bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maneuvering penetration strategies of ballistic missiles based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Qiu Xiaoqi , Gao Changsheng , Jing Wuxing
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a ballistic missile terminal penetration scenario is studied, which contains three participants: target, missile, and defender. The ballistic missile attempts to hit the target while evading the defender. A maneuvering penetration guidance strategy that balances both the guidance accuracy and penetration capability is proposed through deep reinforcement learning. Reward shaping and random initialization are applied to improve training speed and generalization, respectively. The proposed strategy is developed based on the twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm. It directly maps observations to actions and is an end-to-end guidance scheme that does not require an accurate model. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy has higher penetration probabilities than conventional strategies for different initial heading errors and even for defenders with different guidance laws, which indicates its good robustness and generalization. For different initial heading errors, it has learned different maneuvering modes and has certain intelligence. In addition, it is computationally small, does not consume much memory, and can be easily applied on modern flight computers.
The Choice of Customer Relationship Management Approach in the Supply Chain: Examining Small Business Performance
Authors: Heileman Mark D. , Kodzi Jr Emmanuel T. , Pett Timothy L.
Published: April 2022

This study examines supply chain management approaches to customer relationship management (CRM), and how they influence the performance of small businesses. Our motivation was to relate supply chain positioning to business performance. The data for the small businesses for our study were sourced from the US Census Bureau’s survey of business owners (SBO) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS). We categorized the CRM environment for small businesses by primary customer type and by size, and examined the performance differences across these categories. Specifically, the CRM categories were business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), business-to-government/federal (B2Gf), or business-to-government/state and local (B2Gs); while the size categories were Micro (<10 employees), Mini (10–24 employees), Small-I (25–49 employees), and Small-II (50–99 employees). We found evidence of superior performance for B2B firms on several dimensions including sales, employment, as well as sales per employee and sales per payroll measures of efficiency. This study contributes to the literature by clarifying how the positioning of small businesses in the supply chain can influence their performance.
A Non-parametric Analysis of Emotional Intelligence Among Family Businesses in the Philippines
Authors: Lobo Kris G. , Rivera John Paolo R. , Hayati Babak
Published: April 2022

Being a dominant form of business organization in the Philippines, the contribution of family businesses in creating job opportunities cannot be undermined. As such, the discourses on the various facets, and functional areas in family business organization have grown. While this is the case, the gender, relationship, and emotional intelligence dimensions of family business dynamics in the Philippines have not been thoroughly studied. Hence, by subjecting survey data to non-parametric techniques, we seminally probed on whether gender and relationship explains emotional intelligence. Results revealed that our variables of interest are independent, which is contrary to literature. We argued that emotional intelligence is unpredictable, unstable, learned, taught, and acquired. Thus, because emotional intelligence is hinged on understanding one’s emotion and emotion of others, family business owners must devise ways to use and regulate these emotions toward broader goals of maximizing family wealth and sustaining the family business.
Racial Disparities in the Timing of Alveolar Bone Grafting
Authors: Patmon Darin , Carlson Anna , Girotto John
Published: April 2022

Standard bone grafting between ages 6 and 12 has become the preferred treatment of choice for alveolar clefts. Given the importance of surgical timing in complete cleft palate repairs, it is important to identify any populations at-risk for delayed alveolar bone grafting. The purpose of this study is to identify whether a racial disparity is present nationally in the timing of alveolar bone grafting.

Retrospective analysis Setting: Hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP).

Inclusion criteria involved patients who underwent alveolar bone grafting identified by current procedure terminology (CPT) code 42210 between years 2012 and 2019. Patients were stratified by age at time of operation based on the following parameters: early bone grafting (before 6 years of age), standard bone grafting (between 6 and 12 years of age), and late bone grafting (after 12 years of age).

Racial and ethnic differences in the age of patients at the time of alveolar bone grafting.

Overall, 20.28% of the cohort received alveolar bone graft after 12 years of age. African American (29.33%) and Hispanic (24.42%) patients received late alveolar bone grafting more frequently than other racial and ethnic groups ( P < .001).

Racial and ethnic disparities are present in the frequency at which patients receive late alveolar bone grafting for complete cleft palates. Given the suboptimal surgical results of late compared to standard alveolar bone grafting it is important to further investigate the driving factors of these disparities.
The Word on the Street: Science Is Not Advocacy, but Publishing Research Is
Authors: Rice Darryl B.
Published: April 2022

The title of this GOMusing is “The Word On The Street: Science Is Not Advocacy, But Publishing Research Is” and the goal of this GOMusing is to challenge us to re-examine our assumptions about a topic and spark debate around the phrase “science is not advocacy.” While I agree science is not advocacy, I make an argument about how the process of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals is an act of advocacy. I accomplish this by explaining five way researchers engage in advocacy. Specifically, (1) we advocate that our study’s shortcomings are common limitations rather than fatal flaws, (2) we advocate for our research methodology of choice, (3) we advocate for using best practices in our research designs and methods, (4) we advocate for our theoretical framework of choice, and (5) we advocate for a better peer-review process.
Malignant Mixed Epithelial and Stromal Tumor of the Kidney: Report of a Carcinosarcoma Case and an Updated Literature Review
Authors: Yu Jiaqi , Yu Shili , Jia Meng , Gao Hongwen , Sun Ping-Li
Published: April 2022

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumors of the kidney (MESTK) are rare and recently defined entities that comprise both epithelial and stromal cells. MESTK is mostly benign; however, to date, 18 borderline or malignant cases have been reported. In this study, we report a case of carcinosarcoma exhibiting a large carcinoma and small sarcoma component, and review the relevant literature. The patient was a 59-year-old woman who presented with a large mass in the left kidney having solid and focal cystic components. The patient underwent left radical nephrectomy. The tumor was gray-white and solid-cystic, with a relatively clear boundary. Microscopically, the tumor revealed benign and malignant components. The benign component consisted of multiple tubules, variable-sized cysts lined with benign epithelium, and hyalinized stroma. The malignant component was composed of predominantly small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and a small quantity of adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcoma. Finally, a diagnosis of the malignant MESTK was made. Certain cases of borderline or malignant transformation of MESTK have been published, so it is important to enhance findings made by other studies.
Investigation on the EPC method in analyzing the nonlinear oscillators under both harmonic and Gaussian white noise excitations
Authors: Zhu Zhihui , Gong Wei , Yu Zhiwu , Wang Kun
Published: April 2022

The objective of the current paper is to study and extend the exponential-polynomial-closure (EPC) method in analyzing the non-stationary response probabilistic solutions of nonlinear stochastic oscillators excited by combined deterministic harmonic and Gaussian white noise excitations. The probabilistic solution of the non-stationary responses of nonlinear stochastic oscillator is expressed as an exponential function of polynomial with time-variant coefficients and then the Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov equation is solved approximately. Two validation examples are presented. The results obtained by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and EPC method are presented to show their good agreement, which confirms the effectiveness of the EPC method for the probabilistic solutions to nonlinear stochastic oscillators. The advantage of the EPC method for analyzing the oscillators with strong nonlinearities is investigated by comparison with Equivalent Linearization method. Furthermore, compared with MCS, the computational efficiency by using the EPC method is increased by about 56 times in the first example and 44 times in the second example.
Consenting Participation? How Demands for Citizen Participation and Expert-Led Decision-Making Are Reconciled in Local Democracy
Authors: Butzlaff Felix
Published: April 2022

The rising participatory demands of citizens have been addressed with a variety of democratic innovations. However, increasing demands for democratization have been accompanied by a parallel rise in scepticism and doubt about the capabilities of representative democracies to ensure policy efficacy. I seek to address this democratic ambivalence by focusing on the demands for citizen participation in the context of local democracy. In a series of qualitative interviews, and using Vienna’s Seestadt Aspern, Europe’s biggest city development project, as an illustration, I examine (a) bottom-up and top-down understandings of democracy and participation among administration, city-planners and citizens and (b) strategies to reconcile inconsistent expectations of participation. I show that conflicting understandings of participation are dealt with in different settings and that, despite a public commitment to democratic participation, citizens, city-planners and administration alike expect a democratically concealed yet controlled management process allegedly ensuring more efficacious policy decisions.
The Co-Occurrence of Intimate Partner Violence and Violence Against Children: A Systematic Review on Associated Factors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Pearson Isabelle , Page Sabrina , Zimmerman Cathy , Meinck Franziska , Gennari Floriza , Guedes Alessandra , Stöckl Heidi
Published: April 2022

Violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC) are public health issues of global concern. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a commonly occurring form of VAW and there is evidence to suggest that IPV and VAC frequently co-occur within the same families. This systematic literature review searched for studies published in any language between 1st January 2000 to 16th February 2021 and identified 33 studies that provided findings for co-occurring IPV and VAC in 24 low- and middle-income countries (PROSPERO: CRD42020180179). These studies were split into subgroups based on the types of co-occurring violence they present and meta-analyses were conducted to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) within these subgroups. Our results indicate a significant association between IPV and VAC, with all pooled ORs showing a significant positive association between the two. Almost half of the studies focused exclusively on co-occurrence between male-to-female IPV and female caregiver-to-child VAC; few authors reported on male caregiver-to-child violence. Only three studies identified risk factors for co-occurring IPV and VAC, and those that did suggested conflicting findings on the risks associated with maternal age, alcohol and drug use, and parental education level. We also found incongruity in the violence definitions and measurements used across studies. Future research should aim to develop more consistent definitions and measurements for co-occurrence and move beyond solely examining dyadic and unidirectional violence occurrence in families; this will allow us to better understand the interrelationships between these different forms of abuse.
Perioperative Vasopressors are Associated with Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients in a Primarily Black and Hispanic Cohort
Authors: Benken Jamie , Lichvar Alicia , Benedetti Enrico , Behnam Jessica , Kaur Arashpreet , Rahman Syeda , Nishioka Hokuto , Hubbard Colin , Benken Scott T.
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Negative outcome studies of vasopressors in kidney transplant have not focused on patient populations that are predominantly Black or Hispanic. Project Aims: The evaluation sought to investigate the independent impact of perioperative vasopressors on postoperative renal allograft function in a sample drawn from a primarily Black and Hispanic population. Design: Retrospective, observational, single-center evaluation of patients > 18 years old who underwent kidney transplantation comparing outcomes based on vasopressor exposure. Results: The study included 150 patients of which 60 received vasopressors. The primary outcome differed between groups with delayed graft function occurring in 17(28%) versus 11(12.2%) occurring more often in those that received perioperative vasopressors (P = 0.02). The serum creatinine at postoperative day 7 was higher (2.69 vs1.52 mg/dL, P = 0.004), postoperative day 7 eGFR was worse (27.3 vs 52.9 mL/min/1.73m2, P = 0.002) in patients who received vasopressors. Patients who received perioperative vasopressors experienced more postoperative arrhythmias (15% vs 8%, P = 0.007), insulin infusion therapy (26.7% vs 13.3%, P = 0.04), and increased hospital length of stay (6 days vs 5 days, P = 0.006). Using IPWRA, patients receiving vasopressors were more likely to experience delayed function, relative risk difference of 22% (95% CI:0.08-0.35;P = 0.002) and in multivariate logistic regression modeling, an increased odds ratio of 3.2 (95% CI:1.1-8.62;P = 0.022). Conclusions: The use of perioperative vasopressors was independently associated with worsened early renal allograft function including delayed graft function, increased adverse events such as postoperative arrhythmias, and longer ICU length of stay. Further investigation is needed surrounding vasopressor use in this population.
“You’ve Got to Do Something”: Developing Occupational Therapists’ Role in End-of-Life Care
Authors: Chow Janice Kishi , Pickens Noralyn Davel , Fletcher Tina , Thompson Mary , Bowyer Patricia
Published: April 2022

Occupational therapists support the occupational participation of people who are dying yet remain underutilized in end-of-life care. The purpose of this article was to explore how occupational therapists develop their role in end-of-life care to provide strategies to address underutilization. Using a grounded-theory method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 occupational therapists. Three themes emerged which demonstrate participants’ role development process. Participants’ experiences with dying (Close Experience of Loss) often instilled the importance of end-of-life care. Led by these convictions (Willing to Do It), participants developed skills for end-of-life care. Reflecting on their experiences and treatment outcomes (Making a Difference), participants self-validated their role. The Model of Occupational Therapists’ Role Development in End-of-Life Care captured this process. Personal experiences and critical self-reflection may provide an adaptive means to drive role development and appropriately increase end-of-life care occupational therapy utilization.
Understanding the Impact of Trauma in Hispanic Nursing Students: Resilience and Learning Outcomes
Authors: Fowler Karen R. , Wholeben Melissa Anne
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The purpose of the research was to examine the relationship between Hispanic nursing students’ trauma experiences and the influence on resilience and learning outcomes. Methods: The study used quantitative, correlational methods to analyze the data. The survey tool included the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire, a resilience scale, and results from a standardized academic exam. Data Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and multivariate correlation analysis. Results: The results provide evidence of a negative relationship between trauma levels and resilience. As students’ trauma scores increased their level of resilience decreased. No observed significant relationship between the Hispanic nursing student’s lived trauma and learning outcomes was noted. Conclusion: This study will help in understanding the stressors that might affect students and help educators to create environments within the classroom that will allow students to overcome these stressors. Evidence identified that Hispanic nursing students experienced multiple traumatic childhood events. Through the study of traumatic experiences in nursing students, we garner insights into the prevalence of adverse experiences in this population. Additionally, given projections of a nursing shortage, evidence that lends insights to ensure Hispanic nursing student success will ultimately benefit nursing and patient care.
Contextual Preconditions to Foster Transformative Learning: A Recursive Process, Activity, and Core Elements
Authors: Moström Åberg Marie
Published: April 2022

The need of being able to foster transformative learning (TL) has increased due to the demands for continuous development in today’s work life. Previous research has proposed six core elements to foster TL; however, in these a process perspective is missing. By using an adaptive approach and inspired by action research, drawing on teachers’ experiences, the aim of this article is to deepen the understanding of how teachers can create contextual preconditions to foster TL. The empirical data was based on teachers’ narratives, interviews with students, and observations from a university course. This article contributes by proposing a framework for contextual preconditions to foster TL by extending the six core elements with a recursive process and activity. To foster TL, the importance of continuously adapting the preconditions to the needs of each specific educational situation is emphasized.
The Moral Service of Trans NPCs: Examining the Roles of Transgender Non-Player Characters in Role-Playing Video Games
Authors: Kosciesza Aiden J.
Published: April 2022

Before 2020, no big-budget, mainstream video games featured playable transgender characters, relegating them instead to the role of non-player characters (NPCs). Through a textual analysis of Bioware’s 2014 title Dragon Age: Inquisition, Ubisoft’s 2016 Watch Dogs 2, and Naughty Dog’s 2020 The Last of Us Part II—three role-playing games that feature explicitly transgender NPCs—and a discourse analysis of media surrounding the games’ release, this paper examines the narrative roles afforded to transgender characters. Drawing from the “magical Negro” trope in film studies, I propose the term “magical transness” to describe the unique role of transgender supporting characters whose victimization provides the opportunity for cisgender protagonists to act heroically. This paper interrogates transgender representation and its relationship to media discourses about diversity and inclusion and discusses the political implications of transgender NPCs’ placement in roles of moral service.
Effect of Germacrene-Rich Essential Oil of Parentucellia latifolia (L.) Caruel Collected in Central Sicily on the Growth of Microorganisms Inhabiting Historical Textiles
Authors: Badalamenti Natale , Bruno Maurizio , Formisano Carmen , Rigano Daniela
Published: April 2022

In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Parentucellia latifolia (L.) Caruel collected in Central Sicily was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed the presence of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, with germacrene D and germacrene B accounting, respectively, for 59.2% and 24.3% of the total oil. Different colonies of bacteria and fungi frequently affect cellulosic objects such as books stored in libraries and museums. The antibacterial and antifungal activity against some microorganisms infesting historical-artistic craftsmanship was determined, demonstrating that the essential oil was particularly active against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus vulgaris.
Gram-negative bacteria isolates and their antibiotic-resistance patterns among pediatrics patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review
Authors: Kebede Bekalu , Yihunie Wubetu , Abebe Dehnnet , Addis Tegegne Bantayehu , Belayneh Anteneh
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the serious threats in the world, including Ethiopia. Even though several studies were conducted to estimate common bacteria and their antibiotic-resistance profile in Ethiopia, it is difficult to estimate the overall resistant patterns due to the lack of a nationwide study. This systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence of gram-negative bacteria isolates and their antibiotic-resistance profile among pediatrics patients in Ethiopia.

Methods:

A web-based search using PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Hinari, Sci-Hub, African Journals Online Library, and free-text web searches using Google Scholar was conducted from August to September 16, 2021. Each of the original articles was searched by Boolean search technique using various keywords and was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. The data were extracted using Microsoft Excel format and exported to STATA 14.0 for statistical analyses.

Results:

The database search delivered a total of 2,684 studies. After articles were removed by duplications, title, reading the abstract, and assessed for eligibility criteria, 19 articles were included in the systematic review. Of a total of 1372 (16.77%) culture-positive samples, 735 (53.57%) were gram-negative. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated bacteria followed by Klebsiella species, 139/1372 (10.13%), and 125/1372(9.11%), respectively. More than 66.67% of isolates were resistant to ampicillin except for Neisseria meningitidis which was 32.35% (11/34). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiela species, and Citrobacter species were 100% resistance for cefepime. Haemophilus influenzae was 100% resistant to meropenem. Salmonella species were 93.30%, 78.26%, and 63.64% resistant to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole, respectively.

Conclusion:

Gram-negative bacteria were identified as the common pathogen causing infection in pediatrics and the level of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics was significantly higher in Ethiopia. Culture and susceptibility tests and well-designed infection control programs are important measures.
Let presidents fail: Congressional deference to presidents as gambling on failure
Authors: Kang Myunghoon
Published: April 2022

Congress’s power of the purse is effective enough to block the implementation of a policy Congress disagrees with, especially in the case of foreign policies initiated by presidents. However, it is puzzling that congressional deference to presidents, instead of defiance, has been common. Conventionally, presidents’ informational advantages over Congress have been presented as the main account for congressional deference. This account connotes that congressional deference is Congress’s surrender to presidents because Congress wants a successful outcome and presidents’ policies are more likely to succeed. However, I present a model demonstrating that congressional deference occurs even if there is no such asymmetric information. The result is that the deference can be Congress’s gambling on presidents’ failure. Congress may defer to presidents not because Congress wants the success of presidents’ policies but because Congress wants to show presidents’ failure to convince voters that Congress’s policy is better than those of presidents.
An Investigation Into Chinese EFL Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Stress as Predictors of Engagement and Emotional Exhaustion
Authors: Xu Rui , Jia Xun
Published: April 2022

Given the role of stress and self-efficacy on educators in the process of language learning and teaching, it is postulated that further elements such as teachers’ emotional exhaustion and work engagement had a remarkable role in the educational process both for teachers and learners; however, the predictor role of self-efficacy and stress remains uninvestigated and much ambiguity still exists about the relation between. A total of 295 male and female Chinese EFL teachers who were teaching English in 21 provinces kindly accepted to attend this study. They were asked to fill out four questionnaires, including the teacher self-efficacy scale, work engagement scale, teacher stress scale, and teachers’ emotional exhaustion scale. For the first question of the study, Pearson coefficient of correlation was used while for the second one, a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was run. The results of the study demonstrated a positive relationship between teachers’ work engagement and self-efficacy, while a negative correlation exists between overall work engagement and stress, emotional exhaustion and work engagement, and emotional exhaustion and work engagement. Moreover, there is no significant correlation between self-efficacy and stress. The findings of the study also signified that both self-efficacy and stress meaningfully predict students’ emotional exhaustion and work engagement. In conclusion, some implications and suggestions have been presented for language teaching stakeholders in language learning situations.
Disruptive Innovations and Paradigm Shifts in Journalism as a Business: From Advertisers First to Readers First and Traditional Operational Models to the AI Factory
Authors: Bakke Nils Arne , Barland Jens
Published: April 2022

Since the early years of the 21st century, the newspaper industries of Western liberal democracies have been in a perpetual crisis caused by disruptive digital innovators outside the industry. Until recently, the industry and researchers have conveyed a predominantly pessimistic view of the future. This paper argues that after numerous unsuccessful innovations, the industry is now in the middle of a global paradigm shift with a huge impact on journalism as a business and showing a promising path forward. The new “Readers First Paradigm” is replacing “Advertisers First” The former constitutes a new way of doing business, consisting of two main changes: a revised value proposition focusing on reader preferences and subscriptions; a fully digitized operational model built around AI and machine learning. The article shows that until recently, the paradigm shift has been largely overlooked by researchers in the field. Further, a theoretical framework of industrial paradigm shifts is developed to describe and explain the new paradigm’s emergence and growth. Additionally, a generic “ideal-type” systemic description of the paradigm is provided, identifying the individual components and how they work together.
Tunnel Vision and Confirmation Bias Among Police Investigators and Laypeople in Hypothetical Criminal Contexts
Authors: Elaad Eitan
Published: April 2022

Tunnel vision is the tendency of actors in the criminal justice system to use short-cuts to filter evidence selectively to build a case for a suspect’s conviction. Confirmation bias tends to favor information that confirms an individual’s preconceptions independently of the information’s accuracy: the present study manipulated tunnel vision and confirmation bias. The purpose was to examine the combined effects of these biases on Israeli police investigators and laypeople in hypothetical criminal investigation situations. Results indicated that police investigators were more strongly affected than laypersons by tunnel vision. Police investigators were more confident about the suspect’s guilt than were laypeople in the presence of incriminating and exonerating information, alike. Still, investigators did not ignore exonerating information and lowered their confidence in the suspect’s guilt when exonerating information was presented. We discussed the results according to police legitimacy and self-assessed lie-detection ability, which is rated higher by police investigators than by laypeople.
It’s is Time to Make More Goals So I Can Keep Pushing: Hope, Growth, and Well-Being Among Young Black Women
Authors: Booker Jordan A. , Brakke Karen , Pierre Natasha
Published: April 2022

Well-being is important for everyone. However, some of our assumptions about well-being and personality have not been well-tested among historically excluded groups. Using a mixed-methods design, we considered young Black women’s hope, growth, and well-being. We hypothesized that endorsements of hope and expressions narrated of growth would be positively associated with well-being. We also tested for the presence of lay themes about well-being in life stories. Fifty-nine Black women from a southeastern US, Historically Black college ( M age = 19.25 years, SD = 1.27) reported on dispositional hope, provided three narratives about life challenges, and completed questionnaires regarding psychological well-being. Consistent with expectations, hope and growth were positively associated with multiple domains of well-being. Further, a content analysis supported existing lay themes of well-being among stories with more growth. Women who expressed growth also incorporated themes of emotional intimacy, competence, moral worth, and regard for their physical and mental health.
Four Types of Individuation: Further Evidence From Two Central-European Countries
Authors: Zupančič Maja , Sirsch Ulrike , Žan Lep  , Kavčič Tina
Published: April 2022

This study employed the Individuation Test for Emerging Adults-Short (ITEA-S) to identify groups of emerging adults sharing similar individuation profiles (types) in relation to mother and father separately. Two-step clustering procedures of self-report data of Slovenian and Austrian participants suggested four internally replicable types of individuation across parents and countries: dependent, anxious, individuated-related, and individuated-independent. We revealed a moderate cross-parent structural consistency of the types and a fair cross-parent consistency of the participants’ type membership within each country. The structural consistency across countries was moderate for the types in relation to mother, but almost perfect in relation to father. Overall, individuals assigned to the anxious type scored the lowest and those classified as individuated-related scored the highest on emotional and psychological well-being (PWB. The results suggest the robustness of the ITEA-S types across parents in the two countries, and their associations with positive outcomes, supporting the validity of the types.
Case controlled study for determination of risk factors in abdominal wall endometriosis following a cesarean section
Authors: Erdoğan Pınar , Erdoğan Alirıza , Bolat Hacı , Özbey Caner
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) is the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue in abdominal wall and is most frequently encountered in women with previous cesarean section (CS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible risk factors of AWE development. Methods: Women with previous CS and pathologically confirmed AWE were included into the study ( n = 33). Controls ( n = 127) were randomly selected among women who had previous CS and absence of AWE were confirmed by physical examination. Clinical characteristics of the patient and the CS operation preceding AWE were recorded. Results: CS was performed before onset of labor in 87.9% in AWE and in 59.1% of control group ( p = 0.002). The antenatal BMI and weight gain during pregnancy were significantly higher in AWE patients ( p < 0.0001; p = 0.002, respectively). In logistic regression model procedure duration ( p = 0.039; OR = 1083), antenatal BMI ( p = 0.003; OR = 1254), weight gain ( p = 0.002; OR = 1171), and CS before spontaneous labor ( p = 0.021; OR = 5169) were significant parameters for predicting AWE. Discussion: High antenatal BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and longer duration of operation are all factors effecting subsequent AWE development. However, CS before spontaneous labor is by far the most powerful risk factor for AWE development.
Undernutrition and Associated Risk Factors among Adult HIV/AIDS Patients Attending Antiretroviral Therapy at Public Hospitals of Bench Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Shifera Nigusie , Yosef Tewodros , Matiyas Rahel , Kassie Ayechew , Assefa Ashenafi , Molla Abebaw
Published: April 2022

Even though there are advancements in the treatment of patients with HIV, many deaths are related to undernutrition. Despite this fact, the burden of undernutrition and associated factors among adults receiving ART is a significant shortcoming in the study area. A cross-sectional study was done in public hospitals of the Bench-Sheko zone. Face-to-face interviews were used to gather information. Odds ratio with a 95% confidence level was used to identify determinants of undernutrition. The proportion of undernutrition, normal, and overweight were 29.2%, 61.2%, and 9.6% respectively. Food insecurity, poor ART adherence, low CD4 count, and substance use were factors associated with under nutrition among HIV patients. Undernutrition was so high in comparison to other studies in Ethiopia; the local concerned bodies should focus on identified risk factors for improving HIV/AIDS treatment via health education, nutritional assistance and counseling.
Antecedents to Child Placement in Residential Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wilke Nicole G. , Howard Amanda Hiles , Todorov Sarah , Bautista Justine , Medefind Jedd
Published: April 2022

Individual studies suggest most children and youth in residential care centres (RCCs) have living parents, and parental death is not the primary antecedent to placement in residential care. The goal of the present review was to examine the literature to better understand the primary antecedents to placement in RCCs overall. One hundred thirty-two studies, including 60,683 children in 47 nations meet eligibility criteria for inclusion for the overarching review of antecedents of placement. Primary information sources for this review were the Academic Search Complete, PubMed and ProQuest Central databases. Studies were included that reported on antecedents to placement for children living in RCCs for the purpose of care. Fourteen antecedent themes were identified from the literature. Regional trends for antecedents were assessed. Globally, the most frequent antecedents were parental death, maltreatment and health of children or parents. Understanding antecedents to placement is vital for preventing unnecessary separation of children from parental care, for facilitating appropriate family reintegration and for creation of the most appropriate and effective options for alternative care when necessary.
Old Dog, New Trick: Efficacy of Self-Directed Procedural Training for Attending Critical Care Physicians
Authors: Reaven Matthew , Connor-Schuler Randi , Bender William , Daniels Lisa
Published: April 2022

Background

In teaching hospitals, the majority of central venous lines (CVL) are placed by trainees, resulting in little opportunity for attending critical care physicians to maintain this procedural skill. Additionally, not all attending critical care physicians have been trained in the most up-to-date method of dynamic ultrasound (US) guided CVL placement. Furthermore, there is no standardized method to assess procedural competency of attending critical care physicians or to train them in the evolving practice of CVL placement. Despite these limitations, attending critical care physicians are ultimately responsible for supervision of CVL placement by trainees.

Objective

To assess the utility of an instructional video to impact attending critical care physicians’ competency and confidence in dynamic US guided CVL placement.

Methods

A pre-post intervention study was conducted at an academic medical center. Attending critical care physicians were first asked to obtain CVL access on a gelatin model using US guidance. They then participated in the intervention, which consisted of watching a short instructional video demonstrating a method of dynamic US guided CVL placement. They were then asked to obtain access again, this time using the described method. All CVL placements were video recorded to assess competency in dynamic US guided CVL placement as well as the time required to obtain CVL access. Two blinded and independent reviewers evaluated each video with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Participants were also surveyed pre and post intervention to assess their confidence in performing and supervising CVL placement.

Results

A total of 21 attending critical care physicians were included. Pre-intervention, four used dynamic US guidance compared to 16 post-intervention ( P < .001). Confidence in both CVL placement and supervision improved post-intervention ( P = .03 each). Time required to obtain CVL access did not differ significantly pre and post intervention. The majority (20/21) believed there should be required competency testing for CVL placement.

Conclusions

Pre-intervention dynamic US guided CVL competency was poor in this sample of attending critical care physicians but improved significantly with an instructional video intervention. This study suggests there is a role for procedural competency testing among attending critical care physicians, and that significant improvement is achievable with relatively minimal instruction.
Heat transfer analysis on Engine oil-based hybrid nanofluid past an exponentially stretching permeable surface with Cu/Al2O3 additives
Authors: Pattnaik Pradyumna Kumar , Mishra Satyaranjan , Baag Sushama
Published: April 2022

The flow characteristic of the two-dimensional conducting hybrid nanofluid past an exponentially stretching permeable surface is analyzed. Flow through variable thicker surface for the free convective flow associated with transverse magnetic field in the flow phenomenon that enriches the study. The specialty of the model is the use of effective conductivity property considering the Mintsa model and the effective viscosity with the help of the Gharesim model for the enhancement of heat transport properties. Depending upon the recent applications related to industrial products, engineering as well as bio-medical science nanofluids are used as the best coolant. A comparative study is carried out for the transformed governing equations using both approximate analytical, that is, “ Variational Iteration Method” (VIM), “ Homotopy Perturbation Method” (HPM), and numerical techniques such as the in-build MATLAB command bvp5c. The simulated result in connection to the behavior of the physical parameters is deployed through graphs. The current outcomes validate the earlier established results in particular cases showing the conformity and the convergence of the methodology adopted. However, the observation shows that, shear rate retards with the significant enhancement in the particle concentration of the metal nanoparticles as well as the suction further the heat transfer rate enhanced. The fluid velocity profile boosts up for the increasing thermal buoyancy parameter whereas the reverse impact is rendered in the fluid temperature.
The impact of topiramate, botulinum toxin type A, and CGRP-antibodies on medication overuse headache in patients with chronic migraine: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Giri Samita , Tronvik Erling , Linde Mattias , Hagen Knut
Published: April 2022

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is defined as headache occurring ≥15 days/month developing as a consequence of regular overuse of acute or symptomatic headache medication for more than 3 months. MOH is present in more than 50% of patients with chronic migraine (CM). Although, studies have shown a positive impact for MOH patients of early introduction of preventive treatment and withdrawal of overused medication, uncertainties remain. The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the relative impact of topiramate, botulinum toxin type A, and human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor (CGRPr) among MOH patients with CM. The PRISMA guideline for conducting systematic review will be followed. CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases will be searched. RCTs reporting outcomes such as change in migraine/headache frequency, change from MOH to no MOH, and ≥50% response rate will be included. The effect will be measured as mean difference (MD) for continuous data and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous data. Heterogeneity across studies will be assessed using the Cochrane I2 statistics. The Cochrane RoB2 tool will be used to assess risk of bias, and the quality of evidence for outcomes will be rated according to five factors defined in Cochrane GRADE approach. The revision of the included articles, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality rating of evidence will be independently done by two reviewers. Any discrepancies will be resolved through consensus with the third reviewer.
Pornography—Is It Good for Sexual Health? A Systematic Review
Authors: Hakkim Saira , Parsa Ali Davod , Arafat S. M. Yasir , Mahmud Ilias , Sathian Brijesh , Sivasubramanian Madhini , Kabir Russell
Published: April 2022

Aim:

The topic of pornography use is controversial. It is important to understand how young people use pornography and determine whether pornography use has adverse effects on health and well-being.

Methods:

A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL plus, and Cochrane library) with appropriate MeSH terms “sexual health” and “pornography” and Boolean operators “AND” and “OR,” using SPIDER search strategy tools (sample, phenomenon of interest, design, evaluation, and research type). 11 articles were proceeded with systematic review after critical appraisal following PRISMA guidelines.

Results:

The major findings of the study imply that traditional and unimaginative activities depicted in some pornography and sexualized media are harmful because they impose restricted and circumscribed concepts of sex and sexuality. As a result, sexism, sexual objectification, neoliberal sexual consumerism, and sexual variety are reproduced and reinforced rather than promoted. FPU is linked to better levels of sexual comfort and self-acceptance and reduced levels of anxiety, shame, and guilt over sexual behavior. Pornography consumption has also been linked to increased arousal and orgasm responses, a greater interest in sex, acceptance of various sexual acts, and more sexual experimentation.

Conclusion:

Watching pornography may be a healthy phenomenon if it is occasional, not impairing the personal and social life; however, it can become pathological if watched excessively and impairs the individual’s functioning.
Recent advances for cancer detection and treatment by microfluidic technology, review and update
Authors: Bargahi Nasrin , Ghasemali Samaneh , Jahandar-Lashaki Samaneh , Nazari Atefeh
Published: April 2022

Numerous cancer-associated deaths are owing to a lack of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Microfluidic systems for analyzing a low volume of samples offer a precise, quick, and user-friendly technique for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Microfluidic devices can detect many cancer-diagnostic factors from biological fluids and also generate appropriate nanoparticles for drug delivery. Thus, microfluidics may be valuable in the cancer field due to its high sensitivity, high throughput, and low cost. In the present article, we aim to review recent achievements in the application of microfluidic systems for the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. Although microfluidic platforms are not yet used in the clinic, they are expected to become the main technology for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Microfluidic systems are proving to be more sensitive and accurate for the detection of cancer biomarkers and therapeutic strategies than common assays. Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip platforms have shown remarkable potential in the designing of novel procedures for cancer detection, therapy, and disease follow-up as well as the development of new drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.
Identifying pleiotropic variants and candidate genes for fertility and reproduction traits in Holstein cattle via association studies based on imputed whole-genome sequence genotypes
Authors: Chen Shi-Yi , Schenkel Flavio S. , Melo Ana L. P. , Oliveira Hinayah R. , Pedrosa Victor B. , Araujo Andre C. , Melka Melkaye G. , Brito Luiz F.
Published: April 2022

Background

Genetic progress for fertility and reproduction traits in dairy cattle has been limited due to the low heritability of most indicator traits. Moreover, most of the quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes associated with these traits remain unknown. In this study, we used 5.6 million imputed DNA sequence variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 18 fertility and reproduction traits in Holstein cattle. Aiming to identify pleiotropic variants and increase detection power, multiple-trait analyses were performed using a method to efficiently combine the estimated SNP effects of single-trait GWAS based on a chi-square statistic.

Results

There were 87, 72, and 84 significant SNPs identified for heifer, cow, and sire traits, respectively, which showed a wide and distinct distribution across the genome, suggesting that they have relatively distinct polygenic nature. The biological functions of immune response and fatty acid metabolism were significantly enriched for the 184 and 124 positional candidate genes identified for heifer and cow traits, respectively. No known biological function was significantly enriched for the 147 positional candidate genes found for sire traits. The most important chromosomes that had three or more significant QTL identified are BTA22 and BTA23 for heifer traits, BTA8 and BTA17 for cow traits, and BTA4, BTA7, BTA17, BTA22, BTA25, and BTA28 for sire traits. Several novel and biologically important positional candidate genes were strongly suggested for heifer (SOD2, WTAP, DLEC1, PFKFB4, TRIM27, HECW1, DNAH17, and ADAM3A), cow (ANXA1, PCSK5, SPESP1, and JMJD1C), and sire (ELMO1, CFAP70, SOX30, DGCR8, SEPTIN14, PAPOLB, JMJD1C, and NELL2) traits.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to better understand the underlying biological mechanisms of fertility and reproduction traits measured in heifers, cows, and sires, which may contribute to improve genomic evaluation for these traits in dairy cattle.