bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Craft-orientation as a mode of organizing for postgrowth society
Authors: Rennstam Jens , Paulsson Alexander
Published: February 2024

How may a “craft-orientation” facilitate a shift toward an ecologically sustainable economy that does not perceive the pursuit of economic growth as a self-evident good? Responding to this question, this paper is rooted in the argument that efforts to increase economic growth collide with ecological sustainability goals and pose a substantial threat to human prosperity. Drawing on key insights from scholarship on craft, we establish the notion of craft-orientation, understood as (i) activity guided by the desire to do a job well for its own sake, (ii) prioritization of human engagement over machine control, standardization and efficiency, and (iii) an epistemic rather than instrumental relationship to objects of production. By linking this orientation to postgrowth ideas, we advance knowledge of the relationship between craft and sustainability in three related ways. First, we add craft-orientation to the postgrowth toolbox by conceptualizing craft as a mode of organization that embodies and concretizes postgrowth ideas. This particularly involves the need to rethink efficiency and labor-intensiveness, the role of technology, and the localization of production and consumption. Second, addressing craft scholarship that seeks to understand the relationship between craft and sustainability, we strengthen the relevance of craft in discussions on sustainability by linking it with the concept of postgrowth. Third, grounded in the ontological assumption that the formulation of alternatives is performative, we situate our conceptualization of craft within current societal movements and show how these movements create enabling conditions for the future influence of craft-orientation as an important mode of organizing for postgrowth society.
Leonardo da Vinci's writings on sliding bearings, lubrication and wear
Authors: Hutchings Ian M
Published: February 2024

This article provides the first comprehensive study of the material relating to sliding bearings, lubrication and wear within the writings of Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519). While in many instances he was evidently describing contemporary practice, in other cases he demonstrated great innovation and insight. His descriptions of plain journal and pivot bearings and their materials are far richer than those of any other Renaissance engineer. His ability to classify and analyse his observations led him to highly perceptive conclusions about the effect of loading direction on wear rate and the mechanisms of wear in sliding contacts. In deducing the dependence of wear on load and sliding duration, Leonardo's thinking anticipated that of Reye, Preston and Archard by more than 350 years.
A US payer perspective health economic model assessing value of monitoring disease activity to inform discontinuation and re-initiation of DMT in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jalaleddini Kian , Bermel Robert A , Talente Bari , Weinstein David , Qureshi Ferhan , Rasmussen Maital , Menon Sreeranjani , Amarapala Miyuru , Jordan Kesshi , Ghoreyshi Ati , McCurdy Shannon , Edgeworth Mike
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

We evaluate the potential clinical and cost impacts of discontinuing disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) when age-related immunosenescence can reduce DMT efficacy while increasing associated risks.

Methods:

A Markov model simulated clinical and cost impacts to the patient and payers when a proportion of eligible patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) discontinue DMT. Eligibility was defined as age >55 years, an RRMS diagnosis of >5 years, and no history of relapses for 5 years. Increasing the proportion of eligible patients willing to discontinue therapy was also modeled. Clinical and cost inputs were from published literature.

Results:

Difference in EDSS progression between eligible patients who did and did not attempt discontinuation was not significant. After 1 year of eligibility, per-patient costs were $96k lower in the cohort that attempted discontinuation; however a higher proportion of relapses were seen in this group. When the proportion of patients willing to discontinue DMT increased, clinical findings remained consistent while the average cost per patient decreased.

Conclusion:

While there are increased clinical and cost benefits as more eligible patients attempt discontinuation, the risk of relapses can increase. Timely disease monitoring is required to manage safe DMT discontinuation.
Search and seizure of electronic devices in India: time for a change?
Authors: Shah Malika Galib , Gupta Akash , Bajpai Arushi
Published: February 2024

In the past two decades, there has been an exponential rise in the use of technology for commission of crimes. In certain scenarios, investigation of such crimes call for inspections of an accused's personal electronic devices. In India, there is no law regulating the field of search and seizure of electronic devices in a criminal investigation. Only recently, Virendra Khanna v State of Karnataka laid down certain guidelines in this regard. Furthermore, on multiple occasions, the Indian Courts have relied on the US jurisprudence on the matter. Due to a well-developed jurisprudence in the USA on this subject, the authors have chosen to do a comparative study between the two countries. This paper seeks to examine how these two major democracies balance the right to privacy against the need to unearth information for better investigation. While analysing the lack of a well-rounded law on the matter, this paper also analyses the provisions in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023 and highlights the missed opportunities to frame guidelines on the issue of search and seizure of electronic device. Section II of the paper introduces the readers to the law on electronic search and seizure in the USA. Section III examines the Indian position. It discusses the law as it was pre- Virendra Khanna, then goes into the law laid down by the Karnataka High Court in Virendra Khanna and critically analyses the same. It also looks at the progress made in the field through other legislation. Section IV deals with a comparative analysis of the USA and Indian law on the subject and section V provides mechanisms and ways in which the current law can be modified to deal with some of the inadequacies of the matter.
Unemployment protection for self-employed persons and platform workers in Austria
Authors: Pfalz Thomas
Published: February 2024

The article describes the protection against unemployment for self-employed persons and platform workers under Austrian law. The aim is to provide an overview of the respective protection systems. Interpretation issues regarding individual provisions are not discussed in detail, as they are unlikely to yield insights for a comparative study. The article concludes with a brief summary of the current policy debate in Austria.
Studies on residual stress and surface topography after pneumatic shot peening using discrete element method–finite element method coupled model
Authors: Shao Jinggan , Ding Saifei , Wu Genshang , Zhang Zhi , Li Chao
Published: February 2024

After pneumatic shot peening, compressive residual stress is induced on the surface of the target, which will improve the fatigue life. During the process, surface roughness is also induced, which may reduce the fatigue life. To achieve the optimum compressive residual stress with the smallest surface roughness, the formation mechanism of the residual stress field and the surface topography are revealed. Then, pneumatic shot peening is simulated by using a discrete element method–finite element method coupled model. Based on the effects of four variables (the incident angle θ, the initial shot velocity v0, the shot radius R) and the mass flow rate rm on five parameters (the equivalent plastic strain, the equivalent stress, the surface compressive residual stress, the maximum compressive residual stress), the surface roughness is investigated. The results show that it induces a residual elastic–plastic strain after the impact of a single shot, which can form a crater and a hemispherical residual stress field. After the impact of many random shots, scattered craters connect with each other, therewith a rough and continuous surface topography is formed. Scattered residual stress fields couple with each other, and a constant residual stress layer with the compressive residual stress in the surface and the tensile residual stress in the subsurface are formed. All five parameters are determined by the residual elastic–plastic strain, which increases as the augment of the normal impact velocity, the shot mass, and the coverage rate. Along with the increase of θ and rm, these five parameters firstly increase and then decrease; with the increase of v0 and R, these five parameters increase. Therefore, reasonable values of θ, v0, R, and rm should be chosen to obtain the optimum compressive residual stress with as small surface roughness as possible.
Migration, ethnic otherness and the ‘refugee crisis’ in Germany: Why more conflict is better integration, and how this reconfigures positive cross-cultural management scholarship
Authors: Mahadevan Jasmin
Published: February 2024

Otherness in contemporary cross-cultural management (CCM) studies often emerges from migration and refugee movements, with ensuing integration challenges. In this context, ‘difference’ is perceived as being more problematic than enriching, and this makes it difficult to contribute to integration via a Positive Organizational Scholarship. Introducing the sociology of conflict, I propose that the success of a positive cross-cultural management engagement with Otherness should not be measured in terms of the degree to which difference is overcome and integrated, but in terms of the degree to which more parties engage more deeply with relevant conflict and friction. Investigating Otherness by means of a sociology of conflict approach thus radically changes the assumptions, research agendas, practices, presumed goals and potential responsibilities of a contemporary cross-cultural management theory and practice: deeper conflict signifies better integration, and assuming otherwise is both unrealistic and mis-fitting. I exemplify this reverse logic, and how to employ it, with a discussion of the ‘refugee crisis’ and the dynamics of ‘migration background’ in Germany. Thus reconfigured, integration in Germany emerges as more successful than is commonly believed.
Breaking down organ donation borders: Revisiting “opt out” residency requirements in the UK
Authors: Parsons Jordan A.
Published: February 2024

All four UK nations have, in recent years, introduced “opt out” organ donation systems. Whilst these systems are largely similar, they operate independently. A key feature of each policy is a residency requirement, stipulating that opt out may only apply where the deceased had been ordinarily resident in that nation for at least 12 months. A resident of Scotland who dies in England, for example, would not fall under opt out. Public awareness is the underlying reasoning for such stipulations. A residency requirement was appropriate when Wales was the only UK nation with an opt out system, but, I suggest, the continued imposition of intra-UK borders on organ donation is unjustified now that all four nations operate the same policy. Further, it has the potential to limit organ donation. There is a need for all four systems to be amended to allow for UK-wide applicability, such that providing the deceased was ordinarily resident in the UK, they can fall under opt out in any of the four nations. I argue that such an amendment is ethically justified – continuing to satisfy the public awareness criterion – and practically straightforward. In doing so, I emphasise that my proposed amendment should extend only to the four UK nations, stopping short of the Crown Dependencies even though they also operate opt out systems for organ donation.
An Evidence-Based Framework for the Use of Arts and Culture in Public Health
Authors: Golden Tasha L. , Sonke Jill , Rodriguez Alexandra K.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

In recent years, increasing efforts have been made to apply arts- and culture-based strategies to public health concerns. Accumulating studies point to the value of these strategies for addressing social determinants of health in ways that center communities, cultures, and lived experiences. However, this work has lacked a common framework to support application and advancement. The objectives of this study were to examine knowledge, experience, and evidence related to the uses of arts and culture in public health in the United States and to develop a pilot version of an evidence-based framework to guide cross-sector development and research.

Methods

Using a convergent mixed-methods design with sequential elements, this study drew upon findings from a national field survey, seven focus groups, eight structured working-group dialogues, and a five-day structured dialogue and writing process with 12 interdisciplinary thought leaders. Data were integrated to develop a pilot evidence-based framework.

Results

The study identified six broad ways in which arts and culture can be used in public health and 59 specific outcomes that can be addressed through arts and cultural strategies. The framework identifies evidence supporting the effects of arts and culture on each outcome, along with mechanisms that may mediate or moderate these effects.

Conclusion

The pilot framework clearly links arts and culture practices with public health outcomes. In doing so, it provides both a resource for current practice and a model for the continued development of interdisciplinary tools that support health researchers and practitioners in utilizing arts and culture resources to advance community health and health equity.
The Pain of Experiencing Anti-Asian Racism and Discrimination
Authors: Eizadirad Ardavan
Published: February 2024

The poem addresses various forms of oppression and discrimination experienced by individuals of Asian heritage in Canada. It is a summary of a report for one of the largest school boards in Canada. The poem humanizes the experiences of the research participants. It reflects the voices of 1,300+ research participants which included Grades 7 to 12 students, educators, and administrators.
A Systematic Review and Classification of Factors Influencing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Adherence, in Accordance With the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies
Authors: Ng Gwyneth WY , Gan Keith F , Liew Huiling , Ge Lixia , Ang Gary , Molina Joseph , Sun Yan , Prakash Prajwala S , Harish Keerthi B , Lo Zhiwen Joseph
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Effective treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) involves a multidisciplinary treatment plan to promote wound healing and prevent complications. Given the lack of consensus data on the factors affecting patient adherence, a systematic review was performed to identify and classify factors according to the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies.

Methods

Six hundred and forty-three articles from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included qualitative and quantitative studies which discussed factors affecting patient adherence to DFU treatment, had study populations that comprised patients with either prior history of or existing DFU, and had either prior history of DFU treatment or were currently receiving treatment. Factors, and associated measures of adherence, were extracted and organized according to the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies.

Results

Seven quantitative and eight qualitative studies were included. Eleven patient-related factors, seven condition-related factors, three therapy-related factors, five socioeconomic factors, and five health system-related factors were investigated by the included studies. The largest proportion of factors studied was patient-related, such as patient insight on DFU treatment, patient motivation, and patient perception of DFU treatment. There was notable overlap in the range of discussed factors across various domains, in the socioeconomic (including social support, income, social and cultural acceptability of DFU therapy, cost) and therapy-related domains (including duration of treatment, offloading footwear, and reminder devices). Different studies found that specific factors, such as gender and patients having a low internal locus of control, had differing effects on adherence on different cohorts.

Conclusion

Current literature presents heterogeneous findings regarding factors affecting patient adherence. It would be useful for future studies to categorize factors as such to provide more comprehensive understanding and personalized care to patients. Further research can be done to explore how significant factors can be addressed universally across different cohort populations in different cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
Metaverse and Telementoring: From Surgery to Workshop
Authors: Ammendola Michele , Vescio Francesca , Al Ansari Mohanad , Hila Jozel , Rizzo Laura , Romano Roberto , Marchegiani Francesco , de’Angelis Nicola , Piardi Tullio , Cavaliere Davide , Frampton Adam E. , Gall Tamara M. H. , Luposella Maria , Memeo Riccardo , Navarra Giuseppe , Curcio Silvia , Currò Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Background

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has favored the growth of telemedicine systems and in this context the idea of Metaverse was born and developed. A 3D reality in which people can interact with each other through digital reproductions of themselves. Metaverse has already been tested in numerous medical fields due to its ability to combine visual and auditory information with tactile sensations. The purpose of this study is to highlight its potential also in its ability to be used as a telementoring place where the skills and knowledge of surgeons from all over the world can be combined.

Material and Methods

The first HPB Surgery Workshop was held at the “Metaverse Surgical Hospital, USA”. During the workshop, surgeons located in various parts of the world reported on hepatic, pancreatic and biliary tract surgery and remotely supported the execution of a robotic liver resection.

Results

The Metaverse gave the opportunity for surgeons to meet and discuss HPB pathologies and its surgical strategies and for surgeons in training to interface with experts by participating in a moment of advanced training.

Conclusion

In the Metaverse, telementoring can be used at very low cost to improve clinical and surgical practice.
3D printing applications on textiles: Measurement of air permeability for potential use in stab-proof vests
Authors: Sitotaw Dereje Berihun , Muenks Dominik , Kebash Abera Kechi
Published: February 2024

The most important piece of safety equipment is developed as a reinforced piece of body armor to resist attacks to the upper parts of the body so as to save the lives of its wearers to offer protection against stabbing with sharp-tipped objects. The majority of commercial stab resistant armors are not comfortable for users to wear during their whole duty shift. The three-dimensional (3D) printing has given great opportunity to develop equipment for a particular and individual application with the incorporation of performance and comfort. Stab protective armor has been developed by 3D printing without compromising the protection performance for a particular energy level to improve the comfort of the armor vest so that users are willing to wear during their whole duty shift. In this study, air permeability is used to measure the comfort tendency of the protective armor as a safety gear without reducing the protection performance. In this study the effect of textile materials and structures, shapes of 3D prints as the segmentation of scales, size of scales, parts of the full vest, attachments, and air exposure sides of the panel are investigated. The result revealed that the air permeability of the 3D printed protective armor vest improved the comfort as compared to the commercially available armor vests of both from a single plate and large sized segmented scales.
Co-Designing a Social Media Health Promotion for Young Women: A Study Protocol
Authors: Malloy Jessica A. , Partridge Stephanie R. , Kemper Joya A. , Roy Rajshri
Published: February 2024

This study protocol discusses the co-design and co-development of a social media health promotion program for young women. The program aims to disseminate evidence-based health information and promote healthy behaviours among young women aged 18–24 years. The evidence-base for social media interventions is explored, with examples of successful health promotion programs using social media platforms for example, Facebook. The social media health promotion program has been developed in four phases, including a literature review, interviews and workshops with young women, dietitians, digital marketers and marketing and nutrition academics, co-design and development of the program, and a feasibility study. The feasibility study will be using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, focus groups, and social media analytics. Overall, this protocol highlights the potential of social media as a platform for promoting health behaviours among young adults and provides a framework for the co-design and co-development of evidence-based health promotion programs using social media.
Affect Theory and Literary Criticism
Authors: Ahern Stephen
Published: February 2024

The “affective turn” is by now long established, part of a wider surge of interest in emotion playing out in a range of disciplines. In literary studies, the conversation about how affect theory might help us to interpret literature is still emerging. The goal of the present discussion is to provide a critical overview of work by scholars who draw on the insights of recent theory to read literary texts written in English. At the same time that the discussion offers an appraisal of the current state of scholarship, it also seeks to identify emerging new directions in research.
Expression of NMU and NMUR1 in tryptase-positive mast cells and PBLs in allergic rhinitis patients’ nasal mucosa
Authors: Zhao Wei , An Yunfang , Cheng Fengli , Zhao Changqing
Published: February 2024

Background

The neuropeptide U (NMU) has been proven to elicit the release of mediators from mast cells (MCs) through its receptor NMUR1 in allergic inflammatory models. However, little is known about the correlations between NMU and MCs in human allergic rhinitis (AR).

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the expressions of NMU and NMUR1 in the tryptase  +  MCs and the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) in human nasal mucosa with AR.

Methods

Specimens of nasal mucosa from patients with AR (n  =  10) and control patients without AR (n  =  8) were collected and soaked in frozen tissue liquid solution (OCT) in tum. Cryostat sections were prepared for immunofluorescence staining. Tryptase was used as a marker to detect mast cells and other tryptase  +  immune cells. The expression of NMU and NMUR1 was respectively determined by double staining using a confocal microscope.

Results

Neither NMU nor NMUR1 were detected in the tryptase  +  mast cells in the human nasal mucosa. To our surprise, both NMU and NMUR1 were co-expressed with tryptase in the PBLs within peripheral blood vessels in AR and controls.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that NMU could not influence human nasal tryptase  +  mast cells directly through NMUR1 in AR. The co-expression of both NMU and NMUR1 with tryptase in the PBLs provided new insight into the potential roles of NMU and tryptase in the circulation PBLs, and the infiltrated PBLs may promote nasal allergic inflammation by producing tryptase and NMU.
Impact of an inpatient pharmacist-driven renal dosing policy on order verification time and patient safety
Authors: Berry Kayla , Postlmayr Laura , Shiltz Dane , Parker Jessi , Ice Calvin
Published: February 2024

Research regarding pharmacist-driven renal dosing policies has focused on cost savings or prevention of adverse drug events. However, little is known about how these policies influence time from order signature to order verification or how this efficiency may reduce the incidence of adverse outcomes. Objectives: The primary endpoint compared time from prescriber electronic order signature to pharmacist electronic order verification between pre- and post-renal dosing policy implementation. The secondary endpoint evaluated electrocardiogram QTc prolongation attributed to fluconazole accumulation in renal impairment. Methods: This retrospective analysis included adults with a creatine clearance ⩽50 mL/min who received at least two inpatient doses from a 34-medication renal dosing protocol between January–February 2020 and April–May 2020. Results: 502 patients met eligibility for the primary outcome. The pre- and post-policy cohorts shared similar baseline characteristics. Time from order signature to verification was 9 and 8 min in the pre- and post-policy groups, respectively ( p = 0.0861). In all, 56 patients met inclusion criteria for the secondary outcome. The QTc interval during fluconazole increased relative to baseline in 3 of 7 (43%) pre-policy and 4 of 5 (80%) post-policy. The QTc interval exceeded 500 ms in two patients, both in the post-policy cohort. Conclusions: There was no difference in order signature to verification time. Post-policy fluconazole renal adjustment did not reduce QTc prolongation.
Facilitators and barriers to implementing chest radiography in tuberculosis systematic screening of clinically high-risk groups in Ethiopia: A qualitative study
Authors: Abraham Yishak , Manyazewal Tsegahun , Amdemariam Zekarias , Petros Hezkiel , Ayenadis Firehiwot , Mekonen Hana , Workneh Firehiwot
Published: February 2024

Background:

Chest X-ray has been included in national tuberculosis screening algorithms as a sensitive tuberculosis screening tool among high-risk groups. However, the implementation was influenced by multiple factors. We aimed to explore facilitators and barriers to implementing chest X-ray in systematic tuberculosis screening of clinically high-risk groups in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

We conducted face-to-face, in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants at tertiary-level hospitals and a tuberculosis program coordinator at the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, who coordinates chest X-ray-guided systematic tuberculosis screening. A framework analysis was conducted using the consolidated framework for implementation research.

Results:

We identified 11 constructs that influenced the implementation of the chest X-ray intervention. Facilitators included the relative sensitivity of chest X-ray over symptom-based screening, its potential integration into existing systems, technological advancements in the area, policies and laws supporting the screening intervention, and the quality of the evidence of the screening intervention. Barriers included implementation complexity, high costs of the intervention, knowledge gaps among healthcare providers, training gaps, low priority for chest X-ray screening at the healthcare facility level, and a lack of external support from the Ministry of Health and stakeholders.

Conclusion:

This study identified contextual factors that influence the implementation of chest X-ray guided systematic tuberculosis screening among clinically high-risk groups that healthcare facilities and health ministries may use for decision-making. Addressing the barriers identified by the study would help to improve the implementation of chest X-rays for improved tuberculosis case detection and prompt treatment in clinically high-risk groups.
Diagnosing postoperative lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer with multimodal radiomics and clinical features
Authors: Fan Xin , Zhang Han , Wang Zhengshi , Zhang Xiaoying , Qin Shanshan , Zhang Jiajia , Hu Fan , Yang Mengdie , Zhang Jingjing , Yu Fei
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of texture analysis for lymph node metastasis after thyroid cancer surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) examination before 131I treatment at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital between 2017 and 2020. Clinical follow-up results were used as the criterion for determining the presence of lymph node metastasis. The study included 119 patients, who were then randomly divided into training and test groups in a 7:3 ratio. Regions of interest were identified, and radiomics features were extracted using LIFEx 7.3.0. Mann–Whitney U test and LASSO regression were employed to screen radiomics parameters for modeling. Subsequently, a nomogram model was built by combining radscore and clinical features. SPSS 26.0 software was utilized for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Follow-up confirmed 54 patients with thyroid cancer lymph node metastasis and 65 patients in the non-metastasis group. A total of 119 lymph nodes were delineated. For each lesion, 164 CT texture features and 164 PET texture features were extracted, and 107 significant parameters were identified, including 16 CT texture parameters and 91 PET texture parameters. After screening, 3 CT parameters, 4 PET parameters and 12 PET/CT parameters were selected to establish three radiomic models. The AUC values were as follows: AUC (CT) = 0.730, AUC (PET) = 0.759 and AUC (PET/CT) = 0.864. We then combined clinical features and radscore to construct a nomogram, resulting in a C-index of 0.915 in the training group. In the test group, the C-index was confirmed to be 0.868.

Conclusions

Radiomics may enhance the diagnostic efficiency of lymph node metastases after thyroid cancer surgery and could potentially assist clinicians in future diagnoses. The developed nomogram, which combines radiomics and clinical features, offers relatively high accuracy in helping clinicians assess the risk of metastasis in thyroid patients after surgery.
A Practice Theory Perspective on Dribbble and the Evolving Design Industry
Authors: Duan Yiran , Asante-Agyei Charis Owuraku , Kelly Rebecca , Hemsley Jeff
Published: February 2024

As social media continues to integrate into people’s everyday lives, some sites provide a space for people to present their work and connect with others. This study seeks to understand how Dribbble.com (hereafter, Dribbble), a site created in 2009 for visual designers to showcase their work, plays a role in the transformation of the visual design industry. We use practice theory perspectives to interpret 30 semistructured interviews with active Dribbble users. We find that the niche site Dribbble, along with the constellation of sites around it, is changing professional design practices, in both positive and negative ways. In this study, the focus looks at the ways the work of design professionals unfolds. Our participants, professional designers on Dribbble report that the site changes how they find inspiration to solve design problems, give and receive design feedback from/for other designers, and look for jobs. Our work suggests that by being a primary source of inspiration for many designers, Dribbble may be influencing trends in the wider industry. In addition, Dribbble may be nudging the design industry into a more global stance with respect to hiring designers. Our work contributes to social media studies by showing a link between a design site such as Dribbble and changing practices in the design industry. It also contributes to the literature by looking beyond Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit into practices on smaller social media sites.
An Exploration of School Counselor Experiences in a Yearlong Social Justice Program
Authors: Merlin-Knoblich Clare , Griffith Lane , Glover Brittany , Cogburn Bethani , Harper Sheree
Published: February 2024

Background: K-12 students have experienced increases in the amount of hate crimes and prejudice they encounter. School counselors are well-positioned to reduce oppression in schools, but often lack the means to develop advocacy skills that would do so. Objectives: We implemented the School Counselor Equity Fellowship (SCEF), a yearlong cohort-model social justice advocacy program for school counselors. We designed the program so that participants could develop and promote anti-oppressive, social justice advocacy skills to support their K-12 students. Research Question: What are the experiences of participants in a training program for social justice school counseling? Methods: We used a qualitative case study approach to explore participants’ experiences ( N = 12). We used an instrumental case study and Yin’s (2017) case study analysis procedures. Data came from participant journal entries written throughout the SCEF and participant interviews completed before and after the SCEF program. Findings : Seven themes characterized participant experiences in the SCEF. Participants were impacted in the program through personal multicultural factors (1), encountered positive experiences (2), and reported a range of benefits (3). Participants also faced barriers to social justice work and SCEF participation (4), as well as challenging emotions in the program (5). Lastly, participants used school data in response to SCEF participation (6) and engaged in social justice advocacy in their schools (7). Conclusions: Findings indicate that the SCEF program may serve as a promising model for supporting school counselors and their social justice advocacy work in schools.
A Brief Group Social-Belonging Intervention to Improve Mental-Health and Academic Outcomes in BIPOC and First-Generation-to-College Students
Authors: Sheets Erin S. , Young Denise
Published: February 2024

Despite greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion on college and university campuses, inequities persist. Awareness of structural and social threats to success can lead students from underrepresented identities to question whether they will fully belong at a given institution, which jeopardizes their psychological well-being and academic performance. This study tested a brief social-belonging intervention, delivered in a group format, that emphasized that first-year challenges are normative and that, over time, students develop relationships that deepen their sense of belonging. Participants ( N = 122) who reported poorer belonging at baseline experienced greater depressive symptoms, greater worry, and worse psychological well-being over the 14-month follow-up period. The intervention significantly reduced risk for major depression during the first 2 years of college and specifically reduced risk for participants experiencing more discrimination. Hypotheses that the intervention would improve psychosocial or academic outcomes specifically for Black, Indigenous, and people of color and first-generation-to-college students were not supported.
Biomechanical Comparison Between Double-Row Repair and Soft Tissue Tenodesis for Treatment of Proximal Rectus Femoris Avulsions
Authors: Nishimura Haruki , Yamaura Kohei , Stetzelberger Vera M. , Garcia Alexander R. , Brown Justin R. , Hollenbeck Justin F.M. , Mologne Mitchell S. , Uchida Soshi , Philippon Marc J.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Some patients with proximal rectus femoris (PRF) avulsions require surgical treatment after failed nonoperative treatment. There is no consensus on the superiority of suture anchor repair with the suture-bridge repair (SBR) technique versus tenodesis repair (TR) for PRF avulsions.

Purpose:

To compare the failure load and elongation at failure between SBR and TR and to compare the stiffness of these 2 repair techniques versus the native state.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Seven pairs of human cadaveric hemipelvises were dissected to the PRF and sartorius origins. Each specimen underwent preconditioning followed by a distraction test to determine the stiffness of the native specimen. One specimen of each pair received one of the repair methods (SBR or TR), while the other specimen in the pair received the other repair technique. After repair, each specimen underwent preconditioning followed by a pull to failure. The failure load, elongation at failure, stiffness, mode of failure, and stiffness as a percentage of the native state were determined for each repair.

Results:

The SBR group exhibited a stronger failure load (223 ± 51 N vs 153 ± 32 N for the TR group; P = .0116) and significantly higher stiffness as a percentage from the native state (70.4% ± 19% vs 33.8% ± 15.5% for the TR group; P = .0085). While the stiffness of the repair state in the SBR group (41.5 ± 9.4 N/mm) was not significantly different from that of the native state (66.2 ± 36 N/mm), the stiffness of the repair state in the TR group (20.3 ± 7.5 N/mm) was significantly lower compared with that of the native state (65.4 ± 22.1 N/mm; P < .001) and repair state in the SBR group (41.5 ± 9.4 N/mm; P = .02). The SBR group primarily failed at the repair site (71%), and the TR group primarily failed at the suture-sartorius interface (43%) and at the muscle (29%).

Conclusion:

SBR and TR specimens were significantly weaker than the native tendon. The stiffness of the SBR was equivalent to that of the native tendon, while TR was significantly less stiff than the native tendon. The SBR was superior to TR in terms of failure load, stiffness, and percentage stiffness from the native state.

Clinical Relevance:

SBR may be a better surgical option than TR to optimize failure load and stiffness for PRF avulsions.
Descriptive Analysis of Surgical Outcomes and Stoma Formation for Treating Sacral and Anal Pressure Injuries in Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective Study of Selected Cases
Authors: Heller Raban , Torri Marco , Gaab Jasmin , Haubruck Patrick , Moghaddam-Alvandi Arash , Biglari Bahram
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pressure injuries (PIs) arise from sustained pressure on tissue, leading to reduced blood flow to the affected area. In patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), these PIs can significantly diminish their independence and overall quality of life. This research sought to assess the frequency of surgical complications in treatment regimens for large sacral PIs involving the anus. Specifically, the study focused on the incorporation of stoma formation in patients with SCIs.

Methods

A retrospective review identified 25 SCI patients who had extensive sacral PIs. These patients underwent intestinal stoma formation as a preparatory step before plastic reconstructive surgery to address the wounds between 2015 and 2020.

Results

Successful wound closure was achieved in all instances. Notably, each patient had experienced a minimum of three unsuccessful reconstructive surgeries elsewhere before this intervention. The observed rate of surgical complications aligned with findings from previous analogous studies.

Conclusion

While often viewed as a treatment of last resort, an intestinal stoma might serve as a valuable strategy, particularly for SCI patients with extensive PIs near the anal region, to promote the healing of such injuries. Tailored decision-making is essential to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.
Utilization of Photobiomodulation for the Prevention and Treatment of Oral Mucositis
Authors: Pritchard Michele , Ogg Susan W. , Bosi Judy , Mandrell Belinda N.
Published: February 2024

Background: Oral mucositis is a significant and common toxicity experienced by patients who receive high-dose chemotherapy as a preparatory regimen for a hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been found to be feasible with significant efficacy in preventing the progression of oral mucositis in adult patients undergoing HCT. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of PBM in pediatric oncology patients undergoing HCT. Method: Forty children and adolescents admitted to the transplant unit for an allogeneic HCT for acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia were treated daily at six sites until day + 20 or engraftment. Results: There were 1,035 patient encounters, with successful treatment of four or more sites during 979 patient encounters for a feasibility 93.3% CI [0.926, 0.039]. We had estimated a meaningful effect size of 20% for PBM and estimated 51% of patients treated with PBM would have at least one day or more of Grade 3 mucositis. The rate of patients who received PBM and developed Grade 3 mucositis was 20% CI [0.091, 0.356]. Patients treated with PBM had fewer days of hospitalization ( p = .009) and less severe mucositis in comparison to the matched control group ( p = .03). Conclusion: PBM is feasible and effective in preventing and treating oral mucositis and is now supported by the Children's Oncology Group for prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing an allogeneic HCT or receiving head/neck radiation.
Research agenda and priorities for Australian and New Zealand paramedicine: A Delphi consensus study
Authors: Pap Robin , Barr Nigel , Hutchison Amy , O’Meara Peter , Simpson Paul , Reardon Matthew , Reeves Harry , Reynolds Louise , Thomson Michelle , Ross Linda
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The systematic development of a research agenda is essential for coordinated, collaborative, and efficient research endeavours in any discipline. The aim of this study was to create and prioritise a stakeholder-informed, consensus-derived paramedicine research agenda for Australia and New Zealand. Methods: The study utilised a modified Delphi consensus method consisting of three phases. Phase 1, the findings of which were previously published, consisted of a survey of Australian and New Zealand paramedicine stakeholders to inform the subsequent consensus process. Phase 2 contained three Delphi rounds involving key paramedicine profession stakeholders to generate a research agenda. Panellists were asked to rate their agreement with the inclusion of each item using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as 80% agreement signalled by ‘ Strongly Agree’ and ‘ Agree’ responses. Phase 3 involved one additional round of voting to determine the importance and thus establish priorities amongst the final list of agenda items. Results: There were 341 responses to the survey in Phase 1 and thematic analysis produced a provisional agenda consisting of 109 perceived research priorities. Sixty-three key paramedicine profession stakeholders were invited to Phases 2 and 3, of which 56 (88.9%) completed all three rounds in Phase 2, and 43 (68.3%) completed the final Phase 3. Thirty-seven items achieved consensus and were subsequently prioritised constituting the final research agenda. Panellists gave the highest priority to ‘Paramedics role in broader healthcare system’, ‘New and emerging roles in for paramedics’, ‘Patient safety’, ‘System improvement’, and ‘Clinical reasoning processes and models’. Conclusion: Using a modified Delphi consensus method and drawing from a broad range of stakeholders, a 37-item Australian and New Zealand paramedicine research agenda with item prioritisation was developed. The agenda serves to inform industry and other key stakeholders to guide their research endeavours ultimately leading to meaningful and tangible impact within the paramedicine profession.
Simcryocluster: a semantic similarity clustering method of cryo-EM images by adopting contrastive learning
Authors: Tang Huanrong , Wang Yaowu , Ouyang Jianquan , Wang Jinlin
Published: February 2024

Background

Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) plays an increasingly important role in the determination of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of macromolecules. In order to achieve 3D reconstruction results close to atomic resolution, 2D single-particle image classification is not only conducive to single-particle selection, but also a key step that affects 3D reconstruction. The main task is to cluster and align 2D single-grain images into non-heterogeneous groups to obtain sharper single-grain images by averaging calculations. The main difficulties are that the cryo-EM single-particle image has a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), cannot manually label the data, and the projection direction is random and the distribution is unknown. Therefore, in the low SNR scenario, how to obtain the characteristic information of the effective particles, improve the clustering accuracy, and thus improve the reconstruction accuracy, is a key problem in the 2D image analysis of single particles of cryo-EM.

Results

Aiming at the above problems, we propose a learnable deep clustering method and a fast alignment weighted averaging method based on frequency domain space to effectively improve the class averaging results and improve the reconstruction accuracy. In particular, it is very prominent in the feature extraction and dimensionality reduction module. Compared with the classification method based on Bayesian and great likelihood, a large amount of single particle data is required to estimate the relative angle orientation of macromolecular single particles in the 3D structure, and we propose that the clustering method shows good results.

Conclusions

SimcryoCluster can use the contrastive learning method to perform well in the unlabeled high-noise cryo-EM single particle image classification task, making it an important tool for cryo-EM protein structure determination
CytoPipeline and CytoPipelineGUI: a Bioconductor R package suite for building and visualizing automated pre-processing pipelines for flow cytometry data
Authors: Hauchamps Philippe , Bayat Babak , Delandre Simon , Hamrouni Mehdi , Toussaint Marie , Temmerman Stephane , Lin Dan , Gatto Laurent
Published: February 2024

Background

With the increase of the dimensionality in flow cytometry data over the past years, there is a growing need to replace or complement traditional manual analysis (i.e. iterative 2D gating) with automated data analysis pipelines. A crucial part of these pipelines consists of pre-processing and applying quality control filtering to the raw data, in order to use high quality events in the downstream analyses. This part can in turn be split into a number of elementary steps: signal compensation or unmixing, scale transformation, debris, doublets and dead cells removal, batch effect correction, etc. However, assembling and assessing the pre-processing part can be challenging for a number of reasons. First, each of the involved elementary steps can be implemented using various methods and R packages. Second, the order of the steps can have an impact on the downstream analysis results. Finally, each method typically comes with its specific, non standardized diagnostic and visualizations, making objective comparison difficult for the end user.

Results

Here, we present CytoPipeline and CytoPipelineGUI, two R packages to build, compare and assess pre-processing pipelines for flow cytometry data. To exemplify these new tools, we present the steps involved in designing a pre-processing pipeline on a real life dataset and demonstrate different visual assessment use cases. We also set up a benchmarking comparing two pre-processing pipelines differing by their quality control methods, and show how the package visualization utilities can provide crucial user insight into the obtained benchmark metrics.

Conclusion

CytoPipeline and CytoPipelineGUI are two Bioconductor R packages that help building, visualizing and assessing pre-processing pipelines for flow cytometry data. They increase productivity during pipeline development and testing, and complement benchmarking tools, by providing user intuitive insight into benchmarking results.