bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rasch Analysis of the Teacher Social and Emotional Learning Beliefs Scale (TSELBS) in Chinese Context
Authors: Xiong Huaxia , Xue Mingfeng , Di Guan , Mao Yaqing , Qiao Enhui
Published: July 2024

The impact of teachers’ beliefs on the implementation and effectiveness of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs underscores the essential need for reliable measures of these beliefs. This study aims to explore and validate the psychometric properties of the Teacher Social and Emotional Learning Beliefs Scale (TSELBS) within the Chinese educational context, utilizing the Partial Credit Model of the Rasch family models. Through the analysis of responses from 893 Chinese teachers, our findings confirm the reliability, validity, and robust psychometric properties of the TSELBS, making it a valuable instrument for assessing educators’ SEL beliefs. Additionally, our results indicate that the TSELBS demonstrates fairness across gender, educational levels, and areas. These outcomes emphasize the critical role of culturally sensitive methods in evaluating SEL beliefs and lay a foundational step for future cross-cultural research in this domain. This contribution advances the global conversation on SEL, facilitating further studies on similar validations across diverse cultural settings.
Two-Year Longitudinal Outcomes of Subjective Cognitive Decline in Hispanics Compared to Non-hispanic Whites
Authors: Boza-Calvo Carolina , Faustin Arline , Zhang Yian , Briggs Anthony Q. , Bernard Mark A. , Bubu Omonigho M. , Rao Julia A. , Gurin Lindsey , Tall Sakina Ouedraogo , Osorio Ricardo S. , Marsh Karyn , Shao Yongzhao , Masurkar Arjun V.
Published: July 2024

Background

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), considered a preclinical dementia stage, is less understood in Hispanics, a high-risk group for dementia. We investigated SCD to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression risk, as well as baseline and longitudinal features of depressive symptoms, SCD complaints, and objective cognitive performance among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW).

Methods

Hispanic (n = 23) and NHW (n = 165) SCD participants were evaluated at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Evaluations assessed function, depressive symptoms, SCD, and objective cognitive performance.

Results

Hispanics were at increased risk of progression to MCI (OR: 6.10, 95% CI 1.09-34.20, P = .040). Hispanic participants endorsed more depressive symptoms at baseline ( P = .048) that worsened more longitudinally (OR: 3.16, 95% CI 1.18-8.51, P = .023). Hispanic participants had increased SCD complaints on the Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS) (β = .40 SE: .17, P = .023), and in specific BCRS domains: concentration (β = .13, SE: .07, P = .047), past memory (β = .13, SE: .06, P = .039) and functional abilities (β = .10, SE: .05, P = .037). In objective cognitive performance, Hispanic ethnicity associated with decline in MMSE (β = −.27, SE: .13, P = .039), MoCA (β = −.80 SE: .34, P = .032), Trails A (β = 2.75, SE: .89, P = .002), Trails B (β = 9.18, SE: 2.71, P = .001) and Guild Paragraph Recall Delayed (β = −.80 SE: .28, P = .005). Conclusions: Hispanic ethnicity associated with a significantly increased risk of 2-year progression of SCD to MCI compared to NHW. This increased risk associated with increased depressive symptoms, distinctive SCD features, and elevated amnestic and non-amnestic objective cognitive decline. This supports further research to refine the assessment of preclinical dementia in this high-risk group.
Pyridostigmine for the Management of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension: A Systemic Review
Authors: Holder Amanda C. , Dylewski Angela , Brown Jamie N.
Published: July 2024

Background

Pyridostigmine is hypothesized to improve neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) symptoms without causing or exacerbating supine hypertension. The objective of this review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pyridostigmine for management of nOH.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL was performed in December 2023 for prospective trials with a placebo or active comparator.

Results

Four randomized and two non-randomized studies were reviewed. Three studies utilizing a single dose, crossover design found significant differences of orthostatics using adjunctive pyridostigmine. Two studies assessing longer-term endpoints demonstrated conflicting efficacy of pyridostigmine with one trial finding significant improvement in orthostatics and symptoms after three months of therapy. Use of pyridostigmine did not lead to supine hypertension with most adverse effects being cholinergic.

Conclusion

Pyridostigmine may be considered as an adjunctive medication in individuals with nOH refractory to standard treatment options as it carries a favorable safety profile with low risk for supine hypertension.
Perceived barriers to peritoneal dialysis utilization amongst South Asian nephrologists
Authors: Bhargava Vinant , Meena Priti , Agrawaal Krishna Kumar , Wijayaratne Dilushi , Kar Shubharthi , Qayyum Ahad , Sultana Azmeri , Shiham Ibrahim , Brown Edwina , Mushahar Lily
Published: July 2024

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a well-established modality for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) globally, offering benefits such as better preservation of residual kidney function, improved quality of life, and reduced resource requirements. Despite these advantages, the global utilization of PD remains suboptimal, particularly in South Asia (SA), where a significant gap in PD delivery exists. This study aims to uncover the perceived barriers hindering PD utilization among nephrologists in SA. This is a cross-sectional survey involving 732 nephrologists from SA region. . The majority of respondents (44.7%) reported initiating less than six PD cases annually, reflecting low PD utilization. Cost and financial reimbursement policies emerged as major barriers, with 44.3% considering PD more expensive than haemodialysis (HD). Accessibility, negative attitudes toward PD, and fear of complications were identified as critical factors influencing PD adoption. The study also highlighted variations in PD costs among SA countries, emphasizing the need for tailored health economic strategies. This analysis provides insights into the multifaceted challenges faced by SA nephrologists in promoting PD and underscores the importance of targeted interventions.
Exploring cost changes with time-driven activity-based costing after service delivery redesign in Dutch maternity care
Authors: van den Berg Maud , van Elten Hilco , Spaan Julia , Franx Arie , Ahaus Kees
Published: July 2024

The implementation of Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) has spread across international healthcare systems, aiming to improve decision-making by combining information about patient outcomes and costs of care. Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) is introduced as a pragmatic yet accurate method to calculate costs of care pathways. It is often applied to demonstrate value-improving opportunities, such as interventions aimed at service delivery redesign. It is imperative for healthcare managers to know whether these interventions yield the expected outcome of improving patient value, for which TDABC is also suitable. However, its application becomes more complex and labour intensive if the intervention extends beyond activity-level changes in existing care pathways, to the implementation of entirely new care pathways. The complexity arises from the potential influence of such interventions on the costs of related care pathways. To fully comprehend the impact of such interventions on organizational costs, it is important to include these factors in the cost calculation. Given the substantial effort required for this analysis, this may explain the limited number of prior TDABC studies with similar objectives. This methodological development paper addresses this gap by offering a pragmatic enrichment of the TDABC methodology. This enrichment is twofold. First, it provides guidance on calculating a change in costs without the need for a total cost calculation. Second, to secure granularity, a more detailed level of cost-allocation is proposed. The aim is to encourage further application of TDABC to conduct financial evaluations of promising interventions in the domain of VBHC and service delivery redesign.
Theoretical-methodological aspects of researching the area of religion and public administration
Authors: Kay Adrian
Published: July 2024

This article, commissioned by the editors of Public Policy and Administration, contributes to the theoretical and methodological groundworks for the development of research in religion and public administration. It does so in three ways. The first part contrasts different approaches to defining the concept of religion, those from the vantage of academic observers against those from within religious traditions themselves. Several theoretical and methodological challenges for public administration follow. Part two sets out two theoretical concerns; first, the role of religious belief in intentional explanations of public administration activity; second, the institutionalised position of secularity in the recently freighted concept of a religious regime. Part three identifies a clutch of methodological concerns associated with these theoretical issues. A final section concludes with a summary of the contribution of the article to the nascent research programme in public administration for a post-secular world.
No Peace without Justice, Just War as a Moral Frame of Reference
Authors: van Iersel Fred , van Dijk Bart
Published: July 2024

This article discusses the question of the possibility of moral and ethical grounds for the justification of the use of violence in modern times international conflicts. And specifically, how does the tradition of just war fit into this discussion? For this, a closer look at what just war thinking means is necessary. In this respect we would describe just war thinking more as a just war tradition than a just war theory, as there is no encompassing theory on just war. In history you see a development from the justification of war to a more problematic relation to the possibility of the use of military force. This can be illustrated by the more recent shift from just war thinking towards just peace thinking. This leads to the question: what kind of peace? We argue in this article that peace and justice are connected, and that you cannot have true peace without true justice.
High-speed 3D printing temperature system with optimized PlD parameters based on improved ant lion optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhou Rui , Jiang Junchi , Du Chunzhi , Lu Shuaiyuan
Published: July 2024

An Ant Lion Optimization algorithm based on elite Opposition-based learning and Cosine factors (OCALO) is proposed to address the problem of poor response and stability during heating process in high-speed 3D printing temperature system.The generation of the initial solution in OCALO algorithm is enhanced by the introduction of a new Tent-Logistic-Cotangent composite chaotic mapping, which guarantees the diversity of population. The PID parameters are optimized using the improved algorithm. Compared with two existing classical algorithms and three improved ALO algorithms, the proposed algorithm improves the convergence speed, global search ability and the ability to jump out of the local optimal solution. The outcomes of simulation and experimentation demonstrate that the algorithm improves the transient and steady-state performance of temperature control with better accuracy and robustness. It takes at least 123 s faster than other controllers to reach stability and is more than two times stronger than other PID controllers, making it better suited to high-speed 3D printing temperature systems.
Performance enhancement of solar air heater with two-sided curvilinear transverse rib: Experimental and numerical investigation
Authors: Singh Dharam , Kumar Vikash
Published: July 2024

Solar energy as prime energy source draws attention of world due to its availability and eco-friendliness. Low performance of solar air heater create curiosity for researchers to increase its performance. To enhance performance of solar air heater active and passive techniques used by researcher. Surface modification is one of the most prominent passive techniques to improve the performance. Present experimental and numerical investigation explore thermal characteristics of two-sided curvilinear rib roughened solar air heater. An indoor experiment was performed on two side curvilinear rib roughened absorber plate having constant heat flux of 1000 W/m2. Parallelly 2-dimensional numerical simulation was also performed to explore flow behavior and to complete investigation within optimum cost. ANSYS Fluent 2021.R was used for performing this simulation with K-ε RNG model with enhanced wall treatment. Velocity inlet and pressure outlet was selected as boundary condition. Main roughness and flow parameters were relative roughness height ( e/ D h = 0.21–0.042), relative roughness pitch ( p/ e = 7.14–35.71), and Reynolds number ( Re = 3800–18,000). Maximum value of Nusselt number improvement ratio and friction factor improvement ratio was 3.17 and 3.26 at roughness and flow parameter of ( e/ D h = 0.042, p/ e = 15, Re = 15,000) and ( e/ D h = 0.042, p/ e = 7.14, Re = 3800) respectively. Thermohydraulic performance parameter achieved its maximum value of 2.77 at e/ D h = 0.042, p/ e = 17.85, and Re = 18,000.
An improved transmission efficiency prediction method for nonlinear characteristics of the cycloid reducer
Authors: Wang Xincheng , Wang Huaming , Li Luyang , Hao Linbo
Published: July 2024

This study aims to accurately predict the nonlinear characteristics of transmission efficiency of cycloid reducers under different operating conditions. Firstly, equivalent modeling of the multi-source errors (MSEs) in the designed cycloid reducer is conducted. Force analysis algorithms considering MSEs are proposed for the cycloid drive mechanism, the output mechanism, and the bearings. Secondly, mathematical models are established for the load-dependent power losses, while an equivalent test is used for modeling load-independent power losses. Subsequently, an improved transmission efficiency prediction (TEP) method for cycloid reducers is proposed, which is then applied to the performance prediction of a prototype under different operating conditions. The advantages of the improved TEP method over the conventional method are discussed, and the influences of MSEs and load-independent power losses on the nonlinear characteristics of transmission efficiency are summarized. Finally, tests are conducted for the reducer prototype, and the test results are found to be in good agreement with the results obtained by the proposed TEP method. The main contribution of this study is to establish a solid algorithmic and modeling foundation for the optimal design of nonlinear transmission efficiency in cycloid reducers and provide reliable guidance for their engineering applications.
Interactive decision-making for autonomous vehicles: A layered game-theoretic framework with situational awareness
Authors: Zhao Junwu , Qu Ting , Hu Yunfeng
Published: July 2024

With the development of autonomous driving, future traffic will be composed of various participants. Integrating autonomous vehicles into the traffic flow composed of various types of traffic participants and minimizing conflicts between them is a critical research issue. Thus, this study presents a layered game-theoretic decision-making framework with situational awareness for autonomous vehicles, enabling adaptive decisions for autonomous vehicles in scenarios with multiple traffic participants of different driving characteristics. This paper’s situational awareness layer recognizes multiple participants’ politeness levels through their behavior and spatiotemporal relationships, allowing for a quantitative evaluation of their driving characteristics. The decision-making layer, built on Stackelberg game, adjusts the estimated cost of other traffic participants based on recognized politeness levels. The predictions of optimal behavior for traffic participants are obtained by minimizing the cost, according to which the optimal decision for the ego vehicle can be obtained. Besides, a set of parameters is used to construct the optimization problem as a convex optimization problem, so that the uniqueness of leader’s prediction of follower’s optimal action in each game can be guaranteed. To verify the feasibility and effectiveness, a trajectory planning layer for the autonomous vehicle is designed, the geometric safety constraint consists of planned trajectory and predicted trajectory of traffic participants are built to prevent collisions. Results indicate that the proposed framework can achieve balanced performance when interacting with traffic participants of different politeness levels.
Prediction of the classification of the pedestrian landing mechanism in pedestrian-vehicle collisions
Authors: Zou Tiefang , Luo Pengchen , Liu Zhuzi , Yuan Xiangting
Published: July 2024

To predict the classification of the pedestrian landing mechanism in pedestrian-vehicle collisions, 1303 reconstructed real pedestrian-vehicle collision cases were selected, and relevant data from before, during, and after the collisions were extracted. A total of 1303 sets of data with eight parameters were obtained via significance analysis, correlation analysis, and collinearity analysis. Then, the Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimized BPNN (GA-BPNN), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) optimized BPNN (PCA-BPNN), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimized BPNN (PCA-GA-BPNN) were used to construct prediction models for the classification of the pedestrian landing mechanism, and the prediction effects were evaluated. The PCA-GA-BPNN model was found to be the optimal model; the prediction accuracies of the pre-collision, in-collision, and post-collision models were 72.4%, 96.4%, and 96.8%, respectively. Further analysis revealed that the optimal model could also accurately predict the classification of the pedestrian landing mechanism in six cadaver experiments. Additionally, the ratio of the pedestrian height to the vehicle hood height ( R P-V) was found to have an impact on the prediction effect of the model. Thus, an improved model considering R P-V was proposed, and was found to significantly improve the prediction accuracy of pedestrian forward-throwing mechanism. The research results provide new ideas for ground-related injury prediction, and also provide support for pedestrian protection in intelligent vehicles.
Thermal efficiency evaluation in shell-and-tube heat exchangers: A CFD-based parametric study
Authors: Gorgulu Yasin Furkan
Published: July 2024

In this study, a novel approach was employed to enhance the performance of a Bowman brand EC-2028 shell-and-tube heat exchanger (STHE) by introducing perforated plates. The heat exchanger was first tested in a real system within a laboratory environment to establish baseline performance data. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis revealed that flow velocities in the middle tubes were higher due to their alignment with the main flow direction, resulting in decreased heat transfer efficiency. To address this issue, a perforated plate with concentric circles was introduced at the cold fluid entry. This plate, devoid of central holes, featured circles with radii of 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, and 63 mm, each containing 6, 10, 17, 24, 30, 36, and 42 equidistant holes, respectively. The introduction of the perforated plate led to a decrease of approximately 0.33°C in the hot outlet temperatures, indicating an improvement in heat transfer efficiency. To further enhance performance, various configurations were tested by progressively closing holes from the innermost to the outermost circles. Eight different configurations, including the control, were evaluated under counterflow conditions. The CFD model was validated with experimental data before introducing the perforated plates, ensuring the accuracy of the simulations. The findings demonstrated significant improvements in heat transfer efficiency, with the optimized perforated plate configurations leading to more uniform flow distribution and reduced pressure drops. This study's novel approach of using perforated plates to modulate flow and enhance thermal performance highlights a new avenue for optimizing STHE designs, contributing to more efficient thermal management solutions in industrial processes.
Magnetic field, radiation, and Joule heating effects on natural convection Williamson fluid flow through a vertical channel using Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm
Authors: Jangid Subham , Kolla Kaladhar
Published: July 2024

The study examined the natural convection flow of Williamson fluid through a vertical channel under the influence of the magnetic field, radiation, and joule heating effects. The governing partial differential equations are turned into ordinary differential equations using suitable transformations and solved by using the spectral quasi-linearization method (SQLM). The study explained a neural network algorithm called feed-forward back-propagation using the Levenberg–Marquardt technique (BPFF-LMT). Furthermore, a reference dataset is created for several parameters, including the magnetic parameter, Hall parameter, radiation parameter, Weissenberg number, Biot number, and Joule heating parameter. This dataset encompasses velocity and temperature profiles for different scenarios, employing the SQLM. The BPFF-LMT method’s accuracy was evaluated through a comprehensive analysis involving training, validation, and testing phases, along with mean squared error, error histograms, and performance and regression graphs. The artificial neural network’s result shows good accuracy when compared to the SQLM solution numerically. The results are presented visually through graphical representation and further analyzed quantitatively concerning the active parameters featured in the mathematical formulations. The result indicates that increasing values of the magnetic parameter result in decreased velocity and temperature profiles. Additionally, the heat transfer rate increases in the left channel. Both the radiation parameter and Weissenberg number contribute to higher velocity and temperature profiles, leading to increased skin friction in the left channel. The accuracy of the BPFF-LMT method is illustrated through graphs displaying the absolute error falling within the range of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text].
The Workload of the Italian Military Health Service During the First World War: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Fornasin Alessio , Freni Giuliana
Published: July 2024

The article proposes a quantitative evaluation of the workload of the Italian military health service during the First World War. In the Great War, there were unprecedented medical and health care issues. This was a result of the size of armies; the poor living conditions of the soldiers; and the introduction of new weapons. This article reconstructs some quantitative aspects of the Italian military health service in the Great War in terms of both supply (e.g. the number of health structures and medical personnel) and demand (e.g. the soldiers who were injured and who became ill during the conflict).
The Army, the Great War, and the Belated Industrialisation of Shoemaking in the Czech Lands
Authors: Jemelka Martin
Published: July 2024

The army was perhaps the first bulk buyer of mass-produced footwear. In Europe, several regions focused on the bulk production of military (and civilian) footwear owe their origins to the army. This was also the case in the Czech Lands. The belated industrialisation of footwear production in the Czech Lands dates back to the Balkan Wars and World War I. The army and the war economy businesses under military control played a key role in this process. This study is devoted to the multifaceted role of the army in the completion of the industrialization of Czech shoemaking.
Perceived compassionate care and preoperative anxiety in hospitalized patients
Authors: Bagherian Samaneh , Tehranineshat Banafsheh , Shahbazi Mahdi , Taklif Mohammad Hossein
Published: July 2024

Background

Quality nursing care and ethical responses to patient pain and suffering are very important in the preoperative period. However, few studies have addressed these variables.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between compassionate care and preoperative anxiety from the perspective of hospitalized patients.

Methods

The current study was a cross-sectional descriptive one. The participants were selected using convenience sampling. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Burnell Compassionate Care Tool, and Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). The collected data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 22) through descriptive and inferential statistics at a significance level of 0.05 ( p < .05).

Participants and setting

This study was conducted on 704 candidates for surgery in the internal and surgical wards of a large teaching hospital located in the south of Iran from December 2022 to March 2023.

Ethical considerations

The protocol for this study was reviewed and approved by the University Ethics Committee.

Findings

The patients’ average age was 36.61 ± 13.07. The average preoperative anxiety and need for information scores were 13.80 ± 2.66 and 7.44 ± 1.47, respectively. The average score of importance was 3.03 ± 0.19, and the average score of the extent of compassionate care provision was 1.22 ± 0.15. There was a significant relationship between preoperative anxiety with importance and the extent of compassionate care provision (r = 0.68, p < .001), r = −0.72, p < .001, respectively). A comparison of the demographic characteristics, need for information, importance, and provision of compassionate care showed that the extent of compassionate care provision had the greatest contribution in explaining preoperative anxiety (β = 0.50; p < .001).

Conclusion

Even though patients’ preoperative anxiety was high and providing compassionate care in the preoperative period had a great role in relieving their anxiety, many participants appear to have received little compassionate care. To this end, nursing managers should pay attention to the quality of compassionate care in the preoperative stage. Besides, healthcare staff should receive the necessary training in compassionate nursing care.
Educational approach for public health ethics in nursing: Focusing on COVID-19
Authors: Byun Hye Min , Yun Eun Kyoung , Kim Jung Ok
Published: July 2024

Background

With the increasing ethical challenges and dilemmas faced by nurses due to various disasters such as COVID-19 worldwide, there is a need for a new public health ethics education curriculum to strengthen competencies for ethical responses in the nursing field.

Objectives

This study was aimed to identify the impact of a teaching method utilizing news articles and panel discussion material in the public health ethics education program on nursing students’ thinking regarding ethical issues.

Design

This was an exploratory study to identify the thinking styles inherent in ethical reflection by analyzing the reflection contents written by nursing students using text mining techniques.

Participants

73 among the students taking a nursing ethics course at a university in Seoul, South Korea, voluntarily participated in this study after providing informed consent.

Methods

The public health ethics program was conducted with sessions held once a week for a total of 7 weeks, and reflections written by nursing students were collected as text files during session 5 to 7. In this study, data preprocessing process, keyword analysis, and LDA topic modeling were sequentially conducted utilizing the R program according to the data analysis procedure of text mining techniques.

Ethical considerations

This study was conducted under ethics approval from the institution where participants were recruited.

Findings and discussion

The results of this study show that the teaching method utilizing news articles enhanced rational ethical deliberation from the cognitive aspect, whereas the teaching method utilizing panel discussion material strengthened the response to emotions on a more internal level.

Conclusions

The teaching method utilizing news articles and panel discussion materials in public health ethics education is expected to be mutually complementary and effective, so further studies are recommended.
National constitutional courts’ use of the ECJ's precedents: The case study of Czechia
Authors: Pivoda Marek , Paulík Štěpán , Křepela Sebastian
Published: July 2024

This article interrogates how Member States’ constitutional courts make use of the case-law of the European Court of Justice. Instead of focusing on the extreme instances of open backlash, we put forward a data-driven methodological approach to the study of Europeanization of national constitutional courts. Drawing on the use of automatic text analysis, we suggest that searching for the formal citations of the rulings of the European Court of Justice in the constitutional courts’ case-law contributes to nuanced understanding of their role within the EU. By means of a case study of the Czech Constitutional Court's case-law (more than 71 000 decisions issued between the years 2004 and 2022), we demonstrate a way to explore the so far under-researched area of EU law adjudication where the majority of strategic behaviour might be taking place.
An Evaluation of a Community-Based Mental Health Literacy Intervention for Black Adults
Authors: Fussell-Ware Dashawna J. , Bauer Alexandria G. , Jones Heather A. , Boatwright Julius A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This single-system design evaluation study assessed whether 18 Beams to Bridges (BTB) program participants would experience increased mental health literacy (MHL). It was hypothesized that MHL scores would increase significantly between the pre-intervention and intermediate assessments, but there would be no significant difference in scores between the intermediate and post-intervention assessments. Method: The MHL scale was used to assess MHL at the three timepoints. Differences in assessment scores were evaluated using paired samples t-tests. Results: Supporting the hypotheses, BTB participants had higher MHL scores on intermediate assessments compared to pre-intervention. There was also no difference between intermediate and post-intervention scores. Conclusion: MHL among Black adults increased during participation in BTB. Despite some limitations, this work is one of the first studies on MHL interventions specifically created for the Black community and should be used to further efforts to address MHL-related contributors to mental health treatment disparities impacting this community.
Examining the Relationship Between Rural and Urban Clinicians’ Familiarity With Patients and Families and Their Comfort With Palliative and End-of-Life Care Communication
Authors: Pravecek Brandi , Wey Howard , Isaacson Mary J.
Published: July 2024

Background: Effective healthcare clinician communication is a key component of quality palliative and end-of-life (PEOL) care. However, communication may be hampered when clinicians are not comfortable initiating these conversations with patients and their families. Clinicians working in rural areas report several barriers to providing palliative care. This study examined the relationship between rural and urban clinicians’ reported familiarity with their patients and families end-of-life, their reported comfort in initiating PEOL conversations, and their PEOL care knowledge. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design to examine the relationships between rural and urban clinicians’ familiarity, their comfort in PEOL communication, and their PEOL care knowledge. Results: N = 548 rural and urban clinicians participated. Rural clinicians reported greater familiarity, more PEOL knowledge, and more comfort with PEOL communication. Multiple regression analyses of PEOL knowledge showed significant associations in knowledge with older clinicians ( P < 0.01) and additional palliative care training ( P < 0.01); comfort in PEOL communication had significant associations with more palliative care training ( P < 0.01) and opportunities to provide palliative care ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: The concept of familiarity is highly complex and poorly understood in relation to PEOL care in both rural and urban settings. Future research is needed to explore how additional training in PEOL care and clinician reported familiarity positively impact patient outcomes by increasing the number of advance directives completed and followed and improved documentation of advance care planning.
Use of Nearby Nature in College Outdoor Programming
Authors: Deringer Stephen Anthony , Mitten Denise , Rabinowitz Erik , Leonard Aaron , Clegg Joel
Published: July 2024

Background

A universal adjustment to pandemic restrictions for the colleges and university outdoor programs we interviewed was limiting travel. This forced outdoor programs to modify their offerings. Some chose to use closer outdoor venues.

Purpose

This investigation sought to understand if college outdoor leaders believed they achieved or could achieve their program's goals using nearby nature from March 2020 until travel restrictions were lifted—usually beginning in fall 2021—as well as if the use of closer outdoor venues stayed the same or increased after that.

Methodology

This study gathered data through semi-structured interviews ( n = 14) with college outdoor program leaders.

Findings

College outdoor leaders reported they were able to achieve some to most of their program's goals, like teaching trip planning skills and providing opportunities for social contact with others by using nearby nature. Once pandemic travel restrictions were lifted, programs largely returned to distant programming.

Implications

Given the reduction of barriers to participation (e.g., cost and travel logistics) and the benefits (positive health outcomes and socialization) identified in this study of programming in nearby nature, college outdoor leaders are encouraged to increase programming in nearby nature to achieve some of their program goals.
The Process of Becoming Prefigurative: Fighting for Organizational Values to Transform Organizational Structures
Authors: Kaufmann Leo Juri , Danner-Schröder Anja
Published: July 2024

This study analyzes how contemporary collectives that grow fast in scale organize their actions. We conducted a qualitative study of the largest contemporary social movement FridaysForFuture. Our findings reveal that the collective was calling others for change, but their own structures and values only become prefigurative over time. In the beginning, FFF set up hierarchical structures by orienting towards past patterns of actions. This was not a rational planned consideration but a quick response to the overwhelming increase in membership. However, as hierarchical structures have naturally emerged, the collective began to fight against the very same structures because they seemed to be unfitting their collective value “basic democracy.” Hence, they turned towards the future to imagine alternative patterns of actions, fighting against the initial hierarchical structure for a flatter heterarchy. Our findings contribute to research on collective action by highlighting the process of becoming prefigurative.
Decreased Thrombin Generation is Associated with Increased Thrombin Generation Biomarkers and Blood Cellular Indices in Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Siddiqui Fakiha , Tafur Alfonso , Darki Amir , Kantarcioglu Bulent , Hoppensteadt Debra , Krupa Emily , Iqbal Omer , Fareed Jawed , Monreal Manuel
Published: July 2024

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a heterogenous condition with variable clinical presentations. Thrombin generation potential (TGP) and biomarkers, and blood cellular indices can reflect the underlying pathophysiology and risk stratification of PE. This case–control study analyzed TGP in 209 PE patients from Loyola University, Pulmonary Embolism Response Team program compared to normal human plasma (NHP) controls. The present study evaluates TGP and biomarkers, and cellular indices in relation to PE severity, according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. Statistical analysis including median with interquartile range (IQR), 2-tailed Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney test, Chi-square test, and Spearman Correlational analysis were performed. There were 209 patients with PE, with an almost equal distribution between sex, and a median age of 63 years. Significant downregulation in peak thrombin and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), as well as upregulation in lag time, were observed in PE patients versus controls. Biomarker analysis revealed pronounced elevations, with D-dimer demonstrating the most significant increase. Blood cellular indices also rose in PE patients, correlating with disease severity. PE severity was associated with higher TGP and biomarker levels. Mortality rates differed significantly across risk categories and were highest in patients with elevated cellular indices. TGP and biomarkers are intricately linked to PE severity and can aid in risk stratification. Elevated cellular indices are associated with increased mortality, highlighting their potential as prognostic markers. These findings could enhance the precision of PE management strategies.
A novel fractional-order boundary layer fast terminal sliding mode controller for permanent magnet linear synchronous motor
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Wang Limei
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a novel fractional-order boundary layer fast terminal sliding mode (FBLFTSM) control method for high-precision tracking tasks of the permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM). Specifically, a dynamic model of PMLSM with lumped uncertainty is established by considering the tracking task involving parameter variations, disturbance load, etc. Then, based on the dynamic model, a FBLFTSM control law is designed to guarantee higher tracking accuracy of the surface motion than the classical terminal sliding mode control even if the system suffers from unknown disturbance. Meanwhile, the fractional-order boundary layer control has the feature of “large error turns into large gain, small error turns into small gain,” which solves the contradiction between weak chattering and fast convergence in the integer-order boundary layer control and improves the dynamic performance of the system. Finally, the effectiveness of the control approach is verified by conducting tracking experiments on the cSPACE-based motor platform.
Intersectionality and Gender-Based Violence: An Empirical Multi-Level Examination of Prevalence and Frequency in Universities and Research Organizations
Authors: Humbert Anne Laure , Strid Sofia
Published: July 2024

This article provides a multilevel intersectional analysis of the prevalence and frequency of gender-based violence within universities and other research organizations in Europe. Results show not only the high prevalence of gender-based violence in this context, but also that in contrast to the prevailing discourse, that gender-based violence is not solely a “women's problem”, but also a structural issue impacting diverse identities. Data on frequency show that physical and sexual violence usually occurs as isolated incidents, whereas psychological violence and harassment are often repeated.
“She Was Feeling Overwhelmed at Home Caring for Her Children”: Expectations of “Intensive Motherhood” as a Risk Factor for Young Women's Suicide
Authors: Townsend Harriet
Published: July 2024

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young women and perinatal mothers. This paper explores how expectations of motherhood played a role in young women's deaths by suicide. I question the notion that motherhood is a “protective” factor against suicide. Using the concept of “intensive motherhood,” I interrogate how expectations of mothers became fatal. Through analysis of 31 young Australian mothers who died by suicide, three key themes are explored, centered upon the theme of “failing motherhood”: mothering without a father, mothering with mental illness, and the loss of care of children.
Natural Health Community Program and Well-Being: An Uncontrolled Study of Women Survivors of Domestic Violence
Authors: Glawe Madeline M. , Ong Lee Za , Callender Karisse A. , Wesson Barbara , Schubert Erin
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a local natural healing service program and to explore how engagement in natural healing services related to the well-being of survivors of domestic violence. Using longitudinal secondary data, we conducted t-tests, regression, and correlation analysis on three measures (hope, distress, and empowerment) that were completed by the participants ( N = 31). We provided evidence of the positive impact of a community-based natural healing services program on the well-being of survivors of domestic violence, specifically their sense of hope. This research represents the potential for natural healing services provided at the community level.
Effectiveness and safety of pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer in real clinical practice
Authors: Romero-Ventosa Elena Yaiza , García-Beloso Nerea , López-López Aida , Martínez-López-de-Castro Noemí
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Pembrolizumab is currently the drug for the first-line treatment of stage-IV non-small cell lung cancer. The objective of this study is to measure the effectiveness of pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment and to analyze its safety in real clinical practice.

Methods

This was a retrospective study that included patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who had received pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment between 1 June 2018 and 31 January 2021. Variables related to the patients, treatment, and drug's efficacy and safety were collected.

Results

A total of 50 patients were analyzed. The median real-world progression-free survival and real-world overall survival of those who received pembrolizumab in monotherapy were 10.5 months (95% CI: 2.3–18.6) and 18.9 months (95% CI: 16.9–20.8), respectively. The median real-world progression-free survival and real-world overall survival of those who received the drug with chemotherapy was 7.9 months (95% CI: 4.1–11.7) and 13.3 months (95% CI: 0.0–27), respectively. Mostly digestive (48.3%) and endocrine (41.4%) immune-related adverse events were detected among the patients who received pembrolizumab in monotherapy, whereas mostly digestive immune-related adverse events (85.7%) and hematological toxicities (71.5%) were observed in those treated with pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab has proven its effectiveness in terms of increasing real-world progression-free survival and real-world overall survival in real clinical practice. The main adverse events were digestive toxicities with pembrolizumab in monotherapy and with chemotherapy.
Evaluation of safety outcomes between nivolumab regimens with differing dosing patterns
Authors: Elijah Joseph , Puzanov Igor , Cresanti Benjamin , Hamad Lamya , Attwood Kristopher , Catalfamo Kayla , Riebandt Grazyna
Published: July 2024

Background

Real-world safety outcomes between the two flat-dose nivolumab regimens demonstrated to be similar in a study of adjuvant nivolumab recipients for melanoma. However, this study was limited by a single oncology patient population, a small sample size, and insufficient study power. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of immunotherapy-related adverse effects (irAEs) between nivolumab regimens with differing dosing patterns in various solid tumor patient populations.

Methods

Single-center retrospective cohort study of adult patients with solid tumor malignancies who received nivolumab 240 mg Q2W or 480 mg Q4W, or who were transitioned from 240 mg Q2W to 480 mg Q4W from March 1, 2018 to March 31, 2022 were selected for analysis from an electronic health record generated report. The primary endpoint evaluated was the incidence of irAEs. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of significant irAEs and reasons for treatment discontinuation. These endpoints were compared by univariate analysis between all three cohorts. A multivariate analysis was then conducted for the primary endpoint.

Results

Nivolumab 240 mg Q2W was associated with a statistically significant increase in the incidence of colitis whereas the 480 mg Q4W regimen was associated with a statistically significant increase in the incidence of pruritis. The incidence of irAEs was not different between the three cohorts, while the incidence of significant irAEs was higher in the 240 mg Q2W and 240 mg Q2W to 480 mg Q4W cohorts.

Conclusion

Clinicians ought to be aware of differences in the irAE profiles between nivolumab regimens with differing dosing patterns.
Cold-Induced Vasodilation, Rewarming, and Dexterity Impairment Following Second-Degree Frostbite
Authors: Weller Rebecca S. , Duong Tony , McClintock Rebecca J. , LaGoy Alice , Peterson Matthew , Jones Douglas M.
Published: July 2024

Frostbite, a severe cold injury resulting from exposure to subfreezing temperatures, damages the skin and underlying tissues of the affected area and ranges in severity from first to fourth degree. This case report investigates the impact of second-degree frostbite suffered by a marine during winter training on cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD). Comparisons of CIVD before and after the injury revealed significant alterations in CIVD responses. CIVD, a physiological mechanism characterized by blood vessel dilation in response to cold exposure, plays a crucial role in operating in cold-weather environments and enhancing dexterity. The marine exhibited prolonged CIVD onset time, lower finger temperatures, increased pain sensations, and diminished dexterity after the frostbite injury during follow-up CIVD testing. The findings suggest that the frostbite-induced damage possibly compromised the microvascular function, contributing to the observed changes in CIVD. The marine reported persistent cold sensitivity and difficulty in maintaining hand warmth when assessed postinjury. This case underscores the potential long-term consequences of frostbite on CIVD and manual dexterity, emphasizing the importance of understanding these physiological changes for individuals engaged in cold-weather activities, particularly for military and occupational personnel.
Optimal Social Security with Loss Aversion
Authors: Lehr Brandon
Published: July 2024

This article characterizes optimal social security in economies with agents who exhibit loss aversion. Two forms of loss aversion are explored. In the first, workers have a fixed retirement age and are loss averse over private savings. This motivates a more generous social security program. In the second, workers do no private savings but can choose their retirement age, exhibiting loss aversion over the foregone leisure time from delayed retirement. Social security benefits consequently rise steeper with retirement age and an earlier normal retirement age is optimal. In both cases, optimal policy is highly sensitive to the introduction of loss averse preferences.
Safety Assessment of Alkanoyl Lactyl Lactate Salts as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: July 2024

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 10 alkanoyl lactyl lactate salts. These ingredients have the surfactant function in cosmetics in common. The Panel reviewed data relevant to the safety of these ingredients, and concluded that these 10 ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating and nonsensitizing, which may be based on a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) or other accepted methodologies.