bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers as Professionals: How Contextual Knowledge Justifies Teacher Autonomy
Authors: Tanchuk Nicolas J.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Despite claims made by teachers, teacher educators, and researchers, the dominant U.S. legal and political practice holds that teachers are not full professionals. Denying teachers’ full professional status limits teachers’ professional autonomy and leaves their work heavily controlled by external authorities. Are these external limits on teachers’ work justified? Definitions of what a full profession is vary, but nearly all require the professional to possess complex and specialized knowledge, which justifies the self-regulation of the field by its practitioners. Unlike the knowledge possessed by doctors and lawyers, the knowledge teachers possess is often thought to be insufficiently specialized and complex to meet this standard—they are claimed at best to be “semi-professionals.”

Purpose:

This essay aims to show that leading arguments used to reject teachers’ claim to professional status rely on a misleadingly decontextualized picture of pedagogical knowledge traceable to Lee Shulman. Against this picture, I follow Gloria Ladson-Billings’s critique of Shulman from the perspective of culturally relevant pedagogy to advance what I refer to as the integrated account of teachers’ pedagogical knowledge. The integrated account of teachers’ pedagogical knowledge reveals that although teachers possess a unique and highly complex knowledge base, that knowledge base is always in large part hyper-context-specific. Once the hyper-context-specificity of teachers’ knowledge is appreciated, we discover that teachers’ claim to professional status is justified, contrary to prevailing legal and political practice.

Research Design:

This essay uses empirically engaged philosophical methods to analyze the existing arguments against teachers’ claim to full professional status. By making the presuppositions and limitations of these arguments explicit, the analysis supports a revision in theory, policy, and practice toward the integrated account of teachers’ pedagogical knowledge and teaching’s professional status.

Recommendations:

The integrated account of teachers’ pedagogical knowledge recommends the development of professional institutions for teaching. Because pedagogical knowledge differs in its hyper-context-specificity from the more codifiable knowledge bases of other professions, the professional institutions and practices appropriate to teaching differ as well. To guide policy, research, and practice, I trace four commitments implied by the integrated account of pedagogical knowledge: (1) representation from learner communities in professional pathways; (2) professional organizations and standards rooted in hyper-context-specific knowledge; (3) culturally sustaining, teacher-driven law and policy creation processes; and (4) educational research that centers teachers’ professional wisdom.
Rage, revenge, reward, and recreation: Validating short-form measures of adolescents’ aggression across offline and online contexts
Authors: Graf Daniel , Yanagida Takuya
Published: December 2024

The quadripartite violence typology categorizes aggression into rage, revenge, reward, and recreational aggression. Furthermore, the general aggression model highlights the interaction between personal and contextual factors in shaping aggressive behavior. Whereas the four types of aggression are considered as personal factors, a contextual distinction can be made between offline and online contexts. To date, only the Cyber-Aggression Typology Questionnaire (CATQ) and its offline counterpart, the Face-to-Face Aggression Typology Questionnaire (FATQ), operationalize each aggression type specifically for offline and online settings. However, this questionnaire set presents limitations in its applicability due to its item count and exclusive validation in university students. In this two-study article, we developed and validated short versions (CATQ-S/FATQ-S) utilizing Graf et al.’s original dataset ( N = 587 university students, Study 1) and revalidated them in a new sample of secondary school students ( N = 1,064, Study 2). In Study 1, structural validity of the CATQ-S/FATQ-S could be confirmed. All scales of the CATQ-S showed acceptable to good reliabilities. Whereas the revenge and recreational aggression scales of the FATQ-S showed acceptable to good reliabilities, the reliabilities of its rage and reward scales were slightly below the threshold of .70. All short scales showed substantial correlations with their corresponding full scales. Similar correlational patterns for the short and full scales with external criteria could be found. In Study 2, structural validity of the CATQ-S/FATQ-S could be confirmed. All scales of the CATQ-S/FATQ-S showed acceptable to good reliabilities and criterion validity was largely observed. This research supports the four-factor model of aggression in both offline and online contexts and provides a practical instrument designed for the efficient measurement of four-factor aggression in secondary schools.
Understanding Daily Care Experience Preferences Across the Lifespan of Older Adults: Application of Natural Language Processing
Authors: Min Se Hee , Woo Kyungmi , Song Jiyoun , Alexander Gregory L. , O’Malley Terrence , Moen Maria D. , Topaz Maxim
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Older adults are a heterogeneous group, and their care experience preferences are likely to be diverse and individualized. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify categories of older adults’ care experience preferences and to examine similarities and differences across different age groups.

Methods:

The initial categories of older adults’ care experience preferences were identified through a qualitative review of narrative text (n = 3134) in the ADVault data set. A natural language processing (NLP) algorithm was used to automatically and accurately define older adults’ care experience preference categories. Descriptive statistics were used to examine similarities and differences in care experience preference categories across different age groups.

Results:

The overall average performance of NLP algorithms was relatively high (average F-score = 0.88; range: 0.77-0.96). Through a qualitative review of 350 randomly selected texts, a total of 11 categories were identified. The most frequent category was music, followed by photographs, entertainment, family/friends, religion-related, atmosphere, flower/plants, pet, bed/bedding, hobby, and other. After applying the best performing NLP algorithm to each category, older adults’ care experience preference categories were music (41.32%), followed by photographs (28.47%), entertainment (13.46%), religion-related (n = 12.69%), pet (12.22%), flower/plants (11.51%), family/friends (8.45%), atmosphere (7.75%), bed/bedding (6.12%), and hobby (5.45%). Young-old and old-old adults had similar care experience preferences with music being the most frequent category while old-old adults had photographs as the most frequent category for their care experience preference.

Conclusion:

Clinicians must understand the distinct categories of care experience preferences and incorporate them into personalized care planning.
Unveiling global interest in lymphedema: A decade of search data through google trends global interest in lymphedema: A google trends analysis
Authors: Bucak Ömer Faruk
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The increasing reliance on Internet search engines for health-related queries requires a thorough evaluation of the public’s engagement with medical information. This study aims to analyze global trends in interest in lymphedema over the past decade using Google Trends (GT).

Methods

A physiatrist with expertise in lymphedema management identified and analyzed 12 key search terms according to the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) guidelines. These terms included ‘lymphedema swelling’, ‘lymphedema treatment’, ‘lymphedema stages’, ‘compression therapy for lymphedema’, ‘manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)’, ‘complete decongestive therapy (CDT)’, ‘pneumatic compression pump’, ‘lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA)’, ‘lymphedema surgery’, ‘liposuction for lymphedema’, ‘lymphedema prevention’ and ‘post-cancer lymphedema’. GT data was collected using filters set to ‘web search’, ‘all categories’, and ‘worldwide’ to provide a comprehensive overview. The analysis was conducted for two five-year intervals: 1 September 2014 to 31 August 2019 and 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2024. Relative search volume (RSV) was calculated for each term and compared to quantify changes over time.

Results

Significant increases in search activity were observed for ‘lymphedema swelling’, ‘lymphedema treatment’, ‘lymphedema stages’, ‘manual lymphatic drainage’, ‘lymphedema surgery’, and ‘post-cancer lymphedema’ in the second period ( p = 0.001 for each). The average GT score increased from 19 in 2014-2019 to 29 in 2019-2024 ( p = 0.001), reflecting a significant increase in public awareness and interest.

Conclusion

The study shows a significant increase in global public interest in lymphedema and its minimally invasive treatments over the past 5 years, suggesting a growing awareness of the condition. These findings highlight the need for improved patient education and research to meet the increasing demand for lymphedema care.
Portable Vehicle Outer Contour Dimension Measurement Algorithm Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Overlimit Mobile Detection
Authors: Han Lihong , Li Shiwu , Sun Wencai , Fu Minghao , Wang Junhong
Published: December 2024

In the realm of highway traffic management, the detection of overlimit vehicles holds paramount importance. Presently, the predominant methods for overlimit detection rely heavily on stationary detection equipment, thus constraining the ability to conduct mobile detection. To tackle this challenge, the current study introduced an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based portable methodology aimed at measuring vehicle outer contour dimensions. By employing a binocular camera affixed to a UAV, the method captured point cloud data of vehicles, from which a specialized algorithm extracted the point cloud of target vehicles. The dimensions of the vehicle profile were then determined through a combination of line-scanning method and rotation of axis. We carried out experiments on trucks of different sizes and colors, with the following results: the average error of length measurement was 2.35%, of width measurement was 1.85%, and the average error of height measurement was 1.18%. This indicated the method’s high accuracy. Beyond offering a novel technical solution for identifying overlimit vehicles, this study expanded UAV applications into a new domain. The proposed method stands out for its portability, speed, and efficiency, facilitating immediate detection of highway overlimit infractions and significantly contributing to highway traffic management.
Curcumin suppresses metastasis, invasion, and proliferation in osteosarcoma cells by regulating the EGFR/Src signaling axis
Authors: Liu Huiying , Li Zhiqiang , Xu Binwu , Li Zhipeng , Yang Xili , Luo Jun
Published: December 2024

We explored the biological mechanisms by which curcumin (Cur) confronts osteosarcoma (OS) tumorigenesis and potential drug gene targets based on network pharmacology and in vitro cell experiments. Cur has been recognized for its significant role in combating various types of tumors. However, the intrinsic molecular mechanisms through which it affects OS remain uncharted. In this study, we performed network pharmacology methods including protein-protein interaction (PPI) and core target screening, Functional Enrichment Analysis and Network Construction, Molecular Docking, which obtained the potential target of Cur. Meanwhile, cell experiments (wound healing assay, Transwell assay, Western blots, immunofluorescence, et al.) in vitro were performed to verify the targets, and reveal the biological mechanisms. A total of 18 hub genes were identified through our network pharmacological analysis. In vitro studies show that Cur inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion capabilities of MG63 and U2OS cells. Western blot reveals a down-regulation of p-PI3K, PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, EGFR, Src, p-Src (Tyr416) and STAT3 expression when treated with Cur. Additionally, Cur upregulated epithelial proteins (E-cadherin and Occludin) while decreasing the expression of the mesenchymal protein (N-cadherin). In addition, Cur treatment decreases the EGFR/Src signaling pathway in the presence of active Src overexpression. Cur inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by down-regulating EGFR/Src signaling axis, also resulting in coordinated weakening of its downstream regulatory genes, including Akt, STAT3, Bcl2, ERK1/2, among others signal axis (PI3K/Akt signaling pathway).
Large eddy simulation and process research on abrasive flow precision machining of transmission spiral bevel gear
Authors: Li Junye , Wang Chunyu , Li Zhenfeng , Sun Yuxiao , Tang Chao , Zou Tiangang
Published: December 2024

Transmission gear is the most basic part of mechanical transmission. The surface roughness of transmission gear affects its performance and service life, and traditional finishing has certain limitations. In this paper, the abrasive flow precision machining transmission gear is studied. Taking spiral bevel gears as the research object, the effect of different flow channel structures and different parameters on the machining effect is analyzed by using large eddy simulation numerical calculation method. The orthogonal test method is used to study the process of abrasive flow machining transmission gear. A numerical simulation of abrasive flow machining of spiral bevel gears was conducted under different inlet pressures, abrasive concentrations, and abrasive particle sizes. The optimal flow channel structure was utilized in this simulation. The change of different parameters of spiral bevel gear is analyzed, and the action law under different parameter conditions is obtained. The final surface roughness Ra value is increased from 2.5 μm to 0.08 μm, and the ideal flat surface is obtained. The effectiveness of abrasive flow machining of transmission gears is verified, which provides technical support for actual abrasive flow machining of transmission gears.
Data-driven motion estimation for cable-driven end-effectors through parallel 1D-convolution and recurrent neural networks with attention
Authors: Chen Yongfa , Xu Xinzhou , Li Ziqian , Wang Zhengyu , Schuller Björn
Published: December 2024

Minimally invasive surgery requires the inclusion of cable-driven manipulators, due to the advantages in terms of lower inertia, compact design, and remote actuation. However, the nonlinear factors underlying in a cable-driven system bring a challenge for the motion control of the end-effectors of a surgical robot. Further, conventional data-driven approaches for cable-driven systems fail to jointly consider local and temporally sequential information in control signals. To this end, we propose a motion-estimation approach for cable-driven end-effectors, using 1D-convolution and recurrent neural networks with attention, taking into account local and sequential information in modelling control series. Then, we perform cross-domain experiments on our Hefei University of Technology’s Cable-Driven End-effector’s Motion (HFUT-CDEM) dataset, with the experimental results showing that the proposed approach achieves better performance, compared with conventional regression approaches for sequential-data modelling.
On the use of direct implicit integration with numerical Jacobian matrix in helicopter rotor dynamics
Authors: Wu Jie , Yu Zhihao , Ma Yijiang
Published: December 2024

In recent years, geometrically exact beam theory is widely used in rotor structural dynamics to model composite blade undergoing large deflections. The corresponding differential equations based on this theory show strong nonlinearity and the aeroelastic terms are normally written in implicit format. It brings most difficulties to implicit integration methods since the analytical Jacobian matrix is hard to derive. In this paper, a trapezoidal integration utilizing numerical Jacobian matrix is introduced to solve the dynamic equations of rotor blade. Central difference method with Romberg extrapolation scheme is adopted to numerically calculate the Jacobian. Accuracy of the methods is evaluated on dynamic problems from one cantilevered beam and the other fully articulated rotor blade. Numerical stability and efficiency are also investigated by changing update policies of Jacobian matrix and mesh configurations of typical rotor blade. Numerical results show that both extrapolation scheme for partial derivatives and the integration method with numerical Jacobian perform well on predicting natural frequencies and transient responses in rotor dynamics.
Dynamics analysis of nose landing gear shimmy performance considering aircraft structural flexibility
Authors: Ruan Shuang , Zhang Ming , Yang Shaofei , Nie Hong
Published: December 2024

This study examines the sliding vibration characteristics of high-speed aircraft constructed with multi-layer composite materials and designed with a large cabin opening, which consequently leads to diminished overall structural integrity and lower natural vibration frequencies. To assess the influence of structural flexibility on the shimmy behavior of the nose landing gear during taxiing, a rigid-flexible coupling dynamic model was developed based on multi-body dynamics theory, integrating considerations of structural flexibility. The modal stiffness derived from this model was compared to that obtained from a finite element analysis, and simulations were performed to evaluate shimmy stability. The results reveal that fuselage motion enhances the damping coefficient for anti-shimmy while concurrently decreasing the oscillation frequency. When the structural frequency approaches the oscillation frequency, the stability of the system may be jeopardized. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent the alignment of the landing gear’s shimmy frequency with the structural frequency during the design process. Excessive flexibility in the fuselage can result in substantial lateral deformation, which disrupts the normal vibration pattern of the wheels’ angular motion and reduces the system’s capabilities for anti-shimmy and sliding control. Furthermore, when the fuselage demonstrates significant flexibility, the influence of the nose section on shimmy becomes pronounced, indicating that employing earpieces to simulate the body’s stiffness for shimmy analysis is not a suitable approach.
Impact of reduced graphene oxide on thermal charging, discharging, and efficiency of paraffin wax based thermal energy storage system
Authors: Kumar Amit , Gupta Aayush , Bhardwaj Gaurav , Sharma Kamal
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on investigating a PCM based TES unit, which plays a crucial role in temporarily storing thermal energy to mitigate the mismatch between energy supply and demand. Visual inspection confirmed the addition of rGO, with significant increase in the thermal conductivity (∼62%) of PW. The study examined the effects of rGO concentration (0.25-1.00 vol%) and HTF flow rate on TC and TDC of TES. Higher rGO concentration reduced both TC and TDC time due to enhanced heat transfer. Increasing the flow rate from 0.375 to 1.5 L/min decreased overall thermal charging time, with improved efficiency (∼24). The results show a direct correlation between TC, TDC, efficiency, and process parameters (rGO concentration and flow rate), with experimental and predicted values demonstrating satisfactory agreement (±12%, ±12%, and ±2%, respectively). This study provides a practical application and a valuable predictive tool for estimating TC, TDC, and thermal efficiency based on known flow rates and concentrations of rGO in wax-based PCMs, suggesting rGO as an effective additive.
Moving for mobility? Suburban spatial imaginaries
Authors: Wikstrøm Ragnhild Dahl
Published: December 2024

The critique of urban sprawl and the increased focus on low-carbon transitions have led to changes in urban and regional policies and planning in many city regions. This article examines sociocultural and lived dimensions of suburban sustainable mobility transitions by exploring different spatial imaginaries of suburban towns, mobility systems, and sustainable transitions from the perspectives of new residents, real estate marketing, and regional transport planning in the Greater Oslo Region. Empirically, the article investigates how households who have recently relocated to transit-oriented suburban nodes designed to promote low carbon mobility perceive the role of mobility prospects in their decision to relocate. This exploration is set against other social and material features at their new residential location. The article includes an analysis of the spatial imaginaries of regional transport plans and real estate marketing, as these imaginaries potentially play an important role in the spatial transformation and comprehension of these places and spaces and further households’ decisions to move there. These spatial imaginaries are contrasted with in-movers’ imagination, revealing potential disconnections between planning ideals, marketing strategies, and lived experiences. By shedding light on the interplay between spatial planning, marketing strategies, and lived experiences, this research contributes to broader discussions in mobility, housing, urban studies, and planning, promoting a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural factors of sustainable suburban transformations.
Translating Empirical State-Dependent Service Times Into Queueing Models
Authors: Ding Likang , Kolfal Bora , Ingolfsson Armann
Published: December 2024

Recent empirical studies suggest that human behavior in queues causes workload-dependent service times. We investigate the translation of empirical service times into state-dependent queueing models. To this end, we identify two types of state-dependent models, static and dynamic, and two types of corresponding behavioral mechanisms. For example, we view customer early task initiation as a static mechanism and social speedup pressure as a dynamic mechanism. For each model type, we discuss behavioral mechanisms consistent with the model assumptions and indicate how empirical service times can be translated into model input parameters. We illustrate how translating service times into dynamic models can result in invalid service rates, which provides evidence against dynamic mechanisms. For dynamic models, we find that mean service times are in general not the inverse of service rates, the directional change in service rates is not always the opposite of the directional change in mean service times, and workload measurement timing can drastically impact mean service time patterns. We provide closed-form equations to convert service times into service rates and vice versa, and find conditions under which monotonic mean service times imply monotonic service rates and vice versa. Our results provide guidelines for researchers to select and specify an appropriate state-dependent queueing model from service time data, and expand the scope of previously published analytical results.
Reducing Modern Slavery Risks in Supply Chains: Contributions From a Sociotechnical Systems Perspective
Authors: Fayezi Sajad , Klassen Robert , Gold Stefan , Benstead Amy , Van Wassenhove Luk
Published: December 2024

Using sociotechnical systems (STS) theory, this article offers a critical perspective on how the interplay between social and technical systems in supply chains can be leveraged to gain valuable insights into addressing risks related to modern slavery. It elaborates on the complex recursive interactions among various elements of STS, shedding light on the emergence, perpetuation, and diffusion of modern slavery, as well as the sociotechnical interventions available within supply chains. We develop a framework that conceptualizes the risk of modern slavery as the outcome of interactions among multiple systems, providing guidance for future research, policy development, and managerial strategies to address this pressing societal challenge. Importantly, multistakeholder initiatives, combining innovative approaches to both social and technical governance, are expected to play a crucial role in mitigating modern slavery risks.
Flexible Revenue-Sharing Contract in a Digital-Content Supply Chain Under Heterogeneous Beliefs of the Parties
Authors: Avinadav Tal , Chernonog Tatyana , Khmelnitsky Eugene
Published: December 2024

We study the design of a novel, flexible revenue-sharing contract between a platform and an app developer (or other digital content provider) when the parties hold heterogeneous beliefs with regard to the future income. The current contracts adopted by platforms in reality invoke a policy of two or three commission levels based on historical revenue data. We design a contract in which the commission is a continuous function of the revenue generated by the app or other digital content within the current period. In contrast to the majority of prior studies in operations management, which analyze the homogeneous beliefs scenario, we introduce heterogeneous beliefs, which turn out to be a crucial consideration in designing the contract structure. We use game theory and calculus of variations to derive the conditions to be satisfied by the flexible contract. Two criteria are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed flexible contract: the benefit gained by each party and the complexity of the negotiation (measured by the number of contract terms). The best linear contract serves as a performance benchmark. We show that the flexible contract has the potential to enhance the relationship between platforms and digital content providers. In particular, using extensive numerical analysis (based on 99,225 instances in a full factorial design), we demonstrate that the proposed contract may yield an improvement in expected profits of more than 100% compared with the best linear contract, and we identify the conditions under which the flexible contract achieves a substantial improvement relative to the benchmark. Moreover, the flexible contract outperforms the best linear contract in 99% of cases—the former is either more profitable while entailing the same level of negotiation complexity, or it has the same profitability but a lower level of negotiation complexity. In the remaining 1% of studied cases, the flexible contract is preferable in terms of profitability, but the best linear contract involves less negotiation friction, such that neither contract dominates the other. Based on real data, we demonstrate the applicability and advantages of the flexible contract for a scenario within the video games industry.
The potential role and limitations of antiseptic eyedrops in ophthalmic surgery
Authors: Danese Carla , Di Bin Francesco , Rubinato Leopoldo , Bulfon Anna , Gonfiantini Marco , Sinopoli Francesca , Moreschi Carlo , Tadayoni Ramin , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

the aim of the present study is to analyse the composition of the currently available topical antiseptic products and the related scientific evidence, and to discuss the implications of their use in the prevention of endophthtalmitis.

Methods

products available on the market until February 2024 were considered. Information provided on the illustration leaflet of each product were analysed. Literature search was made on the effectiveness of these new products, focusing on those available in Italy. Articles indexed in Pubmed until June 2024 were included in the present study.

Results

labelling of these products represents an issue, since most of them are presented as eye lubricants and a clear labeling of their indication as perioperative prophylaxis is needed. While promising in vitro studies have been performed, in vivo evidence is still lacking.

Conclusions

products with antiseptic activity may be promising to address the issue of endophthalmitis prevention. However, more evidence on the subject is needed.
Retrospective review of the development and implementation of a bedside tunneled dialysis catheter program
Authors: Ostroff Matthew , Manzo Kirsten , Weite Toni Ann , Garcia Daniel , Ahn Jane , Stanko Olena , Russ Caleb , LeBow Elisa , Rae Sam , Alexandrou Evan , Choi Eric
Published: December 2024

Background:

The decision to place a subcutaneously tunneled catheter is an infection prevention strategy for long term venous access allowing the proceduralist to access a vein and relocate the catheter exit site to a region on the body where care and maintenance can be safely performed. Subcutaneously tunneled centrally inserted dialysis catheter (ST-CIDC) placement is commonly performed in patients with renal disease and is traditionally performed with fluoroscopy in the interventional radiology suite or the operating theater. However, today’s interventional radiologists and surgeons perform advanced invasive procedures that can be time-consuming resulting in delays in the scheduling of elective tunneled catheter placements.

Methods:

In this retrospective case series, we present data from a quality improvement initiative aimed at integrating available evidence for bedside tunneled dialysis catheter placement with electrocardiograph (ECG) tip positioning, to expedite care, improve patient safety outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs associated with the procedure.

Results:

Most patients in the study had end-stage renal disease (59%) or acute kidney injury (37%) and were receiving placement for the first time (91%). The right jugular vein was cannulated in 84% of the placements and rates of post-insertion complications were <1%, regardless of the vessel cannulated. Performing bedside tunneled dialysis catheter placement resulted in a cost savings of $385,938.76 over a 2-year period.

Conclusions:

The placement of ultrasound guided tunneled dialysis catheters at the bedside following a pre-procedural evaluation of the right jugular, brachiocephalic, and femoral veins is a safe option resulting in expedited patient care, decreased resource utilization, and significant cost savings. Non-bedside techniques performed in interventional radiology, or the operating room should remain a consideration for patients requiring left sided venous access, signs of central stenosis, a history of multiple tunneled catheters, or patients requiring moderate sedation outside of the ICU.
‘A surprise I will never forget’: How do adolescent Spanish-German heritage speakers express the emotion of surprise in both their heritage language and the societal language?
Authors: Vidal Noguera Carmen , Mavrou Irini
Published: December 2024

Aim:

The affective valence of surprise depends on both individual and contextual factors. This study examined the role of language and cultural background in the linguistic and affective properties of written narratives of surprise produced by adolescent heritage language (HL) speakers and first language (L1) users.

Methodology and Data Analysis:

Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to investigate the overall emotional valence, the themes, and the valence and the emotional arousal of the affective vocabulary used in the narratives of surprise written by 148 adolescents, consisting of 60 bilingual speakers of HL Spanish who had grown up in Germany, 27 L1 Spanish speakers and 61 L1 German speakers.

Findings:

Most of the narratives of surprise had positive emotional valence. Narratives of surprise in Spanish (both L1 and HL) contained more positive, negative and high-arousal words. The heritage speakers recalled different experiences of surprise depending on the language they used and expressed this emotion following similar linguistic and cultural patterns to those of L1 speakers, but with specific attributes that were related to their bilingual/HL speaker status.

Originality:

We adopted a holistic approach to examine how adolescent heritage speakers express the emotion of surprise and to gain an in-depth understanding of this non-prototypical emotion that has varying affective properties. The methodological innovation is due to the combination of different paradigms and data analysis techniques, including a content analysis, a thematic analysis, and both a within- and a between-subjects design.

Implications:

The linguistic and cultural factors influencing the expression of surprise should be considered in language teaching and other fields of human communication. Narratives of surprise can be used as a source of second language learning, and surprising information must be transmitted considering the positive or negative effect it might have on the audience.
Remote appointments in orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery: Part 2 clinician perceptions
Authors: Hans Gurdeep Kaur , Hunt Nigel Peter , Travess Helen
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

To assess clinician perceptions of and satisfaction with remote appointments in orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS).

Design:

Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

Setting:

Orthodontic and OMFS departments in six acute NHS hospital Trusts in the UK.

Participants:

A total of 36 (a mixture of consultants, specialty doctors, registrars and therapists in both orthodontics and OMFS) completed responses were received.

Method:

Once piloted, questionnaires were disseminated across six hospital Trusts to orthodontic and OMFS clinicians. A combination of face-to-face (F2F) and online dissemination was used.

Results:

A total of 28 of 36 (77.8%) questionnaires were completed, 75% (n = 21) by orthodontic clinicians and 25% (n = 7) by OMFS clinicians. A 100% (n = 21) response rate was achieved for orthodontic clinicians, compared to a 47% (n = 7/15) response rate for OMFS clinicians. High levels of clinician satisfaction were found for clinician confidentiality; however, concerns remained around patient confidentiality and the inability to conduct a clinical examination. The majority (n = 21, 75%) of clinicians felt that remote appointments had their place in the post-pandemic era, particularly for retainer reviews in orthodontics and biopsy results in OMFS.

Conclusion:

When appropriately triaged, the majority of remote appointments do save a face-to-face visit, and there is a place for remote platforms in both specialties going forward. However further research is required in the post-pandemic era to ascertain the full long-term applicability of remote orthodontic and OMFS consultations.
Remote appointments in Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Part 1 service evaluation
Authors: Hans Gurdeep Kaur , Hunt Nigel Peter , Travess Helen
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To assess the type, number and outcome of remote appointments in Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) in one acute hospital trust and to establish whether remote appointments carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic were successful in saving a face-to-face appointment.

Design:

Service evaluation.

Setting:

Orthodontic and OMFS departments at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Method:

A retrospective service evaluation was carried out, analysing the types, numbers and outcomes of remote appointments in Orthodontics and OMFS over a nine-month period (March-December 2020) during the Covid-19 pandemic in one hospital trust. Data were collected from the trust online booking system and departmental spreadsheets and recorded on Microsoft® Excel.

Results:

A total of 901 remote appointments were analysed, 42% (n = 387) of which were Orthodontic and 58% (n = 523) OMFS. Low failure to attend rates were seen in both specialties (3% (n = 18) OMFS; 6% (n = 21) Orthodontics). Retainer reviews accounted for 83% (n = 315) of all Orthodontic remote appointments and the most common outcome of remote appointments was discharge after attendance (49% n = 189). New patient consultations accounted for 41% (n = 212) of OMFS remote appointments and the most common outcomes were Oral Medicine review (31% n = 162) and discharge following attendance (20% n = 103). Remote platforms saved a follow-up face-to-face appointment in 92% (n = 352) of Orthodontic appointments, compared to 81% (n = 421) for OMFS remote appointments.

Conclusion:

When appropriately triaged, the majority of remote appointments do save a face-to-face visit, and there is a place for remote platforms in both specialties going forward. However further research is required in the post-pandemic era to ascertain the full long-term applicability of remote Orthodontic and OMFS appointments.
Experiences and needs of residents with dementia in relocating to an innovative living arrangement within long-term care: A qualitative study
Authors: Brouwers Mara , Landeweer Elleke GM , de Boer Bram , Groen Wim G , Schreuder Miranda C , Verbeek Hilde , consortium RELOCARE
Published: December 2024

During the last decade, an increasing number of care organizations have chosen to rebuild or build a new care facility to provide better person-environments for residents with dementia. This has inevitably led to an increase in relocations. This study investigated how residents with dementia experienced a relocation from a regular nursing home to an innovative living arrangement. A qualitative study was performed, using semi-structured interviews and observations. Two nursing homes offering 24 h care to residents with psychogeriatric symptoms that planned a relocation to an innovative living arrangement were selected. Sixteen residents were included. Five themes from the data described what was of importance to residents when moving, including (1) the physical environment of the new location, (2) the belongings of residents, (3) feeling at home, (4) the importance of social contact when relocating, and (5) the need to be engaged in daily life. This study found that the residents were not actively involved in the relocation process, despite the clear desire they expressed to be involved and of importance. As the residents with dementia were able to express what was important to them in this study, relocation processes should focus more on involving such residents and incorporating them within relocation processes.
Using IPA to Explore Multilingual Lived Experience and Identity: A Reflection on Methodological Issues
Authors: Ai Disi (Adis)
Published: December 2024

This paper provides a personal reflection on methodological issues in terms of data collection and analysis using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore ethnic minority (Mongol-Chinese) students’ multilingual lived experience and their identity construction in language learning and practice. IPA, as a contemporary qualitative methodology, has developed quickly in psychology and other fields of social science, but it gets limited attention and practice in investigating how ethnic minority students negotiate their identities in multilingual education. Mongol-Chinese speakers as the target participants were interviewed online to share their subjective language learning experiences and perspectives on identity construction and negotiation. By reflecting on my doctoral journey in data collection and analysis, this paper aims to share my personal experience (concerns and solutions) in terms of the multilingual and ethical challenges that arise in this IPA project. It also intends to show the potential of IPA to explore students’ language learning experiences and beyond.
Femoral vein transposition fistula with short skip incisions: an optimised minimally invasive technique
Authors: Norton de Matos A , Guedes da Rocha Henrique , Sousa Clemente
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Femoral vein transposition (tFV) is a complex procedure that provides high patency rates for patients with exhausted upper-limb vascular access. Traditionally, the procedure involves a long single incision in the thigh to harvest the femoral vein, but this approach is associated with increased risks of local complications such as infections and haematomas. Skip incisions have shown to lower complication rates and shorten maturation times. We present an optimised, minimally invasive technique that transposes the femoral vein through three short skip incisions on the anterior thigh.

Methods

We present the technical details and outcomes of three patients who underwent femoral vein transposition (tFV) for haemodialysis access. Additionally, we conducted a literature review on lower-limb vascular access options for haemodialysis.

Results

Pre-operative clinical and ultrasound assessments confirmed femoral vein transposition (tFV) eligibility. The procedure involved three short skip incisions along the medial thigh to harvest the femoral vein. Subcutaneous tunnelization was performed through the anterior thigh. The arteriovenous anastomosis was sized at 3–4 mm to minimise the risk of lower-limb steal syndrome. The average procedure duration was 120 min. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with patients discharged an average of 6 days after surgery. Wound healing was satisfactory, and the access was cannulated approximately 3 weeks post-procedure.

Conclusions

This method reduces wound complications and significantly improves the comfort of patients and dialysis nursing staff by enhancing cannulation access and increasing the availability of puncture sites, thereby improving the overall patient care experience.
Black women in HIV research: Intersectionality, positionality and our commitment to build a just research enterprise
Authors: Campbell Danielle M , Stockman Jamila K
Published: December 2024

Black women in the United States are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and are less likely to be represented among HIV clinical research participants relative to their cumulative HIV burden. Likewise, Black women are underrepresented in large federally funded HIV research portfolios. Extensive research has demonstrated that Black applicants and women applicants are less likely to receive R01 level funding from the National Institutes of Health, among all applicants. Support for a diverse biomedical research workforce, particularly researcher–participant concordance, has been widely accepted as a much-needed strategy to advance health outcomes among racial and ethnic and sex and gender minority communities. The benefits of employing a diverse research workforce include building trust among historically marginalized populations and support for diverse perspectives among investigative teams. In this paper, we explore intersectional challenges specific to Black women researchers in the development and implementation of HIV research, intervention, and programming efforts which include perceptions of Blackness, HIV research “turf,” inequitable funding, institutional difficulties hiring Black women with lived experiences, and limitations in participant connectedness following study completion. We emphasize proposed solutions to support equitable, ethical, and culturally appropriate advancements in ending the HIV epidemic which are contextualized within Black women’s unique intersectional identities and experiences.
Prevalence of gender-based violence and factors associated with help-seeking among university students in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Owusu-Antwi Ruth , Fedina Lisa , Robba Maria Jose Baeza , Khatibi Kristie , Bosomtwe Dennis , Nsereko Etienne , Shadare Oluwatobiloba , Compton Sarah , Akinyemi Akanni , Randa Moreoagae Bertha , Afolabi Abiola A , Munro-Kramer Michelle L.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health problem. While research exists on GBV and associated help-seeking behaviors among university students, few studies have assessed the prevalence of GBV, including experiences and barriers to help-seeking, within sub-Saharan African university settings.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of GBV victimization among university students in six sub-Saharan African countries and describe experiences of formal and informal help-seeking among students who self-identified as victims of GBV since attending university.

Design:

An online, cross-sectional survey study was administered to university students from July to October 2023 at nine participating universities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:

Descriptive statistics were used to describe types of violence experienced among students ( N = 2249). Bivariate analyses ( t-tests, chi-square) and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine demographic factors associated with formal and informal help-seeking behavior among a sub-sample of GBV victims ( n = 298).

Results:

Among the 2249 sample of students, the prevalence of physical violence was 30.9%, 18.7% for sexual violence, 64.9% for psychological violence, and 63.7% for stalking. Among a sub-sample of GBV victims ( n = 298), most (78.2%) sought informal help from friends, partners, or family members and less than one-third (29.5%) sought help from formal sources (e.g., university administrators, police). Logistic regression results indicated that university country was associated with formal help-seeking; that is, students in Ghana and Rwanda were over twice as likely to seek formal help than students in Nigeria (odds ratio (OR) = 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–4.85, p < 0.01; OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.20–5.71, p < 0.05, respectively). While differences by gender were noted in formal help-seeking behavior at the bivariate level, gender was not associated with formal help-seeking after adjusting for GBV training and other demographics.

Conclusion:

GBV is a significant public health issue among university students in sub-Saharan Africa. University policies and prevention programs are needed to reduce GBV and increase the capacity of formal sources to effectively respond to GBV.
Exploring spousal disparities: Age, earnings, and education as predictors of intimate partner violence in 29 developing countries
Authors: Amir-ud-Din Rafi , Idrees Rubina , Farooqui Javaria , Abbasi Abdus Sattar
Published: December 2024

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is widespread and is influenced by individual-specific factors. However, the impact of spousal sociodemographic disparities (age, earnings, education) remains understudied.

Objectives:

This study investigates the relationship between spousal sociodemographic disparities and women’s IPV experiences in 29 developing countries in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa.

Design:

We used a cross-sectional design, analyzing data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series-Demographic and Health Surveys (IPUMS-DHS).

Methods:

We conducted logistic regression to assess associations between spousal disparities and four forms of IPV including less severe physical violence (LSPV), severe physical violence (SPV), emotional violence (EV), and sexual violence (SV) based on spousal age, earnings, and education disparities.

Results:

The analysis revealed that spousal education disparities are significantly associated with increased IPV odds. Women with more educated husbands faced higher odds of LSPV (OR = 1.044, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.08; p < 0.05) and SV (OR = 1.085, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.14; p < 0.01), with no significant association for SPV or EV. Larger spousal age gaps were consistently associated with a reduced probability of all IPV forms, particularly LSPV (OR = 0.765, 95% CI = 0.72, 0.81; p < 0.001) and SV (OR = 0.656, 95% CI = 0.58, 0.74; p < 0.001). Earnings disparities also played a crucial role: women earning more than their husbands faced higher odds of LSPV (OR = 1.361, 95% CI = 1.23, 1.50; p < 0.001), EV (OR = 1.573, 95% CI = 1.42, 1.74; p < 0.001), and SV (OR = 1.624, 95% CI = 1.42, 1.86; p < 0.001). When husbands earned more, women also faced higher odds of IPV, although these associations were weaker.

Conclusion:

The findings underscore the need for targeted policies to prevent IPV, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, by addressing spousal disparities in age, earnings, and education to promote gender equality.