bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the digital literacy competence of pre-service English teacher in Indonesia and Thailand
Authors: Yuvita Yuvita , Husain Ahmad , Sulistyawati Anin Eka , Meiristiani Noeris , Fatimah Eva , Sunmud Sakina
Published: October 2023

The notion of digital literacy has become the trend in any field, including this research. This research aimed to find the level of digital literacy and adequate and inadequate domains in each pre-service teachers of English education digital literacy group. Quantitative research with digital competence framework or DCF then adjusted and validated through the expert judgment by Aiken V as the main questionnaire occurred to measure the level of digital literacy. Indonesia and Thailand pre-service teacher in various universities participated in this research. The research found that: i) The most level of digital literacy whether in Indonesia and Thailand, the pre-service teacher has an intermediate level followed by basic and advanced and ii) The researcher claims ‘information’ as an inadequate domain and ‘implement tech to learning’ as the adequate domain in each level of digital literacy. Further research is needed to examine effectiveness of project-based learning, problem-based learning, and case study in enhancing digital literacy through qualitative and quantitative research.
Status of pedagogical practices in Somaliland higher education institutions
Authors: Yasin Gulled Mohamed , Kabeta Rachel Monde
Published: October 2023

Recently, there has been a concern in many parts of the world about the teaching strategies employed at higher education institutions (HEI). Empirical evidence shows that pedagogical practices affect the student engagement and academic excellence. Despite progress on the new innovative pedagogies globally, Somaliland HEI are still struggling with the old didactic teaching method which impedes students lifelong learning and future endeavors. Traditional teaching methods of HEI in Somaliland prevented students to unleash their potentials. Guided by the human capital theory, this study examined the status of lecturers’ application to modern pedagogical practices. The 35 lecturers at the University of Hargeisa, Somalia from the different faculties who had received postgraduate diploma in education provided by the university participated in this study. Employed by micro-teaching observation protocol of quantitative research design, the study found out lecture method as the most prevalent in their teaching practicum, with very low student cognitive engagement, inconsistencies with the instructional behavior and inadequate instructional aids. The study therefore proposed a cooperative jigsaw method as a veritable strategy for effective classrooms and better student engagement. The study recommends Somaliland higher education to adopt the policies, guidelines and regulations that guide the universities across the country.
Effect of Dapagliflozin on 6-Minute Walk Distance in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: PRESERVED-HF
Authors: Lewis Gregory D. , Gosch Kensey , Cohen Laura P. , Nassif Michael E. , Windsor Sheryl L. , Borlaug Barry A. , Kitzman Dalane W. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Khumri Taiyeb , Umpierrez Guillermo , Lamba Sumant , Sharma Kavita , Khan Sadiya S. , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Sauer Andrew J.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is associated with significant functional limitations, yet treatments for improving exercise performance have been elusive. We sought to explore the association between prespecified patient characteristics and changes in 6-minute walk distance that constitute a clinically significant response to dapagliflozin.

METHODS:

We performed a responder analysis to understand patient characteristics associated with clinically meaningful improvement in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance ≥15 m among patients randomized to 12 weeks of dapagliflozin versus placebo in the double-blind PRESERVED-HF trial (Effects of Dapagliflozin on Biomarkers, Symptoms and Functional Status in Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure).

RESULTS:

A total of 289 randomized patients had 6MWT distance completed at baseline and 12 weeks. Patients randomized to dapagliflozin improved walking distance by ≥15 m more frequently than those on placebo (n=64, 44% versus n=48, 34%). After adjusting for baseline covariates, patients randomized to dapagliflozin were more likely to experience a clinically meaningful improvement in 6MWT distance compared with those that received placebo (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.00–2.75];
P
=0.05). Dapagliflozin-treated patients were also less likely to have a ≥15 m reduction in 6MWT distance compared with placebo-treated patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.33–0.94];
P
=0.03). These results were consistent across all prespecified subgroups (all
P
values for interaction were not significant).

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with those on placebo, patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction randomized to dapagliflozin were more likely to experience a clinically meaningful improvement and less likely to experience a deterioration in physical function over 12 weeks as measured by 6MWT distance. Beneficial response to dapagliflozin was consistent across prespecified subgroups.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03030235.
High sensitivity mapping of brain-wide functional networks in awake mice using simultaneous multi-slice fUS imaging
Authors: Bertolo Adrien , Ferrier Jeremy , Cazzanelli Silvia , Diebolt Samuel , Tanter Mickael , Pezet Sophie , Pernot Mathieu , Osmanski Bruno-Félix , Deffieux Thomas
Published: October 2023

Functional ultrasound (fUS) has received growing attention in preclinical research in the past decade, providing a new tool to measure functional connectivity (FC) and brain task-evoked responses with single-trial detection capability in both anesthetized and awake conditions. Most fUS studies rely on 2D linear arrays to acquire one slice of the brain. Volumetric fUS using 2D matrix or row-column arrays has recently been demonstrated in rats and mice but requires invasive craniotomy to expose the brain due to a lack of sensitivity. In a previous study, we proposed the use of motorized linear arrays, allowing imaging through the skull in mice for multiple slices with high sensitivity. However, the tradeoff between the field of view and temporal resolution introduced by motorized scanning prevents acquiring brain-wide resting-state FC data with a sufficient volume rate for resting-state FC analysis. Here, we propose a new hybrid solution optimized and dedicated to brain-wide transcranial FC studies in mice, based on a newly developed multi-array transducer allowing simultaneous multi-slicing of the entire mouse cerebrum. We first demonstrate that our approach provides a better imaging quality compared to other existing methods. Then, we show the ability to image the whole mouse brain non-invasively through the intact skin and skull during visual stimulation under light anesthesia to validate this new approach. Significant activation was detected along the whole visual pathway, at both single and group levels, with more than 10% of augmentation of the cerebral blood volume (CBV) signal during the visual stimulation compared to baseline. Finally, we assessed resting-state FC in awake head-fixed animals. Several robust and long-ranged FC patterns were identified in both cortical and sub-cortical brain areas, corresponding to functional networks already described in previous fMRI studies. Together, these results show that the multi-array probe is a valuable approach to measure brain-wide hemodynamic activity in mice with an intact skull. Most importantly, its ability to identify robust resting-state networks is paving the way towards a better understanding of the mouse brain functional organization and its breakdown in genetic models of neuropsychiatric diseases.
Modulation of Visually Induced Self-motion Illusions by α Transcranial Electric Stimulation over the Superior Parietal Cortex
Authors: Harquel Sylvain , Cian Corinne , Torlay Laurent , Cousin Emilie , Barraud Pierre-Alain , Bougerol Thierry , Guerraz Michel
Published: October 2023

The growing popularity of virtual reality systems has led to a renewed interest in understanding the neurophysiological correlates of the illusion of self-motion (vection), a phenomenon that can be both intentionally induced or avoided in such systems, depending on the application. Recent research has highlighted the modulation of α power oscillations over the superior parietal cortex during vection, suggesting the occurrence of inhibitory mechanisms in the sensorimotor and vestibular functional networks to resolve the inherent visuo-vestibular conflict. The present study aims to further explore this relationship and investigate whether neuromodulating these waves could causally affect the quality of vection. In a crossover design, 22 healthy volunteers received high amplitude and focused α-tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulation) over the superior parietal cortex while experiencing visually induced vection triggered by optokinetic stimulation. The tACS was tuned to each participant's individual α peak frequency, with θ-tACS and sham stimulation serving as controls. Overall, participants experienced better quality vection during α-tACS compared with control θ-tACS and sham stimulations, as quantified by the intensity of vection. The observed neuromodulation supports a causal relationship between parietal α oscillations and visually induced self-motion illusions, with their entrainment triggering overinhibition of the conflict within the sensorimotor and vestibular functional networks. These results confirm the potential of noninvasive brain stimulation for modulating visuo-vestibular conflicts, which could help to enhance the sense of presence in virtual reality environments.
Virtual Groups and the Triggering of Armed Conflicts
Authors: Thøgersen Marie
Published: October 2023

The article examines how virtual groups can trigger an armed conflict, and thus, the application of international humanitarian law (ihl). The emergence of non-State actors as central players in cyberspace, together with the increasing use of cyber operations in conflicts, makes the regulation of non-State actors in armed conflicts a topical issue. The triggering provisions in ihl require a level of organization of non-State groups, which do not necessarily resonate with the realities among virtual groups. To determine if the triggering provisions allow for a reinterpretation to fit better the potentially differently structured virtual groups, the article scrutinizes the legal bases for the organization requirements in the respective provisions and identities the underlying rationales. The article concludes that the legal bases for the organization requirement in the three provisions are distinct, but that none of them currently allows for reinterpretation.
The Dark Knowledge Problem: Why Public Justifications are Not Arguments
Authors: Donahue Sean
Published: October 2023

According to the Public Justification Principle, legitimate laws must be justifiable to all reasonable citizens. Proponents of this principle assume that its satisfaction requires speakers to offer justifications that are representable as arguments that feature premises which reasonable listeners would accept. I develop the concept of dark knowledge to show that this assumption is false. Laws are often justified on the basis of premises that many reasonable listeners know, even though they would reject these premises on the basis of the further considerations that speakers implicitly rely on for their support. Accommodating the fact of dark knowledge requires us to consider the civic virtue of speakers to be more important for public justification than the acceptability of their arguments to reasonable citizens. I sketch an alternative conception of public justification that incorporates these results and argue that it provides a rationale for ignoring the otherwise sound contributions of some participants in political deliberation.
Hybrid War and Colour Revolutions in Hong Kong: A Means to Achieve Regime Change in China?
Authors: Marples Agathe
Published: October 2023

Where the limits of today’s international order prevent direct and costly confrontations between great powers, hybrid war allows for the manipulation of situations from afar to achieve desired outcomes, such as through Colour Revolutions. While the concept of hybrid war has been thoroughly researched in the context of foreign interventions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, there is no substantial literature applied to the case of Hong Kong. This article investigates China’s claims that there was a ‘black hand’ behind Hong Kong’s protests – specifically the 2014 Umbrella Movement, 2019 Anti-elab protests, and 2020 nsl protests – determining the extent and role of foreign forces there. Using a set of theoretical propositions derived from a theoretical framework and a narrative explanation of how factors affect mobilisation in social movements, a macro-causal analysis about the role of external forces in Hong Kong is determined. Ultimately, this article alludes to the fact that the U.S. and other foreign forces are waging a hybrid war against China, utilising the Hong Kong social movements to achieve indirect regime change.
A new species of Hygrocybe (Hygrophoraceae, Agaricales) from Kerala State, India
Authors: LATHA K. P. DEEPNA , HARIDEV P. , RAJ K. N. ANIL , MANIMOHAN PATINJAREVEETTIL
Published: October 2023

Hygrocybe snigdha sp. nov. is described from Kerala State, India, based on both morphology and molecular phylogeny. This species is characterized by small basidiocarps with a deep red, strongly viscid pileus with an orange-white margin, dimorphic basidiospores and basidia, lamella-edges with abundant pseudocystidia, and an ixocutis-type pileipellis and stipitipellis. The phylogenetic analyses based on independent data matrices of the internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and nuclear large subunit (nrLSU) of the ribosomal gene confirmed the novelty and the taxonomic position of H. snigdha within the section Velosae of the subgenus Hygrocybe. A comprehensive description of this new species is provided, along with comparisons with phenetically and phylogenetically related species, photographs of the basidiocarps, line drawings of the microscopic structures, and phylograms showing the infrageneric placement of the new species.
Neotypification of Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng. (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: SHARMA DAMINI , DWIVEDI MAYANK D. , PANDEY ARUN K.
Published: October 2023

N/A
Hydrophobic Nano-Microcapsules Effectively Improve the Waterproof Performance of Coatings
Authors: He Ke , Liu Yong , Wu Yanqi , He Yanting , Hu Qing , Wu Jia , Cui Guangxun , Zhang Jun , Jin Jun
Published: October 2023

Due to the special surface wettability, self-cleaning, drag reduction, anti-icing and other properties, superhydrophobic materials are widely used as coating or coating additive on the surface of building materials, ships, and even for liquid transportation, biomedicine, etc., which
have become one of the research hotspots in the direction of coating in recent years. However, the hydrophobic surface itself has weak stability and poor durability, which affects its application value. Therefore, in this study, PS nano-microcapsule was prepared by the multiphase emulsion
method, and their particle size was measured by SEM electron microscopy to be about 350–550 nm, with a relatively uniform distribution. The hydrophobicity of PS nano-microcapsule modified with trimethoxy (1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-trifluoroctyl) silane (PFOTMS) at different molar ratios was investigated.
SEM results showed that the surface roughness of the modified PFOTMS-PS nano-microcapsule could be changed. The contact angle proved that the greater the content of PFOTMS, the better the hydrophobicity of the modified PFOTMS-PS nano-microcapsule. When the content reached 50%, the hydrophobic
performance was the best. As a coating, PFOTMS-PS nano-microcapsule has no specific requirement for the properties of the substrate material. It should be noted that the hydrophobicity of the coating did not change significantly after 30 days at room temperature. The above results indicated
that PFOTMS-PS nano-microcapsule had good hydrophobicity and stability, and is expected to be used in many fields such as waterproof textiles and architectural coatings in the future.
Mechanical and Thermodynamic Properties of TaGe2: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Huang Zai Gao
Published: October 2023

Utilizing density functional theory (DFT) first-principles calculations, we conducted an extensive exploration into the intricate structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic characteristics of transition metal ditetrelides, focusing specifically on hexagonal TaGe2. This investigation
aimed to comprehensively elucidate the fundamental properties of this compound, shedding light on its potential applications in diverse fields. The computational findings for the lattice constants presented in this paper not only corroborated existing theoretical values but also furnished
a detailed insight into the lattice geometry of TaGe2. In-depth analysis of key mechanical properties encompassing the bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), and Young’s modulus (E) unveiled the material’s mechanical response to external forces. Significantly,
the ratio of B/G emerged as a pivotal parameter, categorizing hexagonal TaGe2 as a brittle phase. This observation was further reinforced by the discerned Cauchy pressure value, which distinctly pointed toward brittle behavior. The intricate nature of the inter-atomic bonding in
TaGe2 was effectively probed through our calculated values of Poisson’s ratio (ν). Remarkably, our results underscored the prevalence of an ionic interplay among atoms within TaGe2, particularly within the ambit of applied pressures. To provide a comprehensive
perspective on its mechanical resilience, we also predicted the compound’s hardness, unveiling a tangible metric for assessing its suitability in various applications. This comprehensive investigation not only advances our fundamental understanding of transition metal ditetrelides, particularly
TaGe2, but also bestows vital insights into their potential utilization in fields ranging from materials science to engineering. The intricate interplay of structural stability, mechanical behavior, and thermodynamic response unraveled through our study contributes to a deeper appreciation
of the multifaceted properties of this compound and paves the way for its innovative applications.
CAIPEEX: Indian Cloud Seeding Scientific Experiment
Authors: Prabhakaran Thara , Murugavel P. , Konwar Mahen , Malap Neelam , Gayatri K. , Dixit Shivsai , Samanta Soumya , Chowdhuri Subharthi , Bera Sudarsan , Varghese Mercy , Rao J. , Sandeep J. , Safai P. D. , Sahai A. K. , Axisa Duncan , Karipot A. , Baumgardner Darrel , Werden Benjamin , Fortner Ed , Hibert Kurt , Nair Sathy , Bankar Shivdas , Gurnule Dinesh , Todekar Kiran , Jose Jerry , Jayachandran V. , Soyam Pawan S. , Gupta Abhishek , Choudhary Harish , Aravindhavel  , Kantipudi Suresh Babu , Pradeepkumar P. , Krishnan R. , Nandakumar K. , DeCarlo Peter F. , Worsnop Doug , Bhat G. S. , Rajeevan M. , Nanjundiah Ravi
Published: October 2023

The demand for effective methods to augment precipitation over arid regions of India has been increasing over the past several decades as the changing climate brings warmer average temperatures. In the fourth phase of the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX IV), a scientific investigation was conducted over a rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats mountains in India. The primary objective was to investigate the efficacy of hygroscopic seeding in convective clouds and to develop a cloud seeding protocol. CAIPEEX IV followed the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommendations in a peer-reviewed report with physical, statistical, and numerical investigations. The initial results of the campaign in the monsoon period of 2018 and 2019 with two instrumented aircraft, a ground-based dual-polarization C-band radar, a network of rain gauges, radiosondes, and surface aerosol measurements are reported here. The hygroscopic seeding material was detected in cloud droplets and key cloud microphysical processes in the seeding hypothesis were tracked. The formidable challenges of assessing seeding impacts in convective clouds and the results from 150 seed and 122 no-seed samples of randomized experiments are illustrated. Over 5,000 cloud passes from the airborne campaign provided details about the convective cloud properties as the key indicators for a seeding strategy and the evaluation protocol. The experimental results suggest that cloud seeding can be approached scientifically to reduce uncertainty. The results from this study should interest the scientific community and policymakers concerned with climate change’s impact on precipitation and how to mitigate rainfall deficiencies.
Variable Rainfall over Steady SST: The Effect of the Free Troposphere on Surface Pressure in the East Pacific
Authors: Bunge Isabelle , Sobel Adam , Biasutti Michela , Wang Shuguang
Published: October 2023

Surface winds and precipitation over the tropical oceans are related to sea surface temperature (SST) through multiple mechanisms. Greater SST is associated with greater conditional instability, which in turn is more conducive to deep convection. The associated mass and flow responses can extend to the surface, via associated pressure gradients imprinted on the top of the planetary boundary layer (PBL). SST also influences surface pressure and wind directly through its control over PBL temperature, as explained by Lindzen and Nigam. The authors examine the relative magnitudes of these two influences over the eastern tropical Pacific on subseasonal precipitation variability during northern summer, when and where SST gradients are largest and the direct influence via PBL temperature is expected to be strongest. Geopotential at 1000 hPa is partitioned into two components: the geopotential at the PBL top (the PBL top is chosen to be 850 hPa, supported by an analysis of the vertical structure of geopotential and temperature) and the PBL thickness. These fields are composited on quintiles of daily ITCZ precipitation both with and without a high-pass filter that isolates subseasonal time scales. The PBL thickness varies little between the highest and lowest precipitation quintiles, while the PBL top geopotential varies much more. This supports a view in which the direct contribution of SST to the surface pressure and flow fields, including the associated PBL convergence over sharp SST maxima, can be viewed as a steady forcing on the rest of the column, while free-tropospheric transients contribute most of the variability associated with precipitation on subseasonal time scales.
A Comparison of 3DEnVar and 4DEnVar for Convective-Scale Direct Radar Reflectivity Data Assimilation in the Context of a Filter and a Smoother
Authors: Yang Yue , Wang Xuguang
Published: October 2023

The Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI)-based four- and three-dimensional ensemble–variational (4DEnVar and 3DEnVar) methods are compared as a smoother and a filter, respectively, for rapidly changing storms using the convective-scale direct radar reflectivity data assimilation (DA) framework. Two sets of experiments with varying DA window lengths (WLs; 20, 40, 100, and 160 min) and radar observation intervals (RIs; 20 and 5 min) are conducted for the 5–6 May 2019 case. The RI determines the temporal resolution of ensemble perturbations for the smoother and the DA interval for the filter spanning the WL. For experiments with a 20-min RI, evaluations suggest that the filter and the smoother have comparable performance with a 20-min WL; however, extending the WL results in the outperformance of the filter over the smoother. Diagnostics reveal that the degradation of the smoother is attributed to the increased degree of nonlinearity and the issue of time-independent localization as the WL extends. Evaluations for experiments with different RIs under the same WL indicate that the outperformance of the filter over the smoother diminishes for most forecast hours at thresholds of 30 dBZ and above when shortening the RI. Diagnostics show that more frequent interruptions of the model introduce model imbalance for the filter, and the increased temporal resolution of ensemble perturbations enhances the degree of nonlinearity for the smoother. The impact of model imbalance on the filter overwhelms the enhanced nonlinearity on the smoother as the RI reduces.

Significance Statement

The background uncertainties of rapidly changing storms suffer from fast error growth and high degrees of nonlinearities during the data assimilation (DA) period. Two variants of the ensemble-based DA method can account for such temporal evolution. The smoother uses background ensemble from multiple observation times over an assimilation period to estimate the propagation of statistics. The filter frequently calculates the statistics at multiple observation times over the same period. Current comparisons of the smoother and the filter were mostly performed using simple models; however, unknowns remain for convection-allowing forecasts with additional complexities. This study compares the filter and the smoother for the convective-scale analysis and prediction using a real-data study and finds that the comparison varies with the assimilation period and the observation interval.
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Formalization: Waste Pickers’ Struggles for Labor Rights in São Paulo and Bogotá
Authors: Rosaldo Manuel
Published: October 2023

Many labor scholars and practitioners see the regulation of informal work as necessary to protect the world’s most vulnerable workers from market predation. This article advances an alternative perspective: State regulation is a versatile tool that can be wielded either by workers or by elites, often toward contradictory ends. Accordingly, the key question for those seeking to promote decent work is not whether to formalize informal jobs, but rather, formalization by and for whom? The author uses this approach to analyze differential outcomes between efforts to formalize the work of waste pickers in São Paulo, Brazil, and Bogotá, Colombia. Drawing on 24 months of field research, the author documents how São Paulo’s formalization policies benefited few street waste pickers, whereas those of Bogotá elevated the incomes, conditions, and voices of thousands of comparable workers. The analysis suggests that formalization is likely to yield pro-worker outcomes only when workers possess sufficient power over policy design and implementation.
Hurt on Both Sides: Political Differences in Health and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Coleman Max E. , Andersson Matthew A.
Published: October 2023

Republicans and conservatives report better self-rated health and well-being compared to Democrats and liberals, yet they are more likely to reside in geographic areas with heavy COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. This harmed health on “both sides” of political divides, occurring in a time of rapid sociopolitical upheaval, warrants the revisiting of psychosocial mechanisms linked to political health differences. Drawing on national Gallup data (early 2021), we find that predicted differences in health or well-being vary substantially by ideology, party, voting behavior, and policy beliefs, with model fit depending on how politics are measured. Differences in self-rated health, psychological distress, happiness, trouble sleeping, and delayed health care tend to reveal worse outcomes for Democrats or liberals. Such differences often are reduced to insignificance by some combination of mastery, meritocratic beliefs, perceived social support, and COVID-19–related exposures and attitudes. Policy beliefs predict health differences most robustly across outcomes and mechanism adjustments.
An Experimental Test of Mediated Supportive Communication and Resulting Outcomes
Authors: Youngvorst Lucas J. , Jones Susanne M.
Published: October 2023

The present study integrates theories of mediated and supportive communication to investigate the influence of communication context (i.e., channel) and content (i.e., quality) on support outcomes. 162 friend-dyads participated in an experiment by engaging in a supportive conversation that occurred either face-to-face, via video chat, or via text messaging and was manipulated to reflect either low- or high-quality support. Results showed channel richness, as operationalized by perceived synchronicity and bandwidth, varied across all three channels, and significantly predicted support receivers’ cognitive reappraisal and emotional improvement. Moderation analyses offered support consistent with the dual process theory of supportive message outcomes, such that the positive relationship between perceived bandwidth and support outcomes diminished as support quality increased. As one of the few experimental studies of enacted support reflecting varying quality levels across three distinct communication channels in the context of established friendships, implications for mediated supportive communication are discussed.
Changes in Risk Profiles: Latent Transition Analysis of Youth on Probation
Authors: Lee JoAnn S. , Appleton Carl E. , Stuart Olivia K.
Published: October 2023

We use a person-centered approach to examine how patterns of risk and protective factors can change among youth on probation ( N = 7,024). Data were collected using the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument. We used latent transition analysis to identify distinct subgroups at intake and exit; estimated probabilities of moving between groups; and examined recidivism rates. We selected the model with five groups and found that the groups at intake and exit were similar. We characterized the groups in order of declining risk: Highest Risk, Social Drug Risk, Individual Risk, Drug Risk, and Low Risk. Youth were most likely to move out of the Highest Risk group and most likely to stay in the two lowest risk groups. Common transitions yielded improved recidivism rates. This knowledge can inform case plans that will increase young people’s likelihood of moving into a lower risk group, thereby improving recidivism rates.
Stereotypical Questions: How Stereotypes About Conversation Partners Are Reflected in Question Formulations
Authors: Beukeboom Camiel J. , Burgers Christian , van Woerkom Maxim , de Meijer Sibren , de Vries Laura , Ferdinandus Denise
Published: October 2023

In conversations, activated stereotypes about conversation partners can influence communicative behaviors. We investigate whether and how stereotypes about categorized conversation partners shape topic choice and the types of questions asked. In three experiments, participants imagined having a conversation. Gender or age stereotypes of the conversation partner were manipulated by means of a picture. Results show a higher likelihood of addressing conversation and question topics consistent with stereotypic expectancies about conversation partners. Moreover, stereotypes were reflected in subtle variations in question formulations. When questions address stereotype-consistent topics, they are likelier formulated with high-frequency adverbs and positive valence, while questions addressing stereotype-inconsistent topics more likely contain low-frequency adverbs and negative valence. In addition, Experiment 4 suggests that recipients are sensitive to detect that questions reflect stereotypes about themselves, which can influence the evaluation of the conversation and partner. We discuss the consequences of biased question asking for interpersonal conversation and stereotype maintenance.
The Politics of Expertise in Policymaking: The Case of Erin’s Law Adoption and Diffusion Across the U.S. States
Authors: Vallett Joel D. , Park Sanghee
Published: October 2023

This study examines whether and how policy entrepreneurs and their interactions with state legislatures influence the adoption and diffusion of a child abuse prevention policy, that is, Erin’s Law, across U.S. state legislatures. Employing 8 years of state-level data (2011–2018), we claim that a policy entrepreneur’s impact on policy adoption is conditional on the degree of legislative professionalism and the state’s political ideology. The event history analysis (EHA) and logistic regression (Logit) analyses reveal that policy entrepreneurs’ speaking engagements decrease the time to adoption and increase the likelihood of adoption, and the effect becomes stronger when states’ political ideology aligns with the political landscape surrounding the issue. However, our findings did not support the countervailing role of a policy entrepreneur in leveling gaps in the degree of legislative professionalism and ideological preferences across state legislatures.
Biomechanical effects of iatrogenic muscle-ligaments complex damage on adjacent segments following posterior lumbar interbody fusion: A finite element analysis
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Tianhao , Li Jian , Liu Jianheng , Mao Keya , Pan Chun’ang , Li Hui , Zhao Yongfei
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To analyze the biomechanical effects of proximal iatrogenic muscle-ligaments complex (MLC) damage on adjacent segments following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) by finite element (FE) analysis.

Methods:

The multifidus muscle force was loaded in the validated intact lumbosacral finite element model. Based on whether undergoing PLIF or the proximal MLC damage, three models were established. Range of motion (ROM) and the maximum von Mises (VM) stress of adjacent segments were analyzed, as well as the average muscle force and work capacity in four loading directions.

Results:

PLIF results in significant changes in ROM and stress. ROM changed significantly in the upper adjacent segment, the PLIF model changed the most in extension, and the largest change in the lower adjacent segment occurred after MLC damage. The VM stress of the upper adjacent segment occurred in extension of the PLIF model, and that of the lower adjacent segment occurred in rotation after MLC damage. In flexion, ROM, and stress of the damaged MLC fusion model were significantly increased compared with the normal and PLIF models, there was a stepwise amplification. The average muscle force comparison of three models was 5.8530, 12.3185, and 13.4670 N, respectively. The total work capacity comparison was close to that of muscle force.

Conclusion:

PLIF results in increased ROM and the VM stress of adjacent segments, the proximal MLC damage will aggravate this change. This may increase the risk of ASD and chronic low back pain. Preserving the proximal MLC reduces the biomechanical effects on adjacent segments.
Pure (I and II) and mixed-mode (I+II) fracture characterisation of unidirectional AS4/Low-melt-PolyaryletherketoneTM polymer composites
Authors: Pereira Rúben , de Moura Marcelo , Moreira Raúl , Correia Nuno
Published: October 2023

This paper reports an experimental and numerical study on the mixed-mode I+II fracture characterisation of unidirectional AS4/low-melt-Polyaryletherketone (AS4/LMPAEKTM) composites. To address the fracture law characterising the material mixed-mode fracture behaviour, a suitable approach is used, simply applying two different loading conditions regarding five mechanical tests and specimen configurations. Scoping to characterise fracture under pure mode I loading and under mixed-mode I+II loading with mode I predominance, the peel test loading condition is used, respectively, for symmetric and asymmetric double-cantilever beam tests (DCB and ADCB). The three-point bending loading condition is used in order to characterise fracture under pure mode II loading by end-notch flexure test (ENF) and mixed-mode I+II with moderate and predominant mode II, respecting symmetric and asymmetric single-leg bending tests (SLB and ASLB). To diminish the influence of crack monitoring ambiguity on the crack length analysis during experiments, data reduction schemes based on the compliance-based beam method (CBBM) were used. Additionally, numerical finite element analyses were conducted in order to validate the data reduction method and the mode partition strategy based on cohesive zone modelling (CZM). Overall, a good agreement between numerical and experimental results was obtained, providing an adequate identification of the energy fracture criterion.
Dual Process Theory for Large Language Models: An overview of using Psychology to address hallucination and reliability issues
Authors: Bellini-Leite Samuel C
Published: October 2023

State-of-the-art Large Language Models have recently exhibited extraordinary linguistic abilities which have surprisingly extended to reasoning. However, responses that are unreliable, false, or invented are still a frequent issue. It has been argued that scaling up strategies, as in increasing model size or hardware power, might not be enough to resolve the issue. Recent research has implemented Type 2 strategies (such as Chain-of-Thought and Tree-of-Thought), as strategies that mimic Type 2 reasoning, from Dual Process Theory, to interact with Large Language Models for improved results. The current paper reviews these strategies in light of the Predicting and Reflecting Framework for understanding Dual Process Theory and suggests what Psychology, drawing from research in executive functions, thinking disposition and creativity, can further contribute to possible implementations that address hallucination and reliability issues.
The Effects of Crocus sativus (Saffron) on ADHD: A Systematic Review
Authors: Seyedi-Sahebari Sepideh , Farhang Sara , Araj-Khodaei Mostafa , Akhondzadeh Shahin , Naseri Amirreza , Sanaie Sarvin , Frounchi Negin
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim:

Crocus sativus also known as saffron, is one of the most popular traditional plants. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of saffron extracts in ADHD.

Method:

This study includes clinical trial studies that assessed the efficacy and/or safety of saffron in ADHD patients. Non-English papers, review articles, commentaries, letters, observational studies, thesis, animal studies, in-vitro studies, and conference abstracts were not included. The risk of bias in randomized studies was evaluated based on the Cochrane RoB.2, and risk of bias in pre-post intervention studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.

Results:

Four studies met our inclusion criteria with a total of 118 patients. The results manifested an efficient role of saffron as either an adjuvant therapy to MPH or a single therapy against ADHD, without significant safety issues.

Discussion:

Saffron demonstrates promise in improving ADHD symptoms, with an acceptable safety profile. Future well-designed multicentral studies are suggested.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Dancers and Athletes: Time for Increased Cardiac Screening?
Authors: Evans Lola , Hutt Kim
Published: October 2023

Background: Young athletes are thought to be models of peak physical condition, capable of exceptional physical accomplishments. However approximately 64 UK athletes aged 12 to 35 will die each year from a phenomenon known as Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). SCD can be defined as an unexpected death as a result of abrupt loss of cardiac function within an hour of symptom onset. Undiagnosed heart conditions such as arrhythmias are often found to be the cause of SCD. Advantageous physical attributes found in athletes’ hearts can complicate diagnoses as hearts with inherited conditions can appear physiologically similar to hearts adapted to strenuous exercise. Growing research surrounding SCD within sporting populations aims to decrease mortality rates however there is an absence of study specifically into SCD in dance. Within sport, the topic of cardiac screening has generated widespread controversy which is fueled by a lack of empirical evidence. There is currently no international consensus of pre participation cardiac screening methods within dance or sport, potentially leaving many dancers and athletes at risk. Methods: As part of this study, existing material surrounding the topics of SCD and cardiac screening in athletes and dancers was gathered. All existing studies at the time of writing in relation to cardiac screening in athletes and dancers were collected and analysed in order to compare results and evaluate the methodological limitations.This process aimed to identify gaps in current knowledge and research to inform future study. Results: This article aimed to analyze the epidemiology of SCD within sport and dance and to make recommendations for pre-participation screening within dance institutions. The study highlights the need to increase awareness of SCD within the dance community and determine appropriate screening approaches depending on context and setting.
Recovery in Hip Range of Motion in Young Flexibility Athletes 1 Year After Periacetabular Osteotomy
Authors: Patsimas Tatiana , Howell David R. , Hovater Whitney , Drexelius Katherine , Selberg Courtney , Armento Aubrey , Mayer Stephanie
Published: October 2023

Background: Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) is a well-established surgical intervention for the treatment of hip dysplasia. Purpose: Our primary objective was to assess whether a group of young flexibility athletes who underwent PAO for hip dysplasia recovered their pre-operative hip range of motion (ROM) within 1 year of surgery. Our secondary objective was to compare hip ROM recovery between a group of young flexibility athletes and a group of non-flexibility athletes who underwent PAO for hip dysplasia. Results: In our study, 100% of flexibility athletes regained preoperative hip external rotation at 1-year post-operation. This was also the first plane of motion to return to preoperative motion in flexibility athletes. A significantly higher percentage of non-flexibility athletes regained their preoperative hip internal rotation compared to flexibility athletes (100% compared to 54%; P = .02), but not flexion or external rotation at 1-year post-operation. Conclusion: Our findings may help providers to set expectations regarding the recovery of hip ROM in flexibility athletes who undergo PAO for hip dysplasia.

Level of Evidence: Level IV
Mental illness in children and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023
Authors: Mitiku Kalkidan Worku , Tegegne Eniyew , Amsalu Menichil , Habtegiorgis Samuel Derbie , Melaku Birhanu
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Young people are at risk of developing mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems are among the primary causes of illness and impairment among teenagers. Suicide is the fourth highest cause of mortality in those aged 15 to 29. This study aimed to assess the determinants of mental health among children in Ethiopia.

Methods

Online databases were searched from inception until March 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 was used in this review. Subgroup analysis, I2 test, funnel plot, and Egger’s test were performed. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated.

Result

Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of mental illnesses among Ethiopian children was 24.68% (95% CI: 19.99%–32.38%). Having previous child abuse history (OR: 5.65; 95% CI: 4.32-7.39), poor socio-economic status (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.24-3.04), urban residence (OR: 1.93; 95% CI:1.39-2.67), and being male (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15-2.38) were determinants of childhood mental illness in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

and Recommendations: Mental disorders are highly prevalent in children with a history of child abuse, and a strong legislative body must be established to prosecute child abusers. Interventions that focus on gender equality in education and the creation of a safe environment for poor urban children are suggested.
Facilitators and barriers to adherence to medical recommendations among adolescents with cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Salvador Ágata , Mansuklal Shivani Atul , Moura Maria , Crespo Carla , Barros Luísa
Published: October 2023

We aimed to systematically review barriers/facilitators of adherence among adolescents with cancer (aged 10–24 years), following a comprehensive approach to adherence that goes beyond medication-taking. Empirical studies published in English exploring determinants of adherence to medical recommendations among adolescents with cancer were identified in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Web of Science, up to October 2021. Records and full-text articles were reviewed by two independent reviewers, and results were classified according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) multidimensional adherence model. Eighteen studies were included. Despite heterogeneity in the definition and measurement of adherence, literature supported barriers/facilitators at patient, treatment, condition, healthcare team/system, and social/economic levels. Specifically, patient-related factors (i.e., psychological functioning and beliefs about disease and treatment) and social-related factors (i.e., family functioning) were major determinants of adolescent adherence. Few studies were conducted, and inconsistent findings were displayed for other dimensions (i.e., healthcare team/system, treatment, and condition-related factors). Adherence is a complex and multidetermined phenomenon. More research is needed to provide critical insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals in planning practices and interventions that effectively address meaningful barriers/facilitators of adolescents’ adherence.
Ensuring Test Access for Students With Disabilities: A Special Issue of Assessment for Effective Intervention
Authors: Lovett Benjamin J. , Harrison Judith R.
Published: October 2023

Ensuring that educational tests are accessible to students with disabilities is a core aspect of fairness in assessment, regardless of the exact uses of the testing. Disability accommodations, as well as universally available accessibility features, can facilitate that access, but determining which supports to offer should be guided by sound empirical research and defensible theoretical frameworks. Here the guest editors introduce a special issue of Assessment for Effective Intervention on this topic of accessibility in assessment. We discuss the importance of the topic, we provide an overview of each article in the issue, and we offer reflections on the present and future of research on this topic.