linear assumption. In this research, torsional vibration of a three-cylinder engine with nonlinear DMF is investigated and an analytical solution is obtained for the governing nonlinear equations of torsional vibrations under real engine torsional excitation for the first time. It should be noted that in the previous works, the torsional vibration equations of the DMF had been solved numerically. Analytical solution helps to study the effect of design parameters of DMF more easily. It is shown that the analytical and numerical solutions are well matched in steady-state conditions. Finally, a parametric study is performed and the effects of design parameters on the oscillation amplitude of the engine speed and flywheel output speed are presented.
Strategic interactions and arenas: A sociological perspective on strategy
Authors: King Brayden G , Jasper James M
Published: October 2022

We offer a view of organizational strategy derived from the strategic interaction perspective in sociology. We apply the perspective to the study of nonmarket strategy and social movements—the subfield of strategy concerned with the interactions between stakeholder activists and firms. The strategic interaction perspective calls on scholars to (1) pay attention to the local interactions occurring in specific arenas and to the direct outcomes of those interactions; (2) focus on the agency that players have in choosing among arenas and in selecting different tactics in those arenas; (3) appreciate the complex motives for engaging in strategic interactions, including emotional connections to particular ideologies or collective identities; and (4) recognize that each interaction involves multiple outcomes beyond the financial, including cultural outcomes. We conclude the essay by deriving broader implications for the field of strategy.
Dislocation in Single-Mobility Versus Dual-Mobility Trapezometacarpal Joint Prostheses
Authors: Theyskens Nina Carlien , Vandesande Wim
Published: October 2022

Background:

The purpose of this study was to analyze postoperative dislocation rates in single-mobility (Ivory) versus dual-mobility (Moovis) trapezometacarpal (TMC) joint prostheses. Second, we report complications requiring additional surgery in these 2 types of prostheses.

Methods:

We retrospectively obtained data of all patients receiving a TMC joint prothesis at our hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. We recorded the type of implant used (ie, single vs dual mobility; Ivory vs Moovis), and recorded dislocations and complications requiring additional surgery.

Results:

We recorded significantly more prosthetic dislocations in the single-mobility (Ivory) group (n = 6, 9.7%), compared with the dual-mobility (Moovis) group (n = 1, 1.4%). The most frequent complication requiring additional surgery was De Quervain tendinitis (n = 13, 9.6%).

Conclusions:

This study shows that a dual-mobility TMC prosthesis has significantly less postoperative dislocations compared with its single-mobility counterpart. We identity De Quervain tendinitis as the most frequent complication requiring additional surgery.
Numerical analysis of micropolar hybrid nanofluid in the presence of non-Fourier flux model and thermal radiation
Authors: Zuhra Samina , Khalifa Hamiden Abd El-Wahed , Aziz ElSeabee Fayza Abdel , Khattak Sana Gul , Ali Aatif , Mahmuod Samy Refahy
Published: October 2022

The influence of various influential factors on the flow field, temperature, and concentration variations are observed throughout the study of thermo-physical properties. The transfer of heat in fluids and thermal instability/stability are fascinating areas of study because of their vast range of applications, and physical significance in many engineering systems. This research aims to investigate and evaluate the flow characteristic, heat and concentration variations of hybrid nanofluids containing MHD natural convection flow of micropolar CuO-Ag/water in porous media across a vertically positioned plate. The flow model is treated with suction/injection at the plate’s surface, thermal radiation, heat generation and absorption, Joule heating, and viscous dissipation. The non-Fourier theory for the heat flux model is used to diminish the thermal instability. Mathematical system for the proposed model having some physical aspects results in a system of PDEs form which is restricted the boundary layer approximation is used. The PDEs model is then converted into an ODEs system using the suitable transformations. Numerical scheme RK-4 in collaboration shooting technique is used to find the best approximate results. For the validation of the employed technique, a comparison is offered from literature to confirm the dependability of the produced solution. Physical characteristics of the given solution have been studied and demonstrated against various associated influential factors. In the case of hybrid nano-structures, thermal growth is accelerated rather than in the event of nanofluid. The momentum layer thickness is more essential in hybrid nanoparticles than in nanoparticles. It’s also being looked at how crucial flow parameters affect heat transmission and skin friction.
Development of entropy embedded COPRAS-ARAS hybrid MCDM model for optimizing EDM parameters while machining high carbon chromium steel plate
Authors: Goswami Shankha Shubhra , Behera Dhiren Kumar , Mitra Soupayan , Saleel C Ahamed , Saleh Bahaa , Razak Abdul , Buradi Abdulrajak , Ketema Abiot
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the optimization of electrical discharge machining (EDM) parameters in a green production environment. The primary goal of this work is to create a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model that combines COPRAS and ARAS to determine the best input EDM parameters for machining high carbon chromium tool steel plate. To carry out the selection process, a total of nine tests were carried out using four input parameters, including dielectric level, peak current, flushing pressure, and pulse duration at three different levels of magnitude, and the readings of the respective five output parameters were measured. The weights of these five criterions are evaluated using entropy, while COPRAS-ARAS hybrid model is implemented to choose the best alternative experiment among these nine availabilities. Experiment 5 is found to be the best choice, with the machining parameters 261 µs pulse length, 0.3 kg/cm2 flushing pressure, 4.5 Å current, and 80 mm dielectric level being the optimal input values. The primary result demonstrates that the developed hybrid model is sufficiently accurate and provides the best choice when compared to six existing MCDM tools. Finally, sensitivity analysis is used to justify the hybrid model’s stability and consistency.
Multi-performance degradation reliability assessment method for a cabin door locking mechanism
Authors: Xie Juanzhang , Jiang Deyin , Han Yajie , Jiang Shuhai , Cui Weimin
Published: October 2022

A crucial part of the aircraft, the landing gear cabin door locking mechanism directly affects how well the landing gear retracts and how stealthily the aircraft operates. A reliability evaluation approach under multiple deterioration is provided, with a focus on the features of high reliability, small sample, and multiple performance degradation of the locking mechanism. The locking angle of the lock hook and the locking displacement offset of the lock hook are chosen as the characteristic quantities based on the analysis of the factors influencing the life of the locking mechanism; next, the Wiener process is used to model the degradation process of the selected characteristic quantities in order to obtain the failure probability density function for both; then, the multiple performance degradation reliability evaluation model is established using the Copula function, which can precisely and effectively characterize the coupled competitive relationships of multiple performance degradations. This model characterizes the stochastic correlation between the locking angle and the locking displacement of the lock hook. Following that, the Akaike information criteria (AIC) is used to choose the Copula function. Finally, the locking mechanism’s reliability assessment is carried out, as well as the evaluation findings are contrasted with those of the usual technique, which only takes into account a single failure performance characteristic quantity. A series of data analyses led to the conclusion that the approach is more relevant and accurate than that of the conventional method, and that it is not prudent to undervalue its dependability.
The Significance of Social Development Support in Schools: The Critical Role of School Nurses
Authors: McCabe Ellen M. , Best Nakia C.
Published: October 2022

The growth of social development entails a progression where youth learn to interact with those around them. This manuscript provides interventions school nurses may use to incorporate social development into their daily practice and interactions with students. Social-emotional skills are pivotal to children’s and adolescents’ health, well-being, and academic success. Healthy social development can lead to improved self-confidence and better social relationships and have long-term benefits into adulthood. There is still much to learn about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the social development of children and adolescents. Nevertheless, school personnel, including the school nurse, must collaborate to support students, families, and each other to cultivate an environment that connects social development with education, health, and well-being.
Gratitude and Gifts for Promotion of School Health Evidence
Authors: Mendonça Linda , Mazyck Donna
Published: October 2022

The National Association of School Nurses established the Endowment Fund to support evidence for school nursing practice with research grants, special projects, and to support school nurse education with scholarships. This article provides an overview of the use of the NASN Endowment Fund since its origin including the awarding of scholarships and research grants beginning in 2015. The article also highlights the association of NASN research priorities and their connection to evidence-based practice, and recognizes the success of the project continues to rely of the generosity of contributors to the fund. Contributing to NASN Endowment will enable future educational scholarships and research projects to continue for many years to come.
ICT Development, Innovation Diffusion and Sustainable Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Roger Mugabe , Shulin Liu , Sesay Brima
Published: October 2022

This study aims to explore the impacts of ICT and innovation on sustainable economic growth and the direction of causal relationships among them in a trivariate framework. The study employed the DOLS and Panel VECM for causality to study the relationships for 33 Sub-Saharan Africa countries categorized based on income between 2000 and 2020. The study uses annual time-series data that were obtained from the World Development Indicators (WDI) database for the empirical analysis. Results from the DOLS show that both ICT development and innovation contribute positively to sustainable growth in all the categories of countries. However, the marginal effects of innovation on sustainable growth are very small compared to ICT development, especially for low-income countries. The VECM result confirms significant causal relationships among the studied variables in the short and long run. Policies should be geared toward channeling resources to enhance ICT skills, access, and usage in the continent. This can be achieved if organizations engaged in the SSA agenda for prosperity, provide the support needed to complement different governments’ efforts in advancing ICT penetration and innovation diffusion in the continent. Also, it is important for income groups to be considered when establishing and implementing such policies.
Role of Outward Foreign Direct Investment in Economic Growth of India: Evidence from Non-linear ARDL Approach
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Singhal Nidhi
Published: October 2022

The study investigates the relationship between outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and economic growth of India using time series data covering the period of 1990–2019. It develops three models, including variables such as OFDI, economic growth, inward foreign direct investment, exports, and gross fixed capital formation. It applies non-linear ARDL approach and uses GDP per capita as proxy of economic growth. Broadly, it finds a positive long-run and short-run bi-variate relationship between OFDI and economic growth of India. But with the introduction of domestic fixed capital formation variable, the relationship turns negative. The study recommends the policymakers to focus on country’s gross fixed capital formation and invite investments from abroad, rather than directing funds to foreign countries.
Correlation between atherogenic index of plasma and coronary artery disease in males of different ages: a retrospective study
Authors: Hong Lei , Han Yu , Deng Chunfeng , Chen Aihua
Published: October 2022

Background

Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) as a newly discovered blood lipid parameter was shown to be strongly correlated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the blood lipid levels changed with age, so we speculated that the correlation between AIP and CAD was also affected by age.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on male patients with confirmed or suspected CAD who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) from July 2017 to March 2021. Patients were divided into younger, middle early, middle late, and elderly groups. Patients in each age group were further divided into the non-coronary artery disease (n-CAD) and CAD subgroups according to the CAG diagnostic results. The relationship between blood lipid parameters and CAD was assessed in each age group.

Results

Age-dependent changes of blood lipid levels were mainly found in CAD patients but not in n-CAD patients. With increased age, the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and AIP were gradually decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was increased in CAD patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that AIP was an independent risk factor for CAD in middle early (OR 2.601; CI 1.160–5.832, P = 0.02) and middle late age group (OR 2.707, CI 1.201–6.100, P = 0.016), but not in the younger and elderly groups. LDL-C was an independent risk factor for CAD in all age groups. The areas under curve of AIP for detecting CAD in the middle early and middle late age groups were not higher than that of other blood lipid parameters.

Conclusion

Although this was a single-center study for males only, the correlation between AIP level and CAD risk was age-dependent. AIP was an independent risk factor for CAD in the middle-aged groups. However, the predictive value of AIP for detecting CAD was not better than that of the traditional blood lipid parameters such as LDL-C.
GPs’ identification of patients with mental distress: a coupled questionnaire and cohort study from norwegian urban general practice
Authors: Dahli Mina P. , Haavet Ole R , Ruud Torleif , Brekke Mette
Published: October 2022

Background

Mental health problems are one of the leading causes of disease burden worldwide, and are mainly diagnosed and treated in general practice. It is unclear however, how general practitioners (GPs) identify mental health problems in their patients. The aim of this study was to explore how patients’ self-reported levels of mental distress correspond with psychological diagnoses made by their GPs, and associations with sex, age, number of consultations, and somatic symptom diagnoses.

Methods

A questionnaire study coupled with retrospective and prospective cohort data from 553 patients aged 16–65 years in six GP offices in Oslo, Norway during 21 months in 2014–2016.

Results

We found that 73.3% of patients with self-reported high levels of mental distress versus only 13.3% of the patients with low levels of mental distress had received a psychological diagnosis (p < 0.01). We found an increase in number of consultations for the group with high levels of mental distress regardless of having received a psychological diagnosis (p < 0.01). There was also an increase in number of somatic symptoms (p = 0.04) and higher number of females (0.04) in this group. 35% of patients had received one or more psychological diagnosis by their GP. Mean CORE-10 score, being female and a high number of consultations was associated with having received a psychological diagnosis. In the adjusted analyses high CORE-10 score and a high number of consultations still predicted a psychological diagnosis.

Conclusions

We found a clear association between self-reported mental distress and having received a psychological diagnosis amongst the participants, and the probability for being identified increased with increasing levels of mental distress, and increasing number of visits to their doctor. This suggests that GPs can identify patients with high levels of mental distress in general practice in an adequate way, even though this can sometimes be a complex issue.

Trial registration

Trial registration The main study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on August 10 2019 with identification number NCT03624829.
Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging of liver regeneration in a standardized partial hepatectomy rat model
Authors: Qiu Caixin , Xie Shuangshuang , Sun Yajie , Yu Yongquan , Zhang Kun , Wang Xuyang , Zhu Jinxia , Grimm Robert , Shen Wen
Published: October 2022

Background

We aimed to evaluate the correlation between the pathological changes and multi-parameter MRI characteristics of liver regeneration (LR) in a standard partial hepatectomy (PH) rat model.

Methods

Seventy Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: MR scan group (n = 14) and pathologic analysis (PA) group (n = 56). All 14 rats in the MR group underwent liver T1 mapping, T2 mapping, and diffusion kurtosis imaging before and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th, and 21st day after 70% hepatectomy. Seven rats in the PA group were euthanized at each time point to determine Ki-67 indices, hepatocyte size (HTS), steatosis grade, and inflammation score.

Results

Liver T1 and T2 values increased to maximum on day 2 (P < 0.001 vs. baseline), D and K values decreased to minimum on day 3 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001 vs. baseline), then all parameters returned to baseline gradually. Hepatocyte Ki-67, hepatocyte size, steatosis grade, and inflammation score initially increased after surgery (P < 0.05 vs. baseline), followed by a gradual decline over time. Both T2 and K values correlated well with Ki-67 indices (r = 0.765 and − 0.807, respectively; both P < 0.001), inflammation (r = 0.809 and − 0.724, respectively; both P < 0.001), steatosis grade (r = 0.814 and − 0.725, respectively; both P < 0.001), and HTS (r = 0.830 and − 0.615, respectively; both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PH induced liver changes that can be observed on MRI. The MRI parameters correlate with the LR activity and allow monitoring of LR process.
Delay in psychiatric hospitalization from the diagnosis of first-episode schizophrenia and its association with clinical outcomes and direct medical costs: a nationwide, health insurance data-based study
Authors: Joo Sung Woo , Kim Harin , Jo Young Tak , Ahn Soojin , Choi Young Jae , Choi Woohyeok , Park Soyeon , Lee Jungsun
Published: October 2022

Background

Early intervention is essential for improving the prognosis in patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES). The Mental Health Act limits involuntary hospitalization in South Korea to cases where an individual exhibits both a mental disorder and a potential for harming themselves or others, which could result in a delay in the required treatment in FES. We investigated the effect of delay in the first psychiatric hospitalization on clinical outcomes in FES.

Methods

The South Korean Health Insurance Review Agency database (2012–2019) was used. We identified 15,994 patients with FES who had a record of at least one psychiatric hospitalization within 1 year from their diagnosis. A multivariate linear regression model and a generalized linear model with a gamma distribution and log link were used to examine associations between the duration from the diagnosis to the first psychiatric admission and clinical outcomes as well as direct medical costs after 2 and 5 years.

Results

Within both the 2-year and the 5-year period, longer durations from the diagnosis to the first psychiatric admission were associated with an increase in the number of psychiatric hospitalizations (2-y: B = 0.003, p = 0.003, 5-y: B = 0.007, p = 0.001) and an increase in direct medical costs (total: 2-y: B = 0.005, p < 0.001, 5-y: B = 0.004, p = 0.005; inpatient care: 2-y: B = 0.005, p < 0.001, 5-y: B = 0.004, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Earlier psychiatric admission from the diagnosis is associated with a decrease in the number of psychiatric admissions as well as in direct medical costs in patients with FES.
Exploring the perception and socio-cultural barriers to safer sex negotiation among married women in Northwest Nigeria
Authors: Awoleye Abayomi Folorunso , Solanke Bola Lukman , Kupoluyi Joseph Ayodeji , Adetutu Olufemi Mayowa
Published: October 2022

Background

Safer sex negotiation refers to the means through which partners in sexual relationships agree to have intercourse that protects both partners from adverse sexual health outcomes. Evidence is sparse on the socio-cultural barriers to safer sex negotiation, especially in Northwest Nigeria where almost every aspect of women’s lives is influenced by religious and cultural norms. Understanding the socio-cultural barriers requires having knowledge of the perspectives of community stakeholders such as religious leaders, and community leaders. Thus, from the perspectives of community stakeholders, this study explored the perception and socio-cultural barriers to safer sex negotiation of married women in Northwest Nigeria.

Method

A qualitative research design was adopted. Participants were purposively selected across six states, namely, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara. Data were collected through Key Informant Interview (KII). A total of 24 KIIs were conducted using the in-depth interview guide developed for the study. The selection of the participants was stratified between rural and urban areas. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and translated from the Hausa language into the English language. Verbal and written informed consent were obtained from participants prior to the interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis.

Results

Safer sex negotiation was well-understood by community stakeholders. Men dominate women in sexual relationships through the suppression of women’s agency to negotiate safer sex. Married women endured domination by males in sexual relationships to sustain conjugal harmony. The practice of complying with traditional, cultural, and religious norms in marital relationships deters women from negotiating safer sex. Other socio-cultural causes of the inability to negotiate safer sex are child marriage, poverty, poor education, and polygyny.

Conclusion

Community stakeholders have a clear understanding of safer sex negotiation in Northwest Nigeria but this has not translated into a widespread practice of safer sex negotiation by married women due to diverse socio-cultural barriers. Strategies that will empower women not only to gain more access to relevant sexual and reproductive health information and services but also to encourage women’s assertiveness in family reproductive health decisions are imperative in Northwest Nigeria.
Delivering genes with human immunodeficiency virus-derived vehicles: still state-of-the-art after 25 years
Authors: Wolff Jonas Holst , Mikkelsen Jacob Giehm
Published: October 2022

Viruses are naturally endowed with the capacity to transfer genetic material between cells. Following early skepticism, engineered viruses have been used to transfer genetic information into thousands of patients, and genetic therapies are currently attracting large investments. Despite challenges and severe adverse effects along the way, optimized technologies and improved manufacturing processes are driving gene therapy toward clinical translation. Fueled by the outbreak of AIDS in the 1980s and the accompanying focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), lentiviral vectors derived from HIV have grown to become one of the most successful and widely used vector technologies. In 2022, this vector technology has been around for more than 25 years. Here, we celebrate the anniversary by portraying the vector system and its intriguing properties. We dive into the technology itself and recapitulate the use of lentiviral vectors for ex vivo gene transfer to hematopoietic stem cells and for production of CAR T-cells. Furthermore, we describe the adaptation of lentiviral vectors for in vivo gene delivery and cover the important contribution of lentiviral vectors to basic molecular research including their role as carriers of CRISPR genome editing technologies. Last, we dwell on the emerging capacity of lentiviral particles to package and transfer foreign proteins.