bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Colonoscopy Preparation in Autistic Children: A Comparative Study of Hypertonic Sugar Saline and Normal Saline Enemas
Authors: Jin Xinyu , Sheng Weisong , Liu Xinrong , Zhu Danrong
Published: August 2024

Objective:

This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining oral polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution with hypertonic sugar saline enema for colonoscopy preparation in autistic children.

Methods:

Clinical data of 58 children with autism who underwent fecal bacteria transplantation and transendoscopic enteral tubing (TET) catheterization at the hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Participants were allocated into 2 groups: a control group (26 children) and an observation group (32 children), differentiated by their intestinal preparation protocols. The control group was administered oral polyethylene glycol combined with normal saline enema, whereas the observation group was given oral polyethylene glycol combined with hypertonic sugar saline enema. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) was used to score intestinal cleanliness. Differences in intestinal cleanliness and colonoscopy duration between the 2 groups were compared.

Results:

The group treated with hypertonic sugar saline enema exhibited significantly higher BBPS scores (6.78 ± 0.83) and an intestinal passage rate of 96.86%, which were statistically significant compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). In addition, the colonoscopy duration was notably shorter in the observation group (14.03 ± 4.86 minutes) compared with the control group ( P < 0.05)

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that an oral polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution combined with a hypertonic sugar saline enema is a more effective preparation method for colonoscopy in autistic children.
Analyzing Radicalization Dynamics in the Language of Non-Violent Extremists Online in the UK (2016–2021): A Longitudinal Analysis of Britain First, 5 Pillars, and Earth First!
Authors: Allchorn William , Orofino Elisa , Babu Saheer Lakshmi
Published: August 2024

Societal crises, such as COVID-19, produce societal instability and create a fertile ground for radicalization. Extremists exploit such crises by distributing disinformation to amplify uncertainty and distrust. Based on these developments, this study presents a longitudinal analysis across three different non-violent extremist ideologies in the UK (Islamist, far right and eco-radicals). As part of the study, public social media channels Twitter/X, Facebook, and Telegram) of Britain First, 5 Pillars, and Earth First! were analyzed using a computational language classifier of over 36,000 posts between 2016 and 2021. The increasing prevalence of conspiracy narratives, as well as violent, hateful, and threatening language among the corpus indicates that radicalization dynamics were present and heightened, pre-, during, and post-Pandemic.
Building Democratic Resilience: Protecting the Public Sphere From Violent Extremism
Authors: McSwiney Jordan , Ercan Selen A. , Dryzek John S. , Balint Peter
Published: August 2024

This paper focuses on the challenges violent extremism poses to the functioning of the public sphere—a critical aspect often overlooked in discussions surrounding violent extremism. It proposes a novel framework of democratic resilience to examine and improve the public sphere responses to violent extremism. Combining insights from the normative theory of deliberative democracy with the empirical study of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) initiatives in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, the paper lays out the concrete steps democracies can take to protect the public sphere from extremist threats and attacks. While the primary focus of analysis is NSW, the empirical insights have implications for other jurisdictions and countries seeking to counter violent extremism without compromising democratic commitments and principles.
Imported Inputs and Export Performance: A Gravity Analysis
Authors: Kitenge Erick , Lahiri Sajal
Published: August 2024

Based on input/output tables that contain disaggregated data from 45 industries grouped into 16 sectors from 1995 to 2020 across 66 countries, we carry out a gravity analysis to examine how imported inputs affect bilateral exports. In terms of econometric methodology, we use pseudo Poisson maximum likelihood (PPML) as well as Instrumental-Variable Tobit methods. Our results consistently show a positive and significant effect of imported inputs on bilateral exports.

JEL Codes: F10, F40
Credibility, Organizational Politics, and Crisis Decision Making
Authors: Casler Don
Published: August 2024

When and why do foreign policy officials believe that it is important to fight for credibility? Conventional wisdom suggests that policymakers tend to care uniformly about how others perceive them. Yet this logic overlooks substantial variation in how officials prioritize credibility when weighing policy options. I argue that organizational identity affects the dimensions of credibility that policymakers value and their preferences on the use of force. Diplomats see the world from a reputational perspective, whereas military officials do so through the lens of military capabilities. During crises, diplomats match their advice to reputational considerations, while military officials attend to available capabilities. I examine these propositions via an original, vignette-based elite experiment involving over 250 U.S. national security officials and analysis of historical elite survey data. The findings demonstrate that where you sit shapes when you want to fight for credibility.
Bereaved Individuals Attempts to Explain Their Unexplainable Experiences Related to the Death of Their Loved one Through Attribution Thinking
Authors: Mäkikomsi Milla , Terkamo-Moisio Anja , Kaunonen Marja , Aho Anna L.
Published: August 2024

Continuing bond manifesting as unexplainable experiences reflects bereaved´s attempts to restore connection with the deceased. As an experience unaligned with a person’s overall schemas of meaning unexplainable experiences are a source of anxiety that individuals aim to alleviate by attribution thinking. This study describes how bereaved aim to explain unexplainable experiences related to the death of their loved ones. The study analysed 408 narratives of 181 bereaved individuals. Bereaved individuals (1) described the meaning of their experience to be receaving information, emotions or support by the experience and communicating about crossing the boundary between life and death. As (2) reflections on the cause of their experiences bereaved individuals described certain and uncertain explanations of the phenomenon, ruling out explanations and the compatibility or incompatibility of the experience with their prior worldviews. The process of attribution thinking must be perceived as meaningful regardless of the outcome of the bereaved person’s reflection.
Embracing Endings: Unveiling the Connection Between Final Conversations, the Opportunity Model for Presence, and Coping With the Death of Our Parents
Authors: Scheinfeld Emily , Tenzek Kelly E. , Cherry Jessica
Published: August 2024

This study examines adult children’s loss of a parent through final conversations and communal coping. By looking at survivors’ experiences through the lens of the opportunity model for presence (OMP) during the end-of-life (EOL) process, a model that provides a path of engagement leading to a good or bad death and consequent bereavement processes, we quantitatively test the relationships between two communication constructs before and after death of a parent. While final conversations as one construct did not lead to appraisal or action coping, results illustrate that final conversation topics of identity, instrumental, love, and everyday talk, were significantly related to shared appraisal. Instrumental talk and love were significantly related to joint action. Joint action and shared appraisal together led to participants engaging in all three types of coping. Final conversations as a whole, was important for bereavement outcomes, whereas communal coping’s role in these relationships was convoluted.
How Cultural Practices Influence the Understanding and Emotional Intensity of Mexican Children’s Memories of Death Events
Authors: Bond Gary D. , Gill Leslie A. , Aragon Alyissa F. , Jayce Victor  , Jiménez Jacqueline C.
Published: August 2024

This study assessed whether a sample of 43 children in Puebla, Mexico would show the Fading Affect Bias (FAB) for memories of the death of loved ones or pets and for general negative memories. FAB is a phenomenon in which emotional intensity associated with unpleasant memories fades faster than affect in pleasant memories. Mexican children showed FAB across negative and death memories. Younger children showed lower fading for general negative memories when compared to older children. A second aim of this work assessed whether younger (ages 4.83–9) and older (ages 10–13) children in Mexico would show biological and spiritual understanding of death, and findings indicated that Mexican children’s understanding included both biological and spiritual subcomponents. Younger children showed lower comprehension of the death subcomponents Inevitability and Irreversibility. Higher depression, anxiety, and social stress scores as measured with the BASC-2 predicted lower FAB, lateralized to negative memories.
Data-driven clustering learning modeling for semiconductor silicon single crystal growth process based on fuzzy C-means and DBN
Authors: Liu Yuyu , Liu Ding , Song Zezhong
Published: August 2024

The optimal operation of the semiconductor silicon single crystal (SSC) growth in an industrial single crystal furnace is contingent upon the precise measurement of both the crystal diameter and melt temperature. The Czochralski (CZ) silicon single crystal growth process (CZ-SSCGP) is a phase transition process from solid to liquid that takes place in a high-temperature, enclosed furnace designed for single crystal growth. The direct measurement of crystal diameter and melt temperature using sensors can pose a challenge due to the physical limitations of the furnace. This study introduces a novel approach for modeling clustering based on data that integrate fuzzy C-means (FCM) and deep belief network (DBN) techniques. The proposed method aims to estimate the online crystal diameter and melt temperature. The objective of this approach is to efficiently and precisely derive the CZ-SSCGP model. In order to address the negative impact of nonequilibrium properties of data on the model, it is advisable to employ FCM to produce numerous subsets of data that exhibit comparable operating conditions. This is especially important because data change over time and are different in different working situations. In order to enhance the precision of the fitting process for crystal diameter and melt temperature, we amalgamate the output outcomes of DBN that have been constructed for each individual subset. It is imperative to address the nonlinear and time-varying features manifested by the engineering data. Industrial data are utilized for conducting diverse data experiments and comparative analyses. The process takes into account the data’s susceptibility to contamination by outliers. The findings suggest that the method put forth exhibits superior precision and enhanced resilience in predicting crystal diameter and melt temperature compared to alternative modeling approaches.
AS-APF: Encoding time series as images for human activity recognition with SK-based convolutional networks
Authors: Rong Hailong , Wang Hao , Jin Tianlei , Wu Xiaohui , Zou Ling
Published: August 2024

The latest advancement in human activity recognition (HAR) involves the use of deep neural networks to achieve greater accuracy in the classification of various activities. A popular approach in the field is to encode time series data from inertial sensors into images and then apply techniques from computer vision to analyze the data. However, encoding into images often leads to a significant surge in the amount of data and a subsequent rise in computational cost, making this method less efficient for real-world applications. In this paper, we propose a novel image-coding approach, alternating sampling amplitude-phase field (AS-APF), and a multi-sensor fusion framework based on selective kernel (SK). AS-APF can reduce the amount of image data while ensuring the integrity and representativeness of the data. Because it splits the time series and preserves the main feature information. We introduce SK to learn multi-scale features in HAR instead of a fixed receptive fields (RFs) size. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach outperforms previous encoding methods in both accuracy and time efficiency.
Acceptability of a Portable Exercise Bike in Older Adults With Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Deka Pallav , Schlegel Emma , Pathak Dola , Karve Milind , Pickford Darby , DeLuna Allison , Wyatt Gwen , Buchholz Susan W.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Ways to help older adults overcome barriers to performing regular exercise is a challenge to nurses.

Objective:

The study evaluated the acceptability of a portable exercise bike for arm/foot pedaling among older patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Methods:

Participants reported their physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) and thereafter performed two 6-minute-long arm/foot pedal biking sessions using a portable exercise bike. Participants provided qualitative feedback (one open-ended question) on the bike while exercising and completed the quantitative Acceptability Use Questionnaire following the two exercise sessions.

Results:

Twenty-five older adults (52% male and 48% female), with a mean (SD) age of 70 (6.4) years and a body mass index of 30 (7.4), completed the study. Most participants performed moderate to light physical activity at home with a daily mean (SD) sitting/sedentary time of 8 (3.4) hours. The mean scores from the Acceptability Use Questionnaire and the participants’ comments alluded to the bike’s multitasking utility and acceptability. Three broad themes derived from the qualitative analysis were: (1) the acceptability of the bike with participants who had musculoskeletal problems; (2) the ability to operate and use the bike for aerobic exercise engaging both arms and legs; and (3) the importance of overall utility, ease of use, and cost of the bike.

Conclusions:

The portable exercise bike was found acceptable in a group of older adults with CVDs. The bike has the potential to be applied in home-based exercise interventions.
High-dose Vitamin-B6 reduces sensory over-responsivity
Authors: Cracknell Rebekah O , Tavassoli Teresa , Field David T
Published: August 2024

Background:

Sensory reactivity differences are experienced by between 5% and 15% of the population, often taking the form of sensory over-responsivity (SOR), in which sensory stimuli are experienced as unusually intense and everyday function is affected. A potential mechanism underlying over-responsivity is an imbalance between neural excitation and inhibition in which inhibitory influences are relatively weakened. Therefore, interventions that boost neural inhibition or reduce neural excitation may reduce SOR; Vitamin-B6 is the coenzyme for the conversion of excitatory glutamate to inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and in animal models, it both increases the concentration of GABA and reduces glutamate.

Aims:

To discover whether taking a high dose of Vitamin-B6 reduces SOR and other aspects of sensory reactivity.

Methods:

We recruited 300 adults (249 females) from the general population who completed the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale (SP-3D) first at baseline, and again following randomisation to either 1 month’s supplementation with 100 mg Vitamin-B6, or one of two control conditions (1000 µg Vitamin-B12 or placebo). To focus on individuals who experience SOR, we analysed the effects of supplementation only on individuals with high baseline SOR scores (above the 87th percentile).

Results:

In individuals with SOR at baseline, Vitamin-B6 selectively reduced SOR compared to both placebo and Vitamin-B12. We also found that Vitamin-B6 selectively reduced postural disorder in individuals with high scores on this subscale at baseline, but there were no effects on the four remaining SP-3D subscales.

Conclusions:

Clinical trials and mechanistic studies should now be conducted in autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other groups with SOR.
Comparison of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and heart rate recovery according to spinal cord injury level
Authors: Choi Seok-Yeon , Kim Chan Yong , Joo Min Cheol
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the differences in autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and the degree of delay in post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) according to the level of spinal cord injury (SCI), and propose preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases after SCI.

Methods

This retrospective study included 51 patients with SCI. Based on the neurological level of injury (NLI), patients were divided into two groups: Group A (NLI at and above T6) and Group B (NLI below T6). To assess ANS dysfunction, the head-up tilt test and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were conducted. Arterial stiffness was measured using the pulse wave velocity test. The exercise tolerance test was conducted to measure post-exercise HRR.

Results

Group A had significantly higher values in the head-up tilt test and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. In the pulse wave velocity test, both sides (left and right) had significantly higher values in Group B. One minute after the exercise tolerance test, Group A had significantly slower HRR (18.8 ± 11.1 beats/minute) than Group B.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of ANS dysfunction and arterial stiffness on HRR in SCI according to NLI may provide insights for clinical management and preventative strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
Automatic recognition of active landslides by surface deformation and deep learning
Authors: Wang Xianmin , Chen Wenxue , Ren Haifeng , Guo Haixiang
Published: August 2024

Catastrophic landslides are generally evolved from potential active landslides, and early identification of active landslides over an extensive region is vital to effective prevention and control of disastrous landslides in urban areas. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) has immense potential in mapping active landslides. However, artificial interpretation of InSAR measurements and manual recognition of active landslides are very laborious and time-consuming, with a relatively high missing and false alarms. That hinders the application of InSAR technique and the identification of active landslides in wide areas. Automatic recognition of active landslides has always been a great challenge and has been relatively rarely investigated by previous studies. This work establishes comprehensive identification indices of geoenvironmental, disaster-triggering, and surface deformation features. Moreover, it suggests a novel deep learning algorithm of SDeepFM to conduct automatic identification of active landslides across a vast and landslide-serious area of Hualong County. Some new viewpoints are suggested as follows. (1) The identification indices consist of disaster-controlling, disaster-inducing, and active deformation characteristics and are constructed in terms of the cause characteristics of active landslides. Thus, it can effectively decrease the false alarms of active landslide identification. (2) The proposed SDeepFM algorithm features a spatial-perception ability and can adequately extract and fuse the low-level and high-level semantic features. It outperforms the classification and regression tree (CART), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), convolutional neural network (CNN), and deep neural network (DNN) algorithms. The test accuracy attains 0.91, 99.73%, 90.21%, 0.92, 0.96, and 0.91 in F1-score, Accuracy, Precision, Recall, AUC, and Kappa, respectively. (3) A total of 164 active landslides are exactly recognized, and 39 active landslides are newly identified in this work. (4) In Hualong County, the characteristics of slope deformation, spatial context, lithology, tectonic movement, human activity, and topography play important roles in active landslide identification. River distribution and rainfall also contribute to active landslide recognition.
Icariin protects testicular damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through regulation of glycolysis pathway
Authors: Liu Fang , Liao Biyun , Ling Yan-Lan , Meng Xian-Zong , Wang Jun-Li , Hu Lin-Lin , Luo Xiao-Qiong , Yang Feng-Lian
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate potential beneficial actions of icariin (ICA) on testicular spermatogenic function in male rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Background: ICA was found to reduce blood glucose, regulate the endocrine function of the reproductive system, and improve testicular spermatogenic function.

Methods

Adult rats were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (65 mg/kg) to induce type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Diabetic rats were randomly classified intoT1DM ( n = 6) and T1DM + ICA ( n = 6) groups. Rats without STZ and ICA treatment were assigned as control group ( n = 6). The morphology of testicular tissues was examined by histological staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunostaining, respectively.

Results

Rats from T1DM group showed a reduction in epididymis and testis weight, and a decrease in sperm count when compared to control group ( p < 0.01), which was attenuated by ICA treatment ( p < 0.05) Diabetic rats from T1DM group also exhibited reduced diameter and area of seminiferous tubules, along with decreased spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes number when compared to control group ( p < 0.01), which was partially reversed by ICA treatment ( p < 0.05) Rats from T1DM group exhibited down-regulation of PCNA mRNA and protein in the testis when compared to control group ( p < 0.01); while ICA treatment up-regulated PCNA expression in the testis of diabetic rats compared to T1DM group ( p < 0.05). Rats from T1DM group showed up-regulation of Bax and capase-3 and down-regulation of Bcl-2, PKM2, HK2 and lactate dehydrogenase A in the testes when compared to control group ( p < 0.05), which was reversed by ICA treatment ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that ICA may exert its protective effects on testicular damage in diabetic rats through modulation of glycolysis pathway and suppression of apoptosis.
Development of a Measure of Anti-Rape Attitudes as a Potential Protective Factor Against Rape Perpetration
Authors: Schapansky Evelyn , Roets Arne , De Caluwé Elien , Vandeviver Christophe
Published: August 2024

The role of attitudes toward women and sexual violence in predicting men’s perpetration of rape has been well documented in the literature. While research on rape perpetration has primarily focused on identifying risk factors, the limited understanding of protective factors has hindered the development of psychometric measures to assess attitudinal protective factors. However, comprehending these protective factors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the risk of rape perpetration and the advancement of strength-based approaches. This research describes the development of a new scale designed to measure anti-rape attitudes (ARA) in young heterosexual men. To generate the initial item pool, relevant information was gathered from sexual violence support service websites and academic literature. This item pool underwent an external expert review for further item generation and cognitive interviews for content validation. This qualitative phase was followed by four quantitative studies for item reduction and scale validation. The resulting 19-item scale demonstrates good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α  = .84). The ARA scale exhibits strong negative correlations with rape myth acceptance (RMA) and hostile sexism, and strong positive correlations with positive consent attitudes (PCA), supporting the scale’s construct validity. We further conducted hierarchical regression analyses to test the unique relationship of ARA with those constructs while controlling for RMA. These showed that ARA have significant, unique associations with PCA and ambivalent sexism. The development of this new scale enables a more comprehensive assessment of the risk of rape perpetration and opens up new avenues for research on protective factors against rape. Ultimately, this study constitutes an important step toward fostering strength-based approaches to combat sexual violence.
Bystander Action Beyond Intervention: Video-Observing the Bystander Behavior of Men and Women in Real-Life Public Conflicts
Authors: van Baak Carlijn , Hoeben Evelien M. , Liebst Lasse Suonperä , Weenink Don , Lindegaard Marie Rosenkrantz
Published: August 2024

Previous research suggests that bystanders of conflicts use a range of intervention strategies. Yet, much less is known about other actions—beyond intervention—that bystanders might engage in during conflicts. Further, while prior studies reveal that gender differences emerge in bystander behavior, few studies have assessed the ecological validity of such potential differences in bystander actions during real-life conflicts. Addressing this concern, we systematically observed the diverse bystander behaviors of individuals presenting as men and women in real-life public conflicts captured on CCTV. We observed 67 public conflicts in the inner city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Using a qualitative approach, we first identified the broad spectrum of actions that bystanders engaged in. We then ran linear probability models to examine the relationship between bystander’s gender presentation and bystanders’ engagement in seven bystander actions ( N = 1,959), followed by a multimodel analysis to test the robustness of these findings. Results indicate that bystanders engaged in a diversity of actions, ranging from inattentive (i.e., glancing while moving) and reactive actions (e.g., laughing) to physical forms of intervention. Unexpectedly, women were not more likely to engage in affiliative forms of intervention (e.g., calming hand gestures, non-forceful touching, and practical help). In addition to physical intervention, men were more likely to react to conflicts by laughing, filming, or cheering. The only type of action that was more typical among women than men was inattention (i.e., glancing while moving). Our results show that bystander behavior in public space is carried out in gendered ways, albeit in a less clear-cut manner than expected.
The Resilience Factor: Examining its Potential to Alleviate Shame and Guilt in School Bullying
Authors: Quiroga-Garza Angélica , Cavalera Cesare
Published: August 2024

School violence, in particular bullying by peers, has become a problem on the public agenda. In the context of bullying, children exposed report high levels of shame and guilt which increase victimization since involves a humiliating experience associated with the lack of acceptance by the peer group and can negatively affect mental health. Both emotions have been previously studied in peer violence context. Now we aim to examine resilience as a potential factor to alleviate shame and guilt in school bullying. We conducted a study to test if resilience mediates the feeling of shame and guilt effect of being exposed to bullying; that is, if resilience entails protective behaviors that favour the dissipation of the risk of feeling shame and guilt when exposed to direct violence in school. First, we adapted to Mexican Spanish the research instrument Short Version of the State Shame and Guilt Scale (SSGS-8, Cavalera et al., 2017)—; then we conducted a quantitative, explanatory, cross-sectional approach study; both were carried out in two different non-urban high schools near the city of Monterrey, Mexico, randomizing groups. We found through a moderated mediation analysis that resilience is a key piece to transform shame and practically alleviate negative school violence consequences the indirect effect of resilience on the relationship between direct violence in school and shame was moderated by gender, better for boys than for girls. As its presence restrain shame in those who have been exposed to direct violence in school, it is important to strengthen resilience in adolescents. Promoting the development of shame resilience in adolescents is crucial to prevent them from questioning whether something is wrong with them when exposed to violence. We must continue making efforts to eradicate violence in schools through prevention programs and public policies.
Validation of the Social Reactions-Online Questionnaire Among Adults Who Disclosed Online Victimization Via #MeToo
Authors: Bhuptani Prachi H. , Peterson Roselyn , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Ullman Sarah E.
Published: August 2024

The #MeToo movement of 2017 ushered in a wave of online disclosure of sexual victimization. The ways in which people respond to the disclosure of sexual victimization can play an important role in a survivor’s recovery process. This study conducted an exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) of a questionnaire aimed at characterizing the ways in which others respond to the disclosure of sexual victimization in online spaces. Participants ( N = 767) were recruited via social media to participate in a study of disclosure of unwanted sexual experiences, with 25.4% ( n = 195) endorsing disclosing an unwanted sexual experience online using the hashtag #MeToo and were included in analyses. Participants completed the Online Social Reactions Questionnaire (OSRQ). The questionnaire included all 16 original items from the Short Version of the Social Reactions Questionnaire (SRQ). An additional 8 items specific to online disclosure, not covered by the SRQ were added at the end, bringing the proposed OSRQ to a total of 24 items. The updated measure included the 16 original items of the Short Version of the SRQ as well as 8 additional items, for a total of 24 items. ESEM confirmed the OSRQ as a 23-item measure with a four-factor structure: (a) Turning Against+, (b) Unsupportive Acknowledgment, (c) Positive Support+, and (d) Online Sharing; model fit: χ2(186) = 387.125, p < .001, CFI = 0.976, RMSEA = 0.074 (90% CI [0.064, 0.085]), SRMR = 0.034. The OSRQ revealed excellent Cronbach’s alpha (α = .93) and McDonald’s Omega (ω = .93). The OSRQ represents a new measure that can be used to characterize the way in which others respond to online disclosure of sexual victimization.
Balancing Institutional, Social and Cognitive Factors: Human Resources Professionals’ Involvement in Executive Remuneration Governance
Authors: Shortland Susan , Perkins Stephen J.
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates qualitatively the involvement of Human Resources (HR) professionals in executive remuneration governance within large UK public companies and similar organisations, considering the complex interplay of institutional, social and cognitive factors that influence executive pay decisions. Through interviews with senior HR professionals and focus groups involving mid-ranking HR professionals, the study identifies key themes, challenges and opportunities faced by HR in navigating the executive remuneration landscape. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the sociological and psychological dimensions of executive pay governance. The findings highlight the practical implications for HR professionals, emphasising the need for active engagement with diverse stakeholder groups, fostering a culture of openness and transparency to ensure that executive pay practices and associated processes align with organisational values and societal expectations, while underscoring the value of learning from diverse perspectives and practices.
Remember, You Can Complete This Survey Online! Web Survey Links and QR Codes in a Mixed-Mode Web and Mail General Population Survey
Authors: Olson Kristen , Ganshert Amanda
Published: August 2024

Recruitment materials for concurrent mixed-mode self-administered web and mail surveys must communicate information about multiple modes simultaneously. Providing the link to the web survey on the cover of the paper questionnaire or including a QR code to access the web survey may increase the visibility of the web mode and thus increase the proportion of people who participate via the web, but whether including either piece of information does so has received surprisingly little empirical attention. In this paper, we examine the results of experiments embedded in two general population probability-based concurrent mixed-mode surveys of Nebraska adults. First, in the Labor Availability Survey of the Greater Omaha Area, respondents were randomly assigned to receive the web link and login information on the cover or the paper questionnaire without this information (all had web information in the cover letter). We then replicated and extended this experiment in the Labor Availability Survey of Northeast Nebraska. The questionnaire cover experiment was fully crossed with the presence or absence of a QR code to access the web survey. Neither of these design features affected response rates or speed of response, but the link on the questionnaire significantly increased the proportion of respondents who participated by web and the QR code significantly increased the proportion of respondents who participated by smartphone. Sample composition was largely unaffected on most characteristics, although the respondent pool was less similar to the population on education when the link was on the questionnaire. About 20% of respondents used a smartphone when typing in a survey link, but virtually all respondents used a smartphone when scanning the QR code. Survey researchers can include a link on the cover of the questionnaire to increase web participation rates in mixed-mode surveys. QR codes can be used when smartphone participation is desired.
The State of Elementary School Recess in Georgia: Policy, the Pandemic, and Patterns of Play
Authors: Allee Karyn A , DeCuir Erica , Robinson Dawn M
Published: August 2024

While we continue to see a growing push for the restoration and codification of recess in elementary schools, policy does not necessarily equal practice. Georgia recently passed legislation requiring at least 20 minutes of recess per day for students in PK-5. The purpose of this research study was to survey elementary school educators to reveal the temporal (i.e., duration, frequency, and cancellation practices) and descriptive (i.e., type, equipment, place) characteristics of recess in Georgia’s public elementary schools. The results of this study, which can be summed up statistically and descriptively as less recess overall, and less free play specifically, as well as reduced access to safe play spaces since the onset of the pandemic, yield important policy implications for Georgia’s school children. These implications relate to persistent disparities in immediate and long-term positive outcomes for children across multiple domains including academic, social-emotional, and behavioral.
The effect of structural changes on the low strain rate behaviour of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Hayward Samantha , Keogh Patrick S , Miles Anthony W , Gheduzzi Sabina
Published: August 2024

The annuus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc (IVD) work in conjunction to dissipate spinal loads. In this study we have isolated the contribution of the NP to the overall response of the disc and investigated the effect of extreme structural changes to the disc on the mechanical behaviour. Linear stiffness, overall load range, hysteresis area and total energy were used to evaluate the impact of these changes on the spine and surrounding structures. Six porcine lumbar isolated disc specimens were tested in 6 DOFs with a 400 N compressive axial preload at low strain rates in three conditions: intact (IN), after total nucleotomy (NN) and after the injection of bone cement into the nuclear void (SN). The latter two conditions, NN and SN, were chosen to emulate the effect of extreme changes to the NP on disc behaviour. When comparing with intact specimens, significant changes were noted primarily in axial compression-extension, mediolateral bending and flexion-extension. NN and SN cases demonstrated significant increases in linear stiffness, overall load range and total energy for mediolateral bending and flexion-extension compared to the intact (IN) state. SN also demonstrated a significant increase in total energy for axial compression-extension, and significant decreases in the elastic contribution to total energy in all axes except flexion-extension. These changes to total energy indicate that surrounding spinal structures would incur additional loading to produce the same motion in vivo after structural changes to the disc.
The New Age Worker: Morale and Strain Among Staff During a Correctional Staffing Crisis
Authors: Spanoudakis Konstadina , Huebner Beth M. , Garcia-Hallett Janet , Inzana Victoria , Givens Ashley , Canada Kelli E.
Published: August 2024

Correctional institutions have historically faced challenges in hiring and maintaining a workforce, which only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considerable turnover in staff in recent years has led some states to lower the age of hiring eligibility, which in turn increases the number of new and younger officers on the job. This study explores the challenges and opportunities that the unprecedented change in the workforce in one Midwestern prison has had on workplace morale and strain. This study uses data from semi-structured interviews with a diverse group of correctional employees. We find a considerable disconnect between “new” and “old” correctional officers and offer policy solutions for future staffing practices.
Sound synthesis of drums based on modal representation of transfer functions
Authors: Nagata Marisa , Saito Akira
Published: August 2024

In recent years, software-based music composition is becoming common among composers. In this study, we propose a sound synthesis method that simulates the sound radiation from drums using vibration transmission and acoustic characteristics of the structure of the drums, which enables one to virtually produce the radiated sound due to excitation forces accurately. First, the acoustic experimental modal analysis was conducted, where the radiated sound from a drum due to impulsive force was measured, and transfer functions between the excitation point and the points where the sound need be synthesized were obtained. The normal modes were then identified by a curve-fit methodology, and the obtained transfer functions were projected onto a subset of normal modes with the frequencies that lie within the frequency range of interest. It is shown that the synthesized sound spectra and those of the corresponding time histories are in excellent agreement with the measurements.
Risk Factors Associated With General and Abdominal Obesity Among South Asian Minorities in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Gary Ka-Ki , Hung Heidi , Vargas Danna Camille , Lee Woohyung , Sharma Bulbul , Tong Lee Sha , Tang Tsz Lui , Munir Hasiba , Wong Chi Yui , Wong Eliza Lai-Yi , Dong Dong , Yeoh Eng-Kiong
Published: August 2024

South Asians have become a sizable ethnic minority in Hong Kong with unique health and social needs often being overlooked. Elevated obesity risk among South Asians has been highlighted in high-income Western settings; however, relevant local evidence is scarce. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the obesity prevalence and related risk factors among South Asians in Hong Kong. Between June 2022 and February 2023, 535 South Asian adults were recruited via territory-wide health outreach services, and completed a survey and anthropometric measurements on height, weight, and waist circumference. In our female-dominated sample (84.1% female; mean age = 41.0 ± 12.3 years), the observed prevalence of general obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 for South Asians) and abdominal obesity (waist-to-height ratio [WHtR] > 50%) were 60.2% and 89.4%, respectively. Results from multivariable linear regressions showed that mean BMI and WHtR were significantly higher among women and Pakistani individuals (and Nepalese individuals for BMI only) but lower among better educated and employed respondents. Apart from age, household size, and marital status as common risk factors, having a healthier diet and higher physical activity level were also associated with lower WHtR. Notably, the associations of female gender and Pakistani ethnicity were attenuated after adjustments for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of obesity in South Asian participants in this study. The identified risk and protective factors could inform targeted services and community-based weight management programs to mitigate obesity and its associated cardiometabolic risks in this fast-growing but vulnerable community.
Chatbots on the Frontline: The Imperative Shift From a “One-Size-Fits-All” Strategy Through Conversational Cues and Dialogue Designs
Authors: Shams Ghazal , Kim Kawon
Published: August 2024

The lack of transparency in AI-related technology poses challenges in identifying elements that influence conversation fluency with chatbot. Drawing from media richness, task-technology fit, and flow theories, we propose an integrated framework to investigate how chatbots’ humanoid characteristics affect users’ process fluency. Furthermore, we explore boundary conditions of dialogue characteristics, including conversation types (topic-related vs. task-related) and interaction mechanisms (free-text vs. button-based) that amplify or disrupt such flow-like experience in conversation. Two separate scenario-based experimental studies were conducted to explore two chatbot humanoid characteristics, human-like cues (Study 1) and tailored responses (Study 2). Results suggest that a match between chatbot’s humanoid and dialogue characteristics can increase fluency in comprehending the message, enhancing customer satisfaction and usage intention. Specifically, chatbots with humanoid conversational cues promote more flow-like messages in topic-related conversation or free-text interaction. The results highlight the significance of process fluency leading to more favorable outcomes in human–chatbot interactions.
Ultrasound guided percutaneous sharp recanalization for restoring patency from peripheral chronic total occlusions of hemodialysis accesses
Authors: Ho Pei , Lu Mingxi , Meng Lingyan , Hongsakul Keerati
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Resistant chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions present an ongoing challenge for conventional endovascular interventions to restore functional hemodialysis (HD) access. This study endeavors to present a novel endovascular approach utilizing ultrasound (USG)-guided percutaneous sharp recanalization to cross the resistant occlusions and evaluates its effectiveness.

Methods:

This is a multi-center retrospective review of consecutive patients received USG guided sharp recanalization for the treatment of resistant CTO lesions of their HD access between 1st January 2019 and 31st July 2023. Data encompassing patient demographics, access and lesion characteristics, procedural specifics, associated complications, immediate clinical outcomes, and outcomes during follow-up were collected. The procedural technical and clinical success, Kaplan-Meier estimated target lesion (TLPP), access circuit primary patency (ACPP), and index access secondary patency (SP) were reported.

Results:

During the study period, 22 patients underwent USG-guided sharp recanalization procedures in the three participating centers with median follow-up of 14.5 months. Both the technical and clinical success were 100%. Only two patients experienced minor complications of localized hematoma over the access, with no instances of major complication. Kaplan-Meier estimated TLPP and ACPP at 3-, 6-, and 12 months were 90.9%, 68.2%, 56.8%, and 90.9%, 63.6%, 52.1% respectively. The SP rates were 100%, 95.5%, and 84.1% at 3-, 6-, and 12 months respectively.

Conclusion:

USG guided percutaneous sharp recanalization is an effective and safe endovascular approach to treat resistant CTO lesions of dysfunctional HD access.
Compare efficacy and safety of autologous blood clot injection with C-clamp vascular closure device in treatment of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm after femoral artery puncture
Authors: Mansouri Mohammad Hadi , Mansouri Pejman , Hashemi Mohammad , Hashemi Seyedeh Melika , Mirshafiee Shayan , Amirpour Afshin
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (FAP) is a complication following femoral artery puncture, with an incidence rate of 0.2%–5.5% post-cardiac catheterization procedures. Management typically involves observation or interventional treatments such as ultrasound-guided compression (UGC) or ultrasound-guided thrombin injections. This study compares the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided autologous blood clot injection (UGCI) with C-clamp vascular closure device-assisted UGC in treating FAP.

Materials and methods:

Conducted at a high-volume training and research center, this prospective study enrolled patients with iatrogenic FAP post-femoral artery puncture. Patients were randomized into two treatments: UGC with a C-clamp device or UGCI. Primary endpoints were thrombosis induction within 24 h, average procedure time, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Results:

The study included 105 patients with 51 undergoing UGCI and 54 undergoing UGC. UGCI achieved a primary success rate of 96% versus 63% for UGC. The mean procedure duration for UGCI was significantly shorter (22 min) compared with UGC (49 min, p ⩽ 0.0001). LOS was also reduced in the UGCI group (1.5 days) compared to the UGC group (4.5 days). Complication rates were low for both procedures, with one deep vein thrombosis and one infection observed in the UGC group.

Conclusion:

UGCI demonstrated to be a safe, efficient, and faster alternative for treating iatrogenic FAPs with a higher success rate, reduced LOS, and similar low complication rates compared to UGC. This study suggests that UGCI could be considered a preferred method for the management of FAP post-femoral artery catheterization.