bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative and Positive Emotional Reactivity in Women With and Without a History of Self-Injury
Authors: Mettler Jessica , Cho Sohyun , Stern Melissa , Heath Nancy L.
Published: May 2023

In trying to better understand why certain individuals self-injure, researchers have proposed high emotional reactivity for negative emotions may influence vulnerabilities and predispose individuals to react to stressful situations in a dysregulated manner, thus engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, the role of emotional reactivity for positive emotions in those with a history of NSSI is still unclear. Thus, the present study sought to examine group differences in the reactivity of (a) negative and (b) positive emotions in young adults with and without a history of NSSI engagement, and (c) to evaluate whether the reactivity of positive emotions could predict NSSI engagement when controlling for reactivity of negative emotions. The sample consisted of 96 female students who reported engaging in NSSI within the past 2 years ( Mage = 20.28 years, SD = 1.65) and an age-matched female comparison group with no NSSI history ( Mage = 20.43 years, SD = 1.76). Results from separate MANOVAs indicated individuals with a history of NSSI reported higher negative reactivity across all aspects (emotional intensity, sensitivity, and persistence) than the comparison group, Wilk’s λ = .86, F (3,188) = 10.65, p < .001, partial η2 = .145; however, no significant differences emerged for positive reactivity, Wilk’s λ = .99, F (3,188) = 0.52, p = .669. Moreover, a logistic regression revealed that persistence of negative emotions was the only significant predictor of NSSI, Wald χ2 (1) = 4.54, p = .03. The present results highlight the importance of the persistence of negative emotions for individuals who engage in NSSI. Furthermore, the current study provides the first suggestion of no significant differences in positive emotional reactivity between individuals with and without NSSI; underlining the importance of focusing on negative emotional reactivity in clinical practice as well as using positive emotions to “undo” the effect of negative emotions.
Politicising proximity: Radical municipalism as a strategy in crisis
Authors: Roth Laura , Russell Bertie , Thompson Matthew
Published: May 2023

As new municipalism comes of age, prefixes proliferate: from democratic and autonomist to post-growth and care municipalisms. How do all these variegations relate to each other and to the wider movement of which they claim a part? What does all this conceptual creativity amount to, epistemologically and politically? How can we distill the most salient lessons for the further development of theory and practice in the years ahead? This article is our attempt to answer such questions and to define more precisely the contours of this emerging field of praxis. First, we delineate within new municipalism the target of our analytical gaze – radical municipalism. Radical municipalism is not simply progressive policies happening in cities, and should not be conflated with pragmatic, entrepreneurial or state-centric perspectives. Rather, we argue it is a speculative hypothesis about how systemic transformation might be wrought through coordinated action at the urban or municipal scale, understood as a strategic entry-point for counter-hegemonic struggle. Key here is proximity and the politicisation and socialisation of proximate relations of encounter and assembly. Second, we delve deeper into what we identify as four salient dimensions marking this terrain – economic reorganisation, democratisation of political decision-making, feminisation of politics, ecological transformation – as a multi-dimensional lens through which to introduce, and situate within the wider literature, the 15 articles that comprise this double special issue. Throughout these contributions to the theory and practice of municipalist strategy, the issue of crisis looms large: both historically, as an animating spur to action and opportunity for political intervention, and operationally, as a structuring condition and limiting factor of a strategy arguably in crisis itself. Finally, we reflect on the epistemological, methodological and political implications of pursuing radical municipalist strategies in the current conjuncture.
Animal Ethics and Tourism: Deepening a Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) Framework
Authors: Fakfare Pipatpong , Lee Jin-Soo , Kim Jinkyung Jenny , Ryu Hyungseo Bobby , Han Heesup
Published: May 2023

Animal ethics has been recognized as an emerging issue in tourism, but limited research has concentrated on tourists’ behaviors toward animal ethics and its fundamental mechanisms. This study develops a research framework to address this gap, including media coverage and organizational strategies on reducing animal abuse, cognitive and affective states toward animal ethics, norm activation model variables, and behavioral intentions using stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) theory. Findings indicate that media coverage and organizational strategies can be construed as underlying external stimulus constructs within the S-O-R model in the background of animal-related tourism. This study additionally shows the mediating nature of cognitive and affective states. Findings particularly indicate that personal norm is the focal influencing factor of tourists’ behavioral/word-of-mouth intentions toward animal ethics. This research contributes to reducing animal abuse and understanding the underlying theoretical mechanism linked to tourist behaviors and animal ethics.
Tracheal Transection After Prolonged Intubation and Tracheostomy: A Case Report
Authors: Yousef Andrew , Boys Joshua A. , Makani Samir , Kolb Frederic , Weissbrod Philip A.
Published: May 2023

Tracheal transection is a rare, life-threatening complication after tracheal injury. Most commonly, tracheal transection presents after blunt trauma, but iatrogenic tracheal transection after tracheotomy has not been well described. Here, we present a case without a history of trauma that presented with signs of symptoms of tracheal stenosis. She was taken to the operating room for tracheal resection and anastomosis and was incidentally found to have a complete tracheal transection intraoperatively.
Perichondrium-Cartilage Inlay Butterfly Myringoplasty: An Office-Based Procedure for Closing Small- to Medium-Sized Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Authors: Zhao Chaowei
Published: May 2023

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the graft and functional outcomes of inlay butterfly cartilage-perichondrium graft myringoplasty in an office setting. Material and Methods: Adult patients with chronic perforations underwent inlay butterfly cartilage-perichondrium graft myringoplasty under local and topical anesthesia. The graft and functional outcomes, intraoperative pain score, and complications were evaluated at 6 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 39 patients (39 ears) were included in this study. All patients completed 6 months of follow-up. The mean operation time was 26.5 ± 3.2 (ranged from 21 to 32) minutes. The intraoperative mean pain score was 0.61 ± 0.28. The graft success rate was 97.4% (38/39) at 6 months postoperatively. The mean preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 19.18 ± 4.01 dB, while the mean postoperative ABG at 6 months was 10.56 ± 2.27 dB ( P < .05; Paired-Samples T Test). The functional success rate was 100.0% (38/38). Endoscopic examination showed that the transplanted perichondrium graft gradually atrophied, flattened, and became indistinguishable from the surrounding tympanic membrane 2 to 3 months following surgery, the superficial layer of perichondrium graft formed the crust and migrated into the external auditory canal at 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Perichondrium-cartilage inlay butterfly myringoplasty is a highly successful and minimally invasive procedure well tolerated by adults for closure of small- and medium-sized perforations in an office setting.
Relationship Between Fear of Monkeypox and Intention to be Vaccinated Against Monkeypox in a Peruvian Sample. The Mediating Role of Conspiracy Beliefs About Monkeypox
Authors: Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Tomás José M. , Vilca Lindsey W. , Carbajal-León Carlos , Gallegos Miguel , Reyes-Bossio Mario , Oré-Kovacs Nicole , Muñoz-del-Carpio-Toia Águeda , Torales Julio , Barria-Asenjo Nicol A. , Garcia-Cadena Cirilo H.
Published: May 2023

The present study evaluated the predictive capacity of fear of Monkeypox (MPX) on the intention to be vaccinated against MPX and the influence of conspiracy beliefs as a mediating variable in this relationship in 516 Peruvian sample with an average age of 27.10 years participated. Monkeypox Fear Scale, MPX Conspiracy Beliefs Scale and a single item of intention to be vaccinated against MPX were used. Statistical analyses have included estimation of descriptive statistics for all variables in the model tested and Structural Equation Modeling to predict intention to be vaccinated against monkeypox. It has been found that fear has a positive impact on conspiracy beliefs about MPX and intention to be vaccinated against MPX. Finally, conspiracy beliefs are negatively related to intention to be vaccinated. As for indirect effects, both are statistically significant. The model explains 11.4% of the variance in beliefs and 19.1% in intention to be vaccinated. It is concluded that fear of MPX played an important role, both directly and indirectly, in the intention to be vaccinated against MPX, having conspiratorial beliefs about MPX as a mediating variable. The results have important implications for public health practices aimed at combating doubts about MPX vaccination.
Dynamic capabilities and employment during COVID-19: The moderating effect of government support
Authors: Matikonis Karolis , Graham Byron
Published: May 2023

Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were particularly hard hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some performed relatively well, maintaining or increasing employment growth. We study these differences in performance through the lens of dynamic capabilities (DCs) theory, which we extend by incorporating the moderating effect of government support during COVID-19. We analyse responses from 1421 UK SMEs and find that government support and DCs positively impact employment. We also show that government support moderates the link between DCs and employment with a negative effect after the first COVID-19 lockdown. The findings highlight the role of government policy intervention in discouraging SMEs from effectively exercising DCs during a crisis and the general importance of DCs and government support in enabling SMEs to cope with shocks.
Adoption of farm management information systems (FMIS): The case of Brazilian sugarcane farmers
Authors: de Souza Filho Hildo Meirelles , Vinholis Marcela de Mello Brandão , Carrer Marcelo José , Mozambani Carlos Ivan
Published: May 2023

Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS) have been adopted by farmers for planning, monitoring, and controlling agricultural operations. These systems are at the core of the digital farming revolution and can improve the technical, economic, and environmental efficiency of farming. This study evaluates the factors that influence the decision to adopt FMIS by sugarcane farmers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A survey of 131 sugarcane farmers provided cross-sectional farm-level data for the 2018/19 crop year, which were analyzed by a logit regression model. The decision to adopt FMIS is positively affected by farmers’ level of education, private advisor, access to rural credit, off-farm income, farm size, and use of forward contracts. FMIS adoption is associated with risk-averse farmers as part of a risk management strategy. The results can help farmers in their decisions to adopt and both policymakers and FMIS suppliers in their strategies to foster FMIS diffusion. FMIS diffusion can increase sugarcane production efficiency resulting in positive shocks to sugar and ethanol production, which are key components of Brazil's rural development and energy strategies.
Information behaviour of prison inmates in Ghana
Authors: Kankam Philip Kwaku , Baffour Frank Darkwa
Published: May 2023

Information provision and services in prisons have been demonstrated to be a critical component of successful rehabilitation and reintegration. The study therefore examined the information behaviour of inmates in Ghana prisons with the aim of understanding their information needs, sources and challenges towards improving the information provision and services available in Ghana prisons. In all, qualitative data were collected from 27 participants comprising 19 inmates and eight Correctional Officers from four prisons in Ghana: Ankaful Maximum Security, Nsawam Medium Security, Kumasi Central and Nsawam Female prisons. The study found that inmates had information needs related to welfare, legal, support among others and it was evident that a number of their information needs were not met. The study further revealed poor library systems in Ghana prisons and inmates’ inability to access modern ICT tools as some of the challenges in accessing information in Ghana prisons. The study recommends the need for stakeholders and policy makers to invest in information provisions and services in Ghana prisons.
Serum lactate dehydrogenase concentration after transcatheter renal artery embolization correlates with reduction in renal angiomyolipoma volume
Authors: Sokooshi Hideaki , Zhang Xixi , Kuwatsuru Yoshiki , Okada Shingo , Kato Hitomi , Kuwatsuru Ryohei
Published: May 2023

Background

The extent of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) volume reduction after renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) varies between patients, with no predictive measure available.

Purpose

To determine whether the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration shortly after TAE correlates with the extent of tumor shrinkage.

Material and Methods

In a cohort of 36 patients undergoing prophylactic renal TAE for unruptured renal AML, we retrospectively acquired data from patient medical records, including serum LDH before and within 7 days after TAE and the tumor volume before and 12–36 months after TAE. The relationship between the serum level of LDH and reduction in tumor volume was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

The median LDH concentration was significantly higher after TAE than before (909.0 U/L vs. 186.5 U/L). This early post-TAE serum LDH level and LDH index (post-TAE LDH / pre-TAE LDH) correlated significantly and positively with the absolute decrease in tumor volume (both P < 0.0001). We observed no significant correlation between the relative tumor volume reduction and serum LDH level or LDH index.

Conclusion

Serum LDH elevation occurs shortly after TAE and correlates with the extent of absolute decrease in AML volume at 12–36 months after TAE. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm the predictive role of post-TAE serum LDH level and LDH index in tumor shrinkage in patients with unruptured renal AML.
Trends and Impacts of Local Access Road Investment in Appalachia
Authors: Choi Youngmin , Wang Jason , Schonfeld Paul M.
Published: May 2023

This study evaluates the trends and investments in Local Access Road (LAR) projects in Appalachia, U.S., over 20 years between 2001 and 2020. Information about 135 federally funded LAR projects is obtained from various data sources and classified by project type. Then, online surveys are designed for individual grantees or appropriate partners to verify realized performance measures and learn about the project successes, challenges, and experiences of project implementation. Follow-up in-depth interviews for selected projects are conducted with selected grantees, which provided more detailed information than the previous surveyed responses and firsthand stories from the grantees or involved stakeholders. About 65% of survey responses show differences between proposed and realized project outcomes (e.g., jobs created and leveraged private investment). The surveys and interviews suggest several reasons why grantees could not meet the targeted outcomes, including (1) changes in the macroeconomy, (2) effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, or (3) unpredictable challenges. While the LAR projects increase market access and business opportunities, create jobs, and leverage private investment, higher project costs do not always produce better outcomes. In addition, the interviewees share ideas about project funding and the characteristics of rural businesses. Lastly, some recommendations are offered for post-project evaluations and improvements to the LAR program.
Graph Spatiotemporal Pattern Learning Network for Real-Time Road Network Traffic Abnormal Incident Detection
Authors: Li Haitao , Ma Yongjian , Wang Xin , Li Zhihui
Published: May 2023

To improve the efficiency of detecting abnormal traffic incidents on the road network and reduce the false alarm rate, a real-time traffic anomaly detection framework based on a graph spatiotemporal pattern learning (GSTPL) network is proposed. In this framework, a traffic pattern search algorithm based on a fluctuation similarity measure is designed to screen traffic flow data with the same traffic pattern, and a traffic pattern graph tuple is constructed as the input of the network model to avoid the sample imbalance problem and the effect of single-sample randomness for traffic pattern learning. Then the GSTPL network is designed to extract, unsupervised, the traffic spatiotemporal pattern features and make a reasonable prediction of future traffic parameters as the basis for anomaly evaluation. To further restrain the effect of random fluctuations in traffic flow parameters, an abnormal state evaluation method is designed to calculate the anomaly state likelihood by prediction error distribution learning. The overall detection framework realizes stable prediction of network key node traffic parameters by using spatiotemporal pattern features to construct the traffic pattern graph tuple, and gives incident evaluation results in real time by combination with the detection data. The experiment uses I90 and I405 highway traffic data in Seattle, WA, from 2015. Through comparative analysis, the proposed incident detection method based on GSTPL has a higher detection rate and lower false alarm rate, can adaptively learn dynamic changes of the traffic pattern, and has strong adaptability and stability to different traffic environments.
A multi-stakeholder digital platform for regional construction and demolition waste management
Authors: Barakat Boushra , Srour Issam
Published: May 2023

Little attention has been paid to the interaction or synergy among construction and demolition (C&D) waste management stakeholders. A framework allowing for interaction among the various C&D waste players is especially important in regions with mature C&D waste infrastructure, where various recycling, reuse and disposal facilities are present. In such an expanded infrastructure, these facilities differ in terms of the C&D waste materials they accept, the nature of the waste accepted (sorted/unsorted), as well as the services they provide. This makes developing the optimal C&D waste management plan (WMP) more cumbersome for contractors. To address the challenges arising from the poor dynamics associated with the overarching waste management infrastructure, this paper proposes a novel digital platform, namely the ‘Construction and Demolition Waste Management Kernel’ (C&D WMK). The C&D WMK has three main objectives: it allows for data exchange between the different stakeholders, provides guidance to contractors when developing C&D WMPs and allows for governmental supervision and regulation. This paper introduces the concept behind the C&D WMK, presents the optimization model embedded in the system, and demonstrates its application in a case study leveraging real-world data. Finally, a scenario analysis is conducted to show how the C&D WMK can be used by governments to identify pitfalls in the state of practice at the regional scale, and to determine effective solutions to enhance the C&D waste management performance.
Does Motion-Sensing Technology Enhance Students’ Learning? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yu Qing , Yu Kun
Published: May 2023

Body movements are regarded as part of the learning process. With the evolution of motion-sensing technology (MST) (e.g., Kinect, Xtion Pro, and Leap Motion), educational researchers try to explore the effect of MST on learning. However, the effect of MST on learning performance is still unclear. This is the first meta-analysis that aims to examine the effectiveness of MST on students’ learning. A total of 48 effect sizes from 37 independent and high-quality studies are analyzed, and the result suggests that MST has an upper-medium effect on learning (SMD = .574, 95% CI = [.450, .698], p < .001), particularly in the affective domain (SMD = .822). Moreover, three of eleven moderators (i.e., the subject, site of learning, and region) have moderating effects. The moderator analysis indicates that the following conditions are more conducive to MST-assisted learning: (1) 31∼50 students, (2) middle school, (3) >1 month, (4) No-STEM subjects, (5) game-based learning, (6) small group + individual learning, (7) high embodied level, (8) classroom, and (9) Asia and Europe. Finally, the discussions, implications, limitations, and future research directions are put forward.
Applying an ethical lens to the provision of care in for-profit healthcare facilities
Authors: Ilse Renate , Pichora David
Published: May 2023

In early 2023, after three years of pandemic and delayed care, Ontario faced an overwhelming backlog of elective surgical procedures and unacceptable wait times. With hospitals experiencing historic health human resources shortages and critical capacity limitations, disruptive change was required. The Ontario government proposed to address these mounting access-to-care issues by paying for-profit healthcare clinics and surgi-centres to provide insured services, resulting in considerable controversy, much opposition, some praise, and many public protests. Previous experiences with for-profit independent health facilities had generated both complaints and documented problems with their operations. This article examines these concerns against the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-malfeasance, and justice. While much of this unease can be effectively addressed through collaboration and oversight, the complexity and costs involved in ensuring equity and quality may make it difficult for such facilities to maintain profitability.
Demolition, Division and Displacement: Examining the Preservation of Whiteness in Rotterdam Municipal Housing Policy
Authors: Arkins Madeline C. , French Bonnie E.
Published: May 2023

Recent gentrification policies from the municipality of Rotterdam have involved the demolition of social housing, resulting in the displacement of migrant communities. These developments have been criticised by several United Nations Special Rapporteurs as violating the human right to adequate housing. Through qualitative content analysis of municipal policy documents and expert interviews, this article examines how whiteness is preserved in Rotterdam municipal housing policies between the years 2006 and 2022. Using critical race theory, this study identifies three key stages through which whiteness is preserved: in the conceptualisation of theories underpinning policies; the language codified in policy documents, and the implementation of the policy. This research offers a clear example of systemic racism today; how it operates through policies that villainize low-income migrants and justifies the maintenance of the status quo of racial hierarchy in Rotterdam.
A Latent Class Analysis of Personal Coping Resources and Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Latinx Adults
Authors: Gutiérrez Ángela , Thomas Tobin Courtney
Published: May 2023

Objectives: To identify coping profiles and evaluate their implications for depressive symptoms among Latinx adults. Methods: Data come from a community-dwelling sample of Latinx adults ages 45+ in Florida ( N = 461). Latent class analysis was used to identify profiles of personal coping resources based on patterns across spirituality (spiritual coping, divine fate), ethnic identity (centrality, connectedness), and personal control (mastery, self-esteem). Multivariable linear regression assessed differences in depressive symptoms across coping resource classes. Results: Four coping resource profiles were identified: (1) low resources overall, yet high spiritual coping; (2) high spirituality and personal control; (3) high spirituality and ethnic identity; and (4) high resources overall. Members of Class 4 had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than members of Class 1 and Class 3, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, p < .001. Discussion: Results elucidate nuances in personal coping resources among aging Latinx adults, identify under-resourced groups, and suggest that resource profiles characterized by few personal coping resources are linked with more depressive symptoms. Findings clarify the underpinnings of the latent coping construct and have implications for mental health promotion interventions among aging Latinx adults.
Establishing a nexus for effective university-industry collaborations in the MENA region: A multi-country comparative study
Authors: Yasin Naveed , Gilani Sayed Abdul Majid , Nair Gayatri , Abaido Ghada M. , Askri Soumaya
Published: May 2023

This paper explores the nexus between University-Industry Collaborations (UIC) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region informed by a multiple-country-case study design. This study aims to explore the motives, opportunities and challenges, and propose effective practices in the MENA region context. Based on qualitative data retrieved through a series of 72 semi-structured interviews with university stakeholders (i.e., faculty, directors of corporate training, administrative staff, gatekeepers, company representatives and liaisons) conducted from March 2021 to September 2022. The sample was determined by a criterion sampling approach that enabled the development of cases from five countries in the MENA region (United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco) with each country sample comprising five university cases on average. This study was designed on a Multiple Case Study Research Design Approach ( Yin, 2013 ) and this was supplemented by Template Analysis (a form of thematic analysis), and to incorporate the cross-national comparative dimension, Yasin and Hafeez (2022) approaches were adopted. The findings illustrate a wide range of motives, challenges, opportunities, and effective factors that are linked to varying objectives such as (1) the vision and ownership structures, (2) the stakeholder connections of universities (3) the brand reputation of the university provider (4) the perception and ranking of universities as well as (5) approaches undertaken by the University representative to negotiate the expectations of live projects. As a result, a contextualized framework is proposed in this study as the “five [essential] keys” for successful collaborations for the nexus between university and industry collaborations. The originality of this study is inherent in the qualitative cases and contextualized influences in non-westernized countries that are empirically under-explored, as well as the five keys framework that is useful from a theoretical and practical standpoint for academics, policymakers, and university leadership.
Exploring the relationship between performance feedback and medical managers’ budgetary performance:The role of managerial self-efficacy
Authors: Rizzo Marco Giovanni
Published: May 2023

This study addresses recent calls for more research on the potential intervening role exerted by certain individual variables in the relationship between performance feedback and performance. Specifically, this study selects medical managers’ sense of managerial self-efficacy as a potential mediational variable in the feedback–performance relationship. A mediational model examining how the effect of performance feedback on medical managers’ budgetary performance is influenced by their sense of managerial self-efficacy was established based on survey data from 60 medical managers working in a hospital. Data analysis was conducted using the partial least squares technique, and the results confirmed the hypothesised relationships. Specifically, performance feedback was positively associated with managerial self-efficacy, and managerial self-efficacy exerted a positive influence on medical managers’ budgetary performance. Further, performance feedback was determined not to be directly associated with budgetary performance; however, a full mediating effect of managerial self-efficacy was found. These findings make several contributions to the literature and can help healthcare managers have a better understanding of the consequences and importance of the technical features of performance feedback reports.
Tire-road friction coefficient estimation for automatic guided vehicle under multiple road conditions
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Xiaowei , Yu Shuisheng , Xu Zhihao
Published: May 2023

The traditional unscented Kalman filter (UKF) will have the problem of reduced accuracy or even divergence in the estimation process due to state model perturbation, unknown noise of the system, and other factors, which in turn affect the estimation results of the tire-road friction coefficient. By this problem, the paper investigates the tire-road friction coefficient estimation by taking an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) as the research object and proposes an adaptive singular value decomposition unscented Kalman filter (ASVD-UKF) with a noise estimator. Singular value decomposition (SVD) is introduced into the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) for Sigma sampling to suppress the negative definiteness of the state covariance matrix in UFK. The paper considered estimation schemes for joint road, μ-split road, and μ-different road and constructed corresponding ASVD-UKF observers to reduce the dimension of the road estimation model and real-time observation of four tire-road friction coefficients. Results show that the average absolute error of the μ-split road, joint road, and μ-different road proposed in this paper is significantly smaller than that of UFK, and the estimation accuracy is improved by 13.39%, 6.74%, and 5.71%, respectively. A Distributed Drive AGV prototype was developed for a real vehicle verification experiment, with only a 1.14% error between simulation and experiment. It is further proved that the designed observers are practical. The research can provide a theoretical basis and experimental foundation for the tire-road friction coefficient estimation.
British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) United Kingdom national guideline for the management of sexually transmitted enteric infections 2023
Authors: Richardson Daniel , Pakianathan Mark , Ewens Michael , Mitchell Holly , Mohammed Hasan , Wiseman Elizabeth , Tweed Marc , Nichols Kayleigh , Rawdah Waseem , Cooper Richard , Macrowan Robert , Irish Matthew , Evans Amy , Godbole Gauri
Published: May 2023

This is the first British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) national guideline for the management of sexually transmitted enteric infections (STEI). This guideline is primarily aimed for level 3 sexual health clinics; however, it may also be applicable to other settings such as primary care or other hospital departments where individuals with STEI may present. This guideline makes recommendations on testing, management, partner notification and public health control of STEI.
A human rights-based framework for qualitative dementia research
Authors: Diaz-Gil Alicia , Brooke Joanne , Kozlowska Olga , Jackson Debra , Appleton Jane , Pendlebury Sarah
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives

People living with dementia have historically been excluded from qualitative research and their voices ignored due to the perception that a person with dementia is not able to express their opinions, preferences and feelings. Research institutions and organizations have contributed by adopting a paternalistic posture of overprotection. Furthermore, traditional research methods have proven to be exclusionary towards this group. The objective of this paper is to address the issue of inclusion of people with dementia in research and provide an evidence-based framework for dementia researchers based on the five principles of human rights: Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination and equality, Empowerment and Legality (PANEL).

Design

This paper adapts the PANEL principles to the research context, and uses evidence from the literature to create a framework for qualitative research in people with dementia. This new framework aims to guide dementia researchers in designing studies around the needs of people with dementia, to improve involvement and participation, facilitate research development and maximize research outcomes.

Results

A checklist is presented with questions related to the five PANEL principles. These questions cover ethical, methodological and legal issues that researchers may need to consider while developing qualitative research for people with dementia.

Conclusions

The proposed checklist offers a series of questions and considerations to facilitate the development of qualitative research in patients with dementia. It is inspired by current human rights work of recognized dementia researchers and organizations who have been directly involved in policy development. Future studies need to explore its utility in improving participation, facilitating ethics approvals and ensuring that outcomes are relevant to people with dementia.
“Understanding Context rather than Component”: An Assessment of Mayurbhanj Palaeoliths from a Geo-Archaeological Perspective
Authors: Polley Krishnendu , Chakraborty Kartick , Baul Shubhrakanti
Published: May 2023

The first Lower Palaeolithic (Acheulean) sites ever excavated in India are located in the Burhabalang river valley of the Mayurbahnj district of Orissa. It reveals that the Mayurbhanj Acheulean site complex has been under the scanner of prehistoric archaeologists for a long period. However, it is unfortunate to say that, despite being studied for nearly one century by several scholars, the implementiferous beds of the Burhabalang River valley have not been studied in detail till now. The present article brings forward an attempt to fathom the nature and the mode of origin of the Acheulean artifact-bearing beds of the Burhabalang river valley near Baripada town of Orissa. In this study approach of geo-archaeology is adopted to study and compare physical features like various geomorphological and lithological attributes of several Acheulean sites of this region. Besides, an attempt is made to understand the nature of occurrence of Acheulean artifact bearing-beds of this region and the mode of origin of these implementiferous beds too. Results of this study reveal that probably Acheulean artifacts bearing ferricrete horizons of the Burhabalang river valley were deposited some time during the middle Pleistocene, under the influence of a much more humid monsoonal climate. Perhaps prehistoric humans with Acheulean artifacts roamed in the river valleys of this region when deposition of ferruginous sedimentation or ferricrete was taking place. During the later time under the influence of a much drier climate ferruginous duricrust developed at the top of ferricrete sediments and Acheulean artifacts are now found deposited in the hard duricrust horizon.
Effect of Bezafibrate, a PPARα Activator, on Acute and Subacute Inflammation in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Johny Serah , Torgal S. S.
Published: May 2023

Aim

To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of bezafibrate on acute and subacute inflammation in adult male Wistar rats.

Methods

The study was carried out in adult male Wistar rats and they were allocated into three groups, that is, control, aspirin and bezafibrate, after obtaining clearance from Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Acute inflammation was studied using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, and the volume displacement due to paw oedema using the plethysmograph. Subacute inflammation was studied using foreign body induced granuloma models. Analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc tests of Dunnett’s. The value p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Bezafibrate showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect in acute as well as subacute models of inflammation when compared to control in the present study.

Conclusions

In patients receiving bezafibrate for hyperlipidemia, its anti-inflammatory potential may have an additional benefit in preventing complication of atherosclerosis.
Civic Education: Insights From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Middle School Students
Authors: Niewiadomski Robert , Anisimova Ksenia , Quiroz Lovell , Puglisi Sandra , Ball Clarence , Johnson Graham , Rodriguez Diane
Published: May 2023

This study explored the views of culturally diverse middle school students on civic education in an urban setting. It employed a qualitative approach to gain a deeper understanding of students’ experiences. The results showed a need for a more inclusive approach to civic education that better reflects the communities in which they live. The study highlights the significance of considering the perspectives of diverse groups in creating and implementing urban civic education programs. It contributes to discussions on the role of civic education in fostering active citizenship and social responsibility among young students.
Inclusion in the Workplace: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Randel Amy E.
Published: May 2023

Research on inclusion has increased at a rapid pace highlighting the need for a close look at the literature for ways to advance future research. This review about individual-level inclusion in the workplace is theoretically grounded in social identity theory and organizes the literature through a process lens using the input-mediator-output-input (IMOI) framework. Inputs (the context that allows for inclusion, such as how extra-organizational factors, alignment, and signaling influence inclusion in organizations), intervening variables (such as change, learning, and power), outputs associated with inclusion (e.g., performance, well-being, and organizational commitment), and inputs resulting from outputs as part of a feedback loop (such as a willingness to engage with diverse others) are included as part of a holistic view of the literature while indicating specific areas that would benefit from further development. Future research directions are offered based on this framework in order to facilitate development of research on inclusion going forward.
Evaluation of Patient Characteristics Linked to Major Bleeding Events in Patients Prescribed Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Kanaan Dareen M. , Malloy Rhynn , Knowles Danielle
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) demonstrated similar efficacy and lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage than warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Given the lack of data identifying risk factors in patients who bled while on a DOAC, we sought to investigate these characteristics.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective chart review was approved by the Mass General Brigham Institutional Review Board and assessed patients who experienced bleeding events while on DOAC therapy from 6/1/2015 to 7/1/2020. Patient characteristics were evaluated, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), renal function, concomitant therapies, and baseline comorbidities.

Results

Eighty-seven patients were included for analysis, with a median age of 75.8 years. Most patients were female (51.7%) and 24 (27.6%) had a BMI >30. At time-of-event, 21 patients (24.1%) had acute kidney injury. Thirty-three patients (37.9%) were on concomitant antiplatelet therapy (APT), with 31 (35.6%) on single APT and 2 on dual APT. Pertinent comorbidities included hypertension (74.7%), ischemic cerebrovascular accident (28.7%), thyroid abnormality (23.0%), active cancer (14.9%), and anemia (13.8%). Eleven patients (12.6%) had a prior bleeding event. Most patients were on apixaban (69.0%) for the indication of stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation/flutter (72.4%). FDA-approved dosing was used in most patients (92.0%), and all deviations reflected underdosing. Most bleeding events were defined as major (95.4%), occurred at a critical organ site (72.4%), and developed spontaneously (58.6%).

Conclusions

These data provide insight into characteristics of patients who experience bleeding events while on DOAC therapy. Understanding these potential risk factors may optimize the safe use of these agents.
Continuous-time approach of sampled-data systems
Authors: Haba Tamás , Budai Csaba
Published: May 2023

This paper studies the continuous-time behavior of sampled-data control systems. In these systems, a discrete-time control law is applied to a continuous-time system model using sampling and zero-order hold. Traditionally, sampled-data systems are modeled in discrete-time, and thus, the intersample dynamics cannot be examined. This paper shows that the classical methods (such as the d2c function of MATLAB) for obtaining continuous-time models can be inaccurate between the sampling instants, even when Shannon’s sampling theorem is satisfied. In this paper, a new method is also presented which can be used to characterize the continuous-time dynamics of sampled-data control systems. The new continuous-time system model including the intersample behavior is derived analytically from the discrete-time model, and the results are verified by simulations.
Gender Directionality of Intimate Partner Violence and Relationship Quality Among Chinese Couples
Authors: Tie Lei , Zheng Yong
Published: May 2023

Gender symmetry is a long-standing controversy in intimate partner violence (IPV) research. This study explored the gender directionality of IPV and differences in the quality of relationships between different dyadic patterns. IPV experiences and relationship quality of 371 heterosexual couples were examined. Results indicate that females reported more IPV perpetration than males. Generally, the male-only IPV and bidirectional IPV couples showed lower levels of relationship quality compared with female-only IPV and no-IPV couples. Future studies should realize that different dyadic types of IPV may have different mechanisms and consequences, and more attention should be paid to gender directionality.
What is the Future of Survey-Based Data Collection for Local Government Research? Trends, Strategies, and Recommendations
Authors: Krause Rachel M. , Fatemi S. Mohsen , Nguyen Long Le Anh , Arnold Gwen , Hofmeyer Sarah L.
Published: May 2023

Surveys are an important vehicle for advancing research on urban policy and governance. The introduction of online tools eased survey-based data collection, making it cheaper and easier to obtain data from key informants like local elected officials or public administrators. However, the utility of web-based survey administration may be diminishing. To investigate this dynamic and search for strategies to support survey research in urban studies, we perform a systematic review of survey research in urban policy and administration scholarship and conduct an original survey follow-up experiment. Our findings identify a clear downward trend in survey response rates that was accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from our survey experiment show distinctly different costs per solicitation and per completed survey, depending on administration mode. These findings stimulate discussion on how scholars may continue to use surveys to generate high-quality, empirically rigorous research on urban affairs in light of recent trends.
Dynamic spawning of MPI processes applied to malleability
Authors: Martín-Álvarez Iker , Aliaga José I , Castillo Maribel , Iserte Sergio , Mayo Rafael
Published: May 2023

Malleability allows computing facilities to adapt their workloads through resource management systems to maximize the throughput of the facility and the efficiency of the executed jobs. This technique is based on reconfiguring a job to a different resource amount during execution and then continuing with it. One of the stages of malleability is the dynamic spawning of processes in execution time, where different decisions in this stage will affect how the next stage of data redistribution is performed, which is the most time-consuming stage. This paper describes different methods and strategies, defining eight different alternatives to spawn processes dynamically and indicates which one should be used depending on whether a strong or weak scaling application is being used. In addition, it is described for both types of applications which strategies benefit most the application performance or the system productivity. The results show that reducing the number of spawning processes by reusing the older ones can reduce reconfiguration time compared to the classical method by up to 2.6 times for expanding and up to 36 times for shrinking. Furthermore, the asynchronous strategy requires analysing the impact of oversubscription on application performance.
Wii Fit-Based Biofeedback Rehabilitation Among Post-Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ghazavi Dozin Seyedeh Maryam , Mohammad Rahimi Nasser , Aminzadeh Reza
Published: May 2023

Background

Stroke is one of the most widespread reasons for acquired adult disability. Recent experimental studies have reported the beneficial influence of Wii Fit-based feedback on improving overall balance and gait for stroke survivors.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the following keywords to retrieve the data: feedback, biofeedback, stroke, visual, auditory, tactile, virtual reality, videogame rehabilitation, Nintendo Wii stroke, videogame stroke, exergame stroke, Nintendo Wii rehabilitation, balance, and gait. A review and meta-analysis of RCTs regarding Wii Fit-based rehabilitation accompanied by conventional therapy effects on Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), functional reach test, and gait (speed) in stroke survivors was conducted.

Objective

To determine the impacts of Wii Fit-based feedback combined with traditional therapy on balance and gait in stroke survivors.

Results

22 studies were included. The meta-analysis results revealed statistically significant improvements in functional ambulation measured using TUG ( p < 0.0001), balance measured using BBS ( p = 0.0001), and functional reach test ( p = 0.01), but not in gait speed ( p = 0.32) following Wii Fit-based feedback. Regarding the types of feedback, significant differences were found in BBS scores when mixed visual and auditory feedback was used.

Conclusion

Wii Fit-based feedback has desired effects on improving balance in stroke patients, making it a suitable adjunct to physical therapy.
Iatrogenic Arteriovenous Fistula Following Routine Venipuncture in an Adult Without Coagulopathy: An Uncommon Consequence of a Common Procedure
Authors: Anderson Therese F. , Reese Robyn Lee , McCann Matthew , Alexander Lauren F , Salinas Manisha
Published: May 2023

Background:

According to Tonnessen BH (2011),1 iatrogenic arteriovenous (AV) fistulas in adults most commonly occur due to endovascular access and procedures. Rarely, AV fistulas have been reported in low birth weight neonates following repeating venipuncture. This complication is extremely uncommon in adults, but has been reported after routine venipuncture for blood transfusion.

Case presentation:

We report the case of an elderly female patient who presented to the office for evaluation of left upper extremity swelling, ecchymosis, and dilated vessels after routine venipuncture at an outpatient laboratory. She was subsequently found to have an acquired AV fistula from her left cephalic vein to a small branch artery.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates the rare but relevant risk in routine venipuncture and may underscore the benefit of using ultrasound guidance in high-risk populations, such as patients with coagulopathies, or thin, fragile veins, like the elderly or neonates.