bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Ensemble of Land Surface Air Temperatures Since 1880 Using Revised Pair-Wise Homogenization Algorithms Accounting for Autocorrelation
Authors: Chan Duo , Gebbie Geoffrey , Huybers Peter
Published: January 2024

Land surface air temperatures (LSAT) inferred from weather station data differ among major research groups. The estimate by NOAA’s monthly Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCNm) averages 0.02°C cooler between 1880 and 1940 than Berkeley Earth’s and 0.14°C cooler than the Climate Research Unit estimates. Such systematic offsets can arise from differences in how poorly documented changes in measurement characteristics are detected and adjusted. Building upon an existing pairwise homogenization algorithm used in generating the fourth version of NOAA’s GHCNm(V4), PHA0, we propose two revisions to account for autocorrelation in climate variables. One version, PHA1, makes minimal modification to PHA0 by extending the threshold used in breakpoint detection to be a function of LSAT autocorrelation. The other version, PHA2, uses penalized likelihood to detect breakpoints through optimizing a model-selection problem globally. To facilitate efficient optimization for series with more than 1000 time steps, a multiparent genetic algorithm is proposed for PHA2. Tests on synthetic data generated by adding breakpoints to CMIP6 simulations and realizations from a Gaussian process indicate that PHA1 and PHA2 both similarly outperform PHA0 in recovering accurate climatic trends. Applied to unhomogenized GHCNmV4, both revised algorithms detect breakpoints that correspond with available station metadata. Uncertainties are estimated by perturbing algorithmic parameters, and an ensemble is constructed by pooling 50 PHA1- and 50 PHA2-based members. The continental-mean warming in this new ensemble is consistent with that of Berkeley Earth, despite using different homogenization approaches. Relative to unhomogenized data, our homogenization increases the 1880–2022 trend by 0.16 [0.12, 0.19]°C century−1 (95% confidence interval), leading to continental-mean warming of 1.65 [1.62, 1.69]°C over 2010–22 relative to 1880–1900.

Significance Statement

Accurately correcting for systematic errors in observational records of land surface air temperature (LSAT) is critical for quantifying historical warming. Existing LSAT estimates are subject to systematic offsets associated with processes including changes in instrumentation and station movement. This study improves a pairwise homogenization algorithm by accounting for the fact that climate signals are correlated over time. The revised algorithms outperform the original in identifying discontinuities and recovering accurate warming trends. Applied to monthly station temperatures, the revised algorithms adjust trends in continental mean LSAT since the 1880s to be 0.16°C century−1 greater relative to raw data. Our estimate is most consistent with that from Berkeley Earth and indicates lesser and greater warming than estimates from NOAA and the Met Office, respectively.
Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome After Selective Fetoscopic Laser Therapy for Stage I Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Chimenea Angel , García-Díaz Lutgardo , Antiñolo Guillermo
Published: January 2024

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication in monochorionic (MC) pregnancies. Fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) is the primary treatment for advanced TTTS, but managing Quintero stage I TTTS is still controversial. We conducted an observational study evaluating the 2-year neurodevelopment of fetuses, which underwent FLS for stage I TTTS, compared with advanced TTTS and uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDTs). The study included 156 children: 14 in stage I TTTS group, 28 in advanced TTTS group, and 114 in uncomplicated twin group. In stage I TTTS, 92.9% showed normal neurodevelopment, with no severe neurological impairments observed. These results were comparable with uncomplicated twins (92.1% normal neurodevelopment, P = .921, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42-5.79; 1.8% severe impairment, P = .617). Advanced TTTS had a non-significant lower rate of normal neurodevelopment (89.3%, P = .710, aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.12-14.87). In conclusion, FLS for stage I TTTS shows favorable long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, similar to uncomplicated MC pregnancies.
The mediating effects of resilience on psychological distress in social workers in Singapore and South Korea during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Seng Boon Kheng , Yang Ok Kyung , Chung You Jin
Published: January 2024

Under the pandemic situation, social workers functioning as front liners were found to be more adversely affected. This study examined the mediating effect of resilience between psychological distress and organizational support among frontline social workers in two countries, South Korea and Singapore. The hierarchical multiple regression and Sobel z-test were conducted. We found that resilience statistically significantly mediates the impact of organizational support on psychological distress among frontline social workers. Organizations in the social sectors need to consider how enhancing their practitioners’ resilience via resources like having quality relationships, professional identity, and self-care could contribute toward improving their well-being.
The Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Study: Methods and Initial Outcomes From an 18-Month Study of Patients in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Dever Jill A. , Hertz Marci F. , Dunlap Laura J. , Richardson John S. , Wolicki Sara Beth , Biggers Bradley B. , Edlund Mark J. , Bohm Michele K. , Turcios Didier , Jiang Xinyi , Zhou Hong , Evans Mary E. , Guy Gery P.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects approximately 5.6 million people in the United States annually, yet rates of the use of effective medication for OUD (MOUD) treatment are low. We conducted an observational cohort study from August 2017 through May 2021, the MOUD Study, to better understand treatment engagement and factors that may influence treatment experiences and outcomes. In this article, we describe the study design, data collected, and treatment outcomes.

Methods:

We recruited adult patients receiving OUD treatment at US outpatient facilities for the MOUD Study. We collected patient-level data at 5 time points (baseline to 18 months) via self-administered questionnaires and health record data. We collected facility-level data via questionnaires administered to facility directors at 2 time points. Across 16 states, 62 OUD treatment facilities participated, and 1974 patients enrolled in the study. We summarized descriptive data on the characteristics of patients and OUD treatment facilities and selected treatment outcomes.

Results:

Approximately half of the 62 facilities were private, nonprofit organizations; 62% focused primarily on substance use treatment; and 20% also offered mental health services. Most participants were receiving methadone (61%) or buprenorphine (32%) and were predominately non-Hispanic White (68%), aged 25-44 years (62%), and female (54%). Compared with patient-reported estimates at baseline, 18-month estimates suggested that rates of abstinence increased (55% to 77%), and rates of opioid-related overdoses (7% to 2%), emergency department visits (9% to 4%), and arrests (15% to 7%) decreased.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrated the benefits of treatment retention not only on abstinence from opioid use but also on other quality-of-life metrics, with data collected during an extended period. The MOUD Study produced rich, multilevel data that can lay the foundation for an evidence base to inform OUD treatment and support improvement of care and patient outcomes.
“I Think the Teachers Should Really Connect More With the Students”: The Influence of Systemic Racism, Inequity, School, and Community Violence on Connection for High School Students Who Are Suspended or Expelled
Authors: Sanders Jane E.
Published: January 2024

The objective of this constructivist grounded theory study was to understand the experiences of students who have been disciplinarily excluded from school. Fifteen students (male, n = 11; Black, n = 10; having special education needs, n = 9) and 16 multidisciplinary staff in Ontario participated. Students experienced high rates of expanded adversities, including school and community violence, systemic racism and inequity. The importance of connection wove throughout the data; however, three themes were found to block connection: unacknowledged impact of adversity, a climate of fear, and the disproportionate impact of limited resources. Trauma-informed culturally attuned approaches that focus on the disproportionate impact of adversity and school discipline at the point of a disciplinary response, and throughout a student’s educational experience, are essential.
“I just want to stay here and sleep forever”: South African patients’ lived experiences of chronic fatigue in endometriosis
Authors: Spyrelis Alexandra , Sibande Zamafiso Nombulelo , Loades Maria E. , Roomaney Rizwana
Published: January 2024

Chronic fatigue is a distressing symptom for endometriosis patients but is not widely investigated in the literature. Our aim was to explore patients’ lived experiences of chronic fatigue and how they make meaning of it. We analysed a subset of data from seven severely fatigued endometriosis patients, drawn from a broader qualitative study in South Africa, using an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes and eight subordinate themes were developed. The three superordinate themes were powerlessness, which was a core aspect of the chronic fatigue experience among participants; struggle and anguish, as their lives had become a daily struggle resulting in feelings of despair and anger; and otherness, as they felt different from their peers due to the fatigue. The findings demonstrate the far-reaching effects that chronic fatigue has in the lives of endometriosis patients, including on their self-perception, and highlights the critical need for fatigue management strategies within treatment protocols.
Uptown Dialogues: The Reflexive Arc of Teachers College and Teachers College Record
Authors: Sawyer Richard D.
Published: January 2024

In the following commemorative article, the author examines intersections between his education at Teachers College, Columbia University and the Teachers College Record. He explores how the impact of specific professors—who at different times also served as editors of the TCR—mentored him into the world of scholarship. He emphasizes how the critical education at Teachers College offered a valuable frame for him to work in critical ways as a scholar and to bring this lens to his editorial work at the TC Record.
Factors Influencing Medication Administration Errors as Perceived by Nurses in Pediatric Units in a Jordanian Tertiary Hospital: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Alshyyab Muhammad Ahmed , Ebbini Muna A. L. , Alslewi Asma’a , Hughes James , Borkoles Erika , FitzGerald Gerard , Albsoul Rania Ali
Published: January 2024

Background:

The World Health Organization declared that medication errors are the third largest global patient safety challenge. The medication administration stage is a common and susceptible stage for medical errors to occur.

Objective:

To explore the factors contributing to medication administration errors specifically in pediatric care units as perceived by nurses in a Jordanian hospital.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted involving face-to-face audio-recorded interviews with 9 nurses in a tertiary hospital located in the north of Jordan. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the participants of our study. Data were collected between October 2022 and November 2022. The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results:

Four themes emerged affecting medication administration errors in pediatric care units. These were environmental, staff, parents and patient, and medication-related factors.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study raise awareness of the most frequent sources of medication errors in a Jordanian hospital. Holding training and supervision to raise awareness among nurses and the availability of equipment and supplies could improve medication safety practices.
Attachment to parental figures in emerging adults from Brazil, India, and Nigeria: Associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms
Authors: Rivers Alannah Shelby , Winston-Lindeboom Payne , Weissinger Guy , Watkins Nicole K. , Ruan-Iu Linda
Published: January 2024

Attachment theory suggests that experiences with parents and other caregivers are relevant for psychological functioning into adulthood, especially in relation to anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, this work has largely focused on Western countries and has often neglected relationships with paternal figures. The goal of the current study was to test four competing models of parental figure attachment (monotropy, only one attachment relates to symptoms; hierarchical, one attachment is more strongly related to symptoms; independence, both attachments are uniquely important in different ways; and integration, both attachments are uniquely important and interactive) in emerging adults from three countries with different cultures and family structures. We recruited 324 Brazilian, 309 Indian, and 319 Nigerian emerging adults using the online survey platform BeSample. Participants reported attachment to parental figures (maternal and/or paternal), anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Response surface analyses were tested in each country separately. In general, the results supported an integration model with significant interactions between parental figures. However, the direction of this interaction, as well as the presence of non-linear effects, differed by country. Our results suggest caregiver attachment remains relevant for individuals during the transition to young adulthood but with cultural variations.
Does a novel community-based outpatient palliative care intervention for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders improve care? Qualitative results from patients and care partners
Authors: Bock Meredith A , Macchi Zachary A , Harrison Krista L , Katz Maya , Dini Megan , Jones Jacqueline , Ayele Roman , Kutner Jean S , Pantilat Steven Z , Martin Christine , Sillau Stefan , Kluger Benzi
Published: January 2024

Background:

Palliative care has the potential to address significant unmet needs in people with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, but models that rely on in-person specialty palliative care teams have limited scalability.

Aim:

To describe patient and care partner experiences with a novel, community-based palliative care intervention for Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

Qualitative study embedded in a randomized clinical trial to document participant experiences with a novel palliative care intervention (community neurologist training and remote team-based specialist palliative care). Transcripts were coded and thematically analyzed through a combination of team-based inductive and deductive coding.

Setting/Participants:

Twenty-eight patients and 33 care partners purposively sampled from participants in a randomized clinical trial of a palliative care intervention for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders conducted at nine sites.

Results:

Benefits of the intervention included management of a wider range of non-motor symptoms, facilitation of conversations about the future, greater engagement with the health care team, and increased referrals to resources. Participants identified areas of improvement, including uptake of palliative care training by community neurologists, additional prognostic counseling, and clarity and timeliness of communication with the multidisciplinary team.

Conclusions:

Clinicians caring for people with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders should screen for non-motor symptoms, provide regular prognostic counseling, and refer to specialty palliative care services earlier in the course of illness. Future interventions should be designed to promote uptake of palliative care training by community neurologists and further optimize referral to and coordination with in-person or remote specialty palliative teams.
Understanding the extent to which PROMs and PREMs used with older people with severe frailty capture their multidimensional needs: A scoping review
Authors: Howard Faith D , Green Richard , Harris Jenny , Ross Joy , Nicholson Caroline
Published: January 2024

Background:

Older people with severe frailty are nearing the end of life but their needs are often unknown and unmet. Systematic ways to capture and measure the needs of this group are required. Patient reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) & Patient reported Experience Measures (PREMs) are possible tools to assist this.

Aim:

To establish whether, and in what ways, the needs of older people living with severe frailty are represented within existing PROMs and PREMs and to examine the extent to which the measures have been validated with this patient group.

Design:

The scoping review follows the method of Arksey and O’Malley.

Results:

Seventeen papers from 9 countries meeting the inclusion criteria and 18 multi-dimensional measures were identified: 17 PROMs, and 1 PROM with PREM elements. Seven out of the 18 measures had evidence of being tested for validity with those with frailty. No measure was developed specifically for a frail population. Using the adapted framework of palliative need, five measures covered all five domains of palliative need (IPOS, ICECAP-SCM, PDI, WHOQOL-BREF, WHOQOL-OLD). The coverage of items within the domains varied between the measures.

Conclusion:

Existing PROMs and PREMs are not well designed for what we know about the needs of older people with severe frailty. Future research should firstly focus on adapting and validating the existing measures to ensure they are fit for purpose, and secondly on developing a better understanding of how measures are used to deliver/better person-centred care.
The Well-Being of Older Offenders on Release in the Community
Authors: Brown Gregory P. , Greco Christopher
Published: January 2024

In Canada and internationally the number of older offenders on parole and living in the community is increasing rapidly. Older offenders in the community are a vulnerable population at high risk for lack of well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with N = 64 offenders aged 50 years and older on conditional release from custody in Canada, including long-term, recidivist, and first-time older offenders. Compared to their non-offender counterparts, older offenders in the community experience many of the same problems of aging and well-being, but are at greater risk for mental health problems, traumatic injuries, and for recidivists, substance abuse. Most long-term and first-time older offenders find themselves living at or below the poverty line. One third of older offenders experience social isolation from community and family due to their criminal history and incarceration. For those with Indigenous ancestry, Indigenous communities, and cultural organizations play a significant role in supporting older offenders.
Exploring the Factors Influencing Electric Bicycle Adoption: A Survey Among Future Adopters in India
Authors: Zabiulla Mohammad , Sahu Prasanta K. , Bandhu Majumdar Bandhan
Published: January 2024

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are an emerging mode of sustainable transportation well-known for their individual and environmental benefits. Past research suggests factors for e-bike adoption from new and experienced e-bike users, but little is known about prospective users’ attitudes. Understanding the standpoint of non-users would reveal practical barriers impeding e-bike adoption in developing markets. We identify important drivers and barriers from a representative city-level sample of prospective e-bike users in India. The study employs exploratory factor analysis integrated with a multi-criteria decision-making model to identify latent components and prioritize their variables. The results revealed five factors: user-perceived benefit-specific motivators, travel quality-specific motivators, e-bike mobility-specific motivators, perceived social and economy-specific barriers, and e-bike infrastructure-specific barriers. Attributes such as monetary savings, reduced congestion, and last-mile connectivity were identified as the most important benefits, while fear of battery explosion and lack of cycling and charging infrastructure were perceived as the key barriers. Comparison by age shows “purchase cost” as the most influencing perceived social and economy-specific barrier among young male commuters. Comparison by income underlines the diminishing importance of “purchase cost” with increasing income among males. Regardless of age, income, and trip length, females prioritized “range anxiety” over “purchase cost.” The trip length-based comparison reveals the significance of “risk of theft” for males with longer trip lengths. In general, males of all groups preferred using e-bikes for “short non-commuting trips” substituting motorized transport, while females preferred using them for “last-mile connectivity.” These findings offer insights for designing effective e-bike promotion campaigns for the mass adoption of e-bikes.
Virtue Signaling in the Sharing Economy: The Effect of Airbnb Entrepreneurs’ Virtue Language on Airbnb Price Premiums
Authors: Chandler Jeffrey A. , Waddingham Jacob A. , Wolfe Marcus T.
Published: January 2024

Drawing from costless signaling research, we examine the role of virtue language in Airbnb listings. We propose that virtue language espoused by entrepreneurs is beneficial for Airbnb price premiums—but only to a certain extent. Specifically, we argue that virtue language espoused by entrepreneurs has a curvilinear relationship with the price premium of their listings, suggesting that excessive use is seen as dishonest and becomes detrimental to their performance. We also suggest that this relationship is more pronounced when the entrepreneur is perceived to be more credible and when the entrepreneur is venturing into more conservative markets.
A Qualitative Model of Weight Cycling
Authors: Romo Lynsey , Earl Sydney , Mueller Katelin A. , Obiol Mary
Published: January 2024

Weight cycling is a likely consequence of striving to lose weight after internalizing body image ideals, making upward social comparisons, and experiencing weight stigma. Despite weight cycling’s potential physical and psychological consequences, the interplay of weight cycling, social pressures, and experienced and internalized stigma have not been qualitatively explored. Thus, through in-depth interviews of 36 weight-cycling adults, this study sought to understand how people negotiate weight cycling. Interviews informed the development of a qualitative model of weight cycling, which was derived from a theory-neutral inductive analysis. The model’s stages included entering the cycle, undergoing the cycle, and challenging the cycle. Participants were triggered to enter the cycle due to weight stigma caused by social pressures. Within the cycle, interviewees internalized weight stigma and engaged in disordered weight management behaviors. Some participants challenged the cycle by becoming more self-aware and mitigating their toxic dieting behaviors. However, it was very difficult, if not impossible, for many to fully exit weight cycling and the restraints of previous weight management thinking and patterns. Our investigation underscores the seriousness of weight cycling and suggests ways to combat weight cycling on both macro and individual levels. It may also be useful to consider weight cycling as disordered eating in hopes of shifting society’s dangerous focus on rapid weight loss.
RAS Mutations Predict Recurrence-Free Survival and Recurrence Patterns in Colon Cancer: A Unicenter Study in Morocco
Authors: El Agy Fatima , El Bardai Sanae , Boukansa Sara , Bouguenouch Laila , Benbrahim Zineb , Mazaz Khalid , Benjelloun El Bachir , Ousadden Abdelmalek , Ouldim Karim , Ibrahimi Sidi Adil , Chbani Laila
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To date, only a few studies have investigated the role of molecular alterations in cancer recurrence. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the impact of molecular alterations on the time and site of recurrence in patients with stage I–IV CRC and to identify the risk factors predicting recurrence-free survival in colon cancer.

Methods

A total of 270 patients were retrospectively included. We assessed the full RAS status using Sanger and pyrosequencing. MSI status was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Molecular alterations were correlated with recurrence timing (early or late), recurrence patterns, and recurrence-free survival. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test.

Results

Of the 270 patients, 85 (31%) experienced recurrence, among whom 53% had mutant full RAS status, 48% had KRAS mutations, and 31.4% had KRAS p. G12V mutation subtype. Compared with those with late recurrence, patients with early recurrence were significantly older ( P = 0.02) and more likely to have poorly differentiated tumors, a higher rate of positive lymph nodes, KRAS mutations, and especially KRAS p. G12V mutation variant. RAS mutation status, KRAS mutations, and rare mutations are more common in patients with lung cancer recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that differentiation, perineural invasion, full RAS mutation status, and KRAS codon 13 mutations were independent factors for recurrence-free survival in colon cancer.

Conclusion

In this cohort, the timing and patterns of recurrence appeared to be associated with the patient’s molecular profile. KRAS codon 12 mutations were the worst predictors of recurrence-free survival at all stages in our population.
Numerical methods in Poisson geometry and their application to mechanics
Authors: Cosserat Oscar , Laurent-Gengoux Camille , Salnikov Vladimir
Published: January 2024

We recall the question of geometric integrators in the context of Poisson geometry and explain their construction. These Poisson integrators are tested in some mechanical examples. Their properties are illustrated numerically and compared to traditional methods.
On a dynamic frictional contact problem with normal damped response and long-term memory
Authors: Ouakil Imane , Benabderrahmane Benyattou , Boukhatem Yamna , Feng Baowei
Published: January 2024

A dynamic frictional contact problem between a viscoelastic body and a foundation is studied. The contact is modeled with normal damped response and a friction law. The constitutive law with long memory is assumed to be nonlinear. The existence result is proved using nonlinear monotone operators, fixed point argument, and extension procedure. Moreover, the exponential stability of the energy solution is established using the multiplier method.
Revealing Propolis Potential Activity on Inhibiting Estrogen Receptor and Heat Shock Protein 90 Overexpressed in Breast Cancer by Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Simanjuntak Masriana Vivi , Jauhar Muhammad Miftah , Syaifie Putri Hawa , Arda Adzani Gaisani , Mardliyati Etik , Shalannanda Wervyan , Hermanto Beni Rio , Anshori Isa
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, with the highest incidence of breast cancer occurring in Asian countries including Indonesia. Among the types of breast cancer, the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive subtype which is prominent with estrogen receptor alpha ( ERα) and heat shock protein 90 ( HSP90) overexpression genes becomes the most prevalent than the others, approximately 75% of all breast cancer cases. ERα and HSP90 play a role in breast cancer activities including breast tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis mechanism. Propolis, a natural bee product, has been explored for its anticancer activity. However, there is lack of studies that evaluated the potential inhibitor from propolis compounds to the ERα and HSP90 proteins. Therefore, this article focuses on examining the correlation between ERα and HSP90’s role in breast cancer and investigating the potential of 93 unique propolis compositions in inhibiting these genes in breast cancer using in silico approaches. This study revealed the positive correlation between ERα and HSP90 genes in breast cancer disease development. Furthermore, we also found novel potential bioactive compounds of propolis against breast cancer through binding with ERα and HSP90; they were 3’,4’,7-trihydroxyisoflavone and baicalein-7-O-β-D glucopyranoside, respectively. Further research on these compounds is needed to elucidate deeper mechanisms and activity in the real biological system to develop new breast cancer drug treatments.
Memetic commenting: Armenian curses and the Twitter theatre of Trump's deselection
Authors: Pilipets Elena , Paasonen Susanna
Published: January 2024

On 7 November 2020, strange things were happening in the comments to @realDonaldTrump's tweet erroneously arguing that he had won the US presidential election, ‘BY A LOT’. Posting quote tweets and replies in Armenian in tandem with ‘cursed images’, memes, and creepypasta, users engaged in a spam-like trollish intervention, even as Twitter kept removing the said content in real time. Exploring this online incident through various analytical techniques, this article first attends to absurdity and ephemerality within the polarized social media event. Second, it makes an argument for the productivity of digital methods in cultural studies inquiry aiming to understand the temporal, contextual, and infrastructural aspects of memetic commenting. Third, by focusing on the social (media) theatre of Armenian curses, we make a case for the analytical importance of studying materials deemed niche and anomalous in networked exchanges.
Theoretical and experimental investigation on the sound absorption performance of ultra-thin curled acoustic metasurface
Authors: Cheng Baozhu , Zhang Jiesen , Liu Yang , Sun Jiaqi , Li Bin , Hou Hong
Published: January 2024

A simplified model of the absorption coefficient of traditional Helmholtz resonators (THR) was established, and the influence of different geometric parameters on the absorption coefficient of THR was analyzed. To realize the low-frequency broadband acoustic structure design, an accurate theoretical model for the sound absorption coefficient of the curled acoustic metasurface (CAM) unit was established. Based on the complex frequency plane method (CFPM), the CAM units with perfect sound absorption at four discrete frequencies were designed. The low-frequency broadband acoustic metasurfaces in parallel under decoupled and coupled conditions were studied, and the thickness is only 12 mm. The high efficiency of sound absorption above 0.8 was achieved in the frequency range of 758 Hz–940 Hz. The experiment verifies the efficient sound absorption effect of the CAM unit and the broadband sound absorption effect under coupled conditions. The research in this paper has a certain potential applications for low-frequency broadband noise control technology.
The Influence of English Learner Status on Maintenance of Oral Reading Fluency Growth
Authors: Truman Kirsten J. , Van Norman Ethan R. , Klingbeil David A. , Schmitt Madeline C. , Nelson Peter M. , Parker David C.
Published: January 2024

Relatively little is known regarding post-intervention reading fluency outcomes for English learners (ELs) in comparison with non-EL peers, yet educators must be prepared to sustain growth for all students transitioning to less-intensive tiers of support. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether EL status moderated post-intervention maintenance effects among U.S. second- and third-grade students who transitioned back to Tier 1 instruction only due to successful performance during a Tier 2 reading fluency intervention. Piecewise multi-level models were estimated to address whether EL status uniquely predicted intervention growth patterns and the extent to which these patterns were maintained over a 12- to 13-week post-intervention period. Reading fluency scores were similar between EL and non-EL students prior to the start of and during the intervention, and all students’ performance decreased slightly immediately after support ceased. Regardless of grade level or EL status, post-intervention fluency gains generally remained smaller than those observed during intervention meriting attention to individual- and systems-level instructional considerations for ensuring continued growth.
Performance Analysis of Driving Ability (P-Drive): Investigating Construct Validity and Concordance of Australasian Data
Authors: Cheal Beth , Bundy Anita , Patomella Ann-Helen
Published: January 2024

On-road assessment is optimal for determining medical fitness-to-drive but unreliable if determined by global pass/fail decisions alone. Occupational therapists need standardized, psychometrically sound on-road scoring procedures. Performance Analysis of Driving Ability (P-Drive) is a promising on-road test developed in Sweden, but it has not been standardized for Australasia. We investigated the psychometric properties and concordance with an on-road decision of data gathered with the Australasian version of P-Drive. P-Drive was administered to older and cognitively impaired drivers ( N = 134) aged 18 to 91 years (mean age 68) who were referred to 10 driving clinics in Australia and New Zealand to determine driving performance. Rasch analysis provided evidence for construct validity and concordance of the data gathered. An optimal cut-off score of 85 was set, yielding evidence of good sensitivity at 88% and specificity at 88%. The Australasian version of P-Drive produces valid and reliable data regarding on-road driving performance.
Patient Outcomes After Peripheral Nerve Injury Depend on Bimanual Dexterity and Preserved Use of the Affected Hand
Authors: Kim Taewon , Lohse Keith R. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Philip Benjamin A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Little is known about how peripheral nerve injury affects human performance, behavior, and life. Hand use choices are important for rehabilitation after unilateral impairment, but rarely measured, and are not changed by the normal course of rehabilitation and daily life.

Objective

To identify the relationship between hand use (L/R choices), motor performance, and patient-centered outcomes.

Methods

Participants (n = 48) with unilateral peripheral nerve injury were assessed for hand use via Block Building Task, Motor Activity Log, and Edinburgh Handedness Inventory; dexterity (separately for each hand) via Nine-Hole Peg Test, Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test, and a precision drawing task; patient-centered outcomes via surveys of disability, activity participation, and health-related quality of life; and injury-related factors including injury cause and affected nerve. Factor Analysis of Mixed Data was used to explore relationships between these variables. The data were analyzed under 2 approaches: comparing dominant hand (DH) versus non-dominant hand (NH), or affected versus unaffected hand.

Results

The data were best explained by 5 dimensions. Good patient outcomes were associated with NH performance, DH performance (separately and secondarily to NH performance), and preserved function and use of the affected hand; whereas poor patient outcomes were associated with preserved but unused function of the affected hand.

Conclusion

After unilateral peripheral nerve injury, hand function, hand usage, and patient life arise from a complex interaction of many factors. To optimize rehabilitation after unilateral impairment, new rehabilitation methods are needed to promote performance and use with the NH, as well as the injured hand.
Management of Bone Loss in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: An International Consensus Symposium
Authors: Sculco Peter Keyes , Flevas Dimitrios A. , Jerabek Seth A. , Jiranek William A. , Bostrom Mathias P. , Haddad Fares S. , Fehring Thomas K. , Gonzalez Della Valle Alejandro , Berry Daniel J. , Brenneis Marco , Bornes Troy D. , Rojas Marcos Carolena E. , Wright Timothy M. , Sculco Thomas P.
Published: January 2024

The evaluation, classification, and treatment of significant bone loss after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continue to be a complex and debated topic in revision TKA (rTKA). Despite the introduction of new evidence and innovative technologies aimed at addressing the approach and care of severe bone loss in rTKA, there is no single document that systematically incorporates these newer surgical approaches. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the treatment of severe bone loss in rTKA is necessary. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Complex Joint Reconstruction Center Hospital for Special Surgery, dedicated to clinical care and research primarily in revision hip and knee replacement, convened a Management of Bone Loss in Revision TKA symposium on June 24, 2022. At this meeting, the 42 international invited experts were divided into groups; each group was assigned to discuss questions related to 1 of the 4 topics: (1) assessing preoperative workup and imaging, anticipated bone loss, classification system, and implant surveillance; (2) achieving durable fixation in the setting of significant bone loss in revision TKA; (3) managing patellar bone loss and the extensor mechanism in cases of severe bone loss; and (4) considering the use of complex modular replacement systems: hinges, distal femoral, and proximal tibial replacements. Each group came to consensus, when possible, based on an extensive literature review and interactive discussion on their group topic. This document reviews each these 4 areas, the consensus of each group, and directions for future research.
Responses to self-praise on Chinese social media
Authors: Guo Yaping , Ren Wei
Published: January 2024

Self-praise is a very common practice on social media and has attracted researchers’ attention in recent years. In contrast, how interlocutors respond to other netizens’ self-praise on social media has rarely been explored. This study investigates internet users’ responses to online self-praise by examining a dataset of 569 netizens’ self-praise responses to 75 self-praising microblogs collected from the Chinese social media platform Weibo. The study examines the strategies of users’ responses to bloggers’ self-praise and whether bloggers’ self-praise strategies influence netizens’ responses. It was found that Chinese netizens responded to self-praising blogs with various strategies, including compliment, congratulation, inquiry/remark, evasion, and challenging. The findings showed that netizens’ self-praise responses varied with the categories of self-praise strategies. Possible factors motivating the various strategies involved in netizens’ self-praise responses are also discussed. The study contributes to the literature on self-praise interaction and speech act responses.
Contextualism in Ayatollāh Borūjerdī’s Jurisprudential Methodology
Authors: Nobahar Rahim
Published: January 2024

This article sheds light on the fiqhī methodology of Ayatollāh S. Hosain Tabātabāī Borūjerdī (1875-1961). According to the author, one of the most prominent features of his methodology is a broad contextualism. Bringing evidence from Ayatollāh Borūjerdī’s major writings, the article explains different aspects and dimensions of his contextualist approach. It explains how he has moved away from a pure textualist approach while keeping his fidelity to the text at the same time. The article also shows how this idea has been reflected in the works of Ayatollāh Borūjerdī’s followers. It suggests the ways in which this methodological approach can be developed and applied across all Islamic textual sources, including the narrations of the Prophet and the Qur’ān.
Effect of exercise and pharmacotherapy on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kandel Amrita , Pant Poonam , Todi Sushila , KC Sudhamshu , Pandey Sudip
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the emerging liver diseases affecting 20%–30% of the population creating a burden on public health worldwide and has been associated with the causation of multiple diseases. Besides exercise, several drugs are being used in patients based on clinical evidence especially vitamin E, a potent antioxidant to reduce the oxidative stress responsible for the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study aims at evaluating the effect of exercise and pharmacotherapy on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Design:

A prospective follow-up study with purposive sampling was done at a liver clinic for 3 months. Baseline characteristics such as anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were recorded and compared after 3 months to determine the effect of therapy. Descriptive analysis using a parametric test was used to assess the change in biochemical parameters and a non-parametric test was applied to find out the association between non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches.

Results:

Out of 177 patients, 67.2 % were male and 32.8% were female with the mean age ±SD of 46.8 ± 12.06 years. Mean ± SD weight and body mass index of the patients were changed from 74.88 ± 11.61 kg to 72.37 ± 11.61 kg and from 28.41 ± 4.02 kg/m2 to 27.31 ± 4.58 kg/m2 respectively which was found to be statistically significant. There was a significant change in all the biochemical parameters with the p-value < 0.05 through both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches.

Conclusion:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease management through exercise and pharmacotherapy shows significant improvement in biochemical parameters indicating that alone or in combination with both approaches play an effective role in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Resource Review: Using The Chair to Teach Organizational Leadership
Authors: Dahlvig Jolyn , Dahlvig Christopher A.
Published: January 2024

This Resource Review shares a newly created teaching resource for organizational leadership instructors. Based on a thematic analysis of Netflix’s The Chair, the resource connects each primary character’s implicit beliefs with eight organizational theories. Leveraging the power of memorable visuals depicting complex and nuanced leadership challenges, the article includes a table of scenes demonstrating eight organizational theories: political, bureaucratic, collegium, gendered and feminist, cultural, spiritual, organized anarchy, and institutional. A suggested assignment and three case studies where two theories collide are outlined for consideration. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of The Chair are discussed.
Trajectories of self-reported daytime sleepiness post-ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack: A propensity score matching study versus non-stroke patients
Authors: Baillieul Sébastien , Tamisier Renaud , Gévaudan Bastien , Alexandre Sarah , Detante Olivier , Dauvilliers Yves , Bassetti Claudio , Pépin Jean-Louis , Bailly Sébastien
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Severe sleep apnea (SA) affects one-third of stroke patients. Sleepiness, one of the cardinal symptoms of SA, negatively impacts functional stroke outcomes. The impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on post-stroke sleepiness is poorly described. We aimed to compare through a propensity score matching the trajectories of self-reported sleepiness post-stroke with matched individuals including SA patients adherent or not to CPAP.

Patients and methods:

Sixty five (80.2%) ischemic stroke and 16 (19.8%) TIA patients (median [Q1;Q3] age = 67.0 [58.0;74.0] years, 70.4% male, body mass index [BMI] = 26.1 [24.5;29.8] kg·m−2, admission NIHSS = 3.0 [1.0;5.0]), with polysomnography and an Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) performed within 1 year following stroke and with a follow-up ESS (delay = 236 [147;399] days) were included in the analysis. A 2:1 propensity score matching based on age, gender, BMI, and the apnea-hypopnea index was performed to identify 162 matched individuals referred for SA suspicion, free of stroke or TIA. Multivariable negative binomial regression models were performed to identify the determinants of sleepiness trajectories post-stroke.

Results:

Baseline ESS was comparable between stroke/TIA and matched individuals (median [Q1; Q3] ESS = 7 [4;10] versus 6 [4;10], p = 0.86). The range of improvement in ESS was higher in stroke patients compared to controls (∆ESS = −2 [−4;1] vs −1 [−3;2], p = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, comorbid SA and CPAP treatment did not influence trajectories of sleepiness post-stroke.

Discussion and conclusion:

Sleepiness improvement was unexpectedly higher in stroke patients compared to matched individuals, with no significant influence of comorbid SA and CPAP on its trajectory. Sleepiness may not be primarily indicative of SA in stroke or TIA patients.
What is wise? A commentary on Streib’s “Wisdom and the Other”
Authors: Martin Jack
Published: January 2024

“Wisdom” is considered to be an “essentially contested concept”. As such, wisdom resists precise definition and has been interpreted very differently across interpreters, historical times, and sociocultural contexts. Particular attention is given to Streib’s equation of wisdom and xenosophia. Xenosophia, as a pathos and openness to the alien other seems necessary for the kind of perspective taking and humility that Streib describes. However, it is insufficient by itself to constitute wisdom. As an essentially contested, ill-defined concept subject to historical and sociocultural change that is unpredictable, the value of wisdom lies in its status as an ideal toward which we might channel our nobler actions and attitudes to persevere in our never-ending struggles to achieve a human flourishing that includes all of us.
Undiagnosed hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus among Marshallese adults in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Authors: Andersen Jennifer A , Rowland Brett , Gloster Erin , O’Connor Gail , Ioanna Bing Williamina , Niedenthal Jack , Riklon Sheldon , McElfish Pearl A
Published: January 2024

Background:

Given the lack of healthcare access in the Republic of the Marshall Island (RMI) and the potential for complications related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, it is crucial to examine these conditions among Marshallese in the RMI.

Objectives:

This study aims to identify the proportion of Marshallese adults in the RMI with undiagnosed T2DM and hypertension.

Design:

Using a community-based participatory research approach, screening events were conducted at 20 churches in Majuro Atoll.

Methods:

Participants completed a questionnaire and biometric data measures, including hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure.

Results:

Among participants with blood pressure data ( N = 528), 11.9% had readings indicative of hypertension, and 38.1% were undiagnosed. Among participants with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data ( N = 450), 45.3% had readings indicative of T2DM, and 39.2% were undiagnosed.

Conclusion:

This study utilized a community-based participatory research approach that promotes equitable and ethical research. Results reaffirm the need to identify strategies for increasing healthcare access and for research to address health disparities in the RMI.