bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Chaos-Based Lightweight Image Encryption-Compression for Secure Occupancy Monitoring
Authors: Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Alsuhibany Suliman A. , Ahmad Jawad , Kumar Harish , Boulila Wadii , Alsaedi Mohammed , Khan Khyber , Bhatti Shahzad A.
Published: November 2022

With the advancement of camera and wireless technologies, surveillance camera-based occupancy has received ample attention from the research community. However, camera-based occupancy monitoring and wireless channels, especially Wi-Fi hotspot, pose serious privacy concerns and cybersecurity threats. Eavesdroppers can easily access confidential multimedia information and the privacy of individuals can be compromised. As a solution, novel encryption techniques for the multimedia data concealing have been proposed by the cryptographers. Due to the bandwidth limitations and computational complexity, traditional encryption methods are not applicable to multimedia data. In traditional encryption methods such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Data Encryption Standard (DES), once multimedia data are compressed during encryption, correct decryption is a challenging task. In order to utilize the available bandwidth in an efficient way, a novel secure video occupancy monitoring method in conjunction with encryption-compression has been developed and reported in this paper. The interesting properties of Chebyshev map, intertwining map, logistic map, and orthogonal matrix are exploited during block permutation, substitution, and diffusion processes, respectively. Real-time simulation and performance results of the proposed system show that the proposed scheme is highly sensitive to the initial seed parameters. In comparison to other traditional schemes, the proposed encryption system is secure, efficient, and robust for data encryption. Security parameters such as correlation coefficient, entropy, contrast, energy, and higher key space prove the robustness and efficiency of the proposed solution.
Research on Learning Evaluation of College Students Based on AHP and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Wu Henan , Sun Xiaorui , Li Dejun , Zhao Yan
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper is to propose a scientific and practical evaluation method for college students’ learning evaluation. The students’ learning experience and harvest are the ultimate embodiment of colleges teaching quality. Considering the multilevel and fuzzy characteristics of learning evaluation, a novel college evaluation method is put forward based on the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The flow chart and index system for college students’ learning evaluation are designed. Meanwhile, the weight of the evaluation index and the calculation steps of fuzzy evaluation is demonstrated and applied actually. The results show that the method is practical which has advantages over the simple analytic hierarchy process.
Relationship between hematological, endocrine and immunological markers and sarcopenia in the elderly
Authors: Pillatt Ana Paula , Franz Ligia Beatriz Bento , Berlezi Evelise Moraes , Schneider Rodolfo Herberto
Published: November 2022

Objective: To relate hematological, endocrine and immunological markers to the criteria for classifying sarcopenia in older people residents in the community. Method: Cross-sectional study, linked to the institutional research “Integrated Health Care for Older People”. The study population consisted of males and females aged 60 years or more and assisted in primary health care. The research protocol included an interview and physical examination to evaluate the sarcopenia criteria. Analysis of the following were done: complete blood count, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Odds Ratio. Results: There was a relationship between interleukin-6 (p= 0,004), erythrocytes (p= 0,038), hemoglobin (p<0,001) and hematocrit (p= 0,002) with sarcopenia. It was also observed that the older people with altered muscular strength had lower values of hematocrit (p= 0,037) and higher of interleukin-6 (p= 0,002); and with altered physical performance had lower values of leukocytes (p= 0,024), hemoglobin (p<0,001), hematocrit (p= 0,007) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p= 0,034) and higher levels of parathyroid hormone (p= 0,018) and interleukin-6 (p= 0,002). Conclusion: It is suggested to evaluate and monitor the levels of interleukin-6, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the red blood count series during care practice.
Un ascète de cour : lecture de la biographie d’Abū l-ʿAtāhiya dans le Kitāb al-Aġānī
Authors: Hoorelbeke Mathias
Published: November 2022

Le Kitāb al-Aġānī (Le livre des chansons) consacre une longue notice à la vie d’Abū l-ʿAtāhiya dont l’un des fils conducteurs est peut-être la question suivante : comment le représentant le plus célèbre de la poésie ascétique a-t-il pu faire l’objet d’accusations de zandaqa aussi insistantes ? Discrète apologie du poète, le texte d’al-Iṣfahānī nous montre que la duplicité qui lui est prêtée résulte davantage de sa position paradoxale d’ascète-courtisan que de ses convictions religieuses d’ailleurs fluctuantes. Cette lecture reste une spécificité du Kitāb al-Aġānī, car les grands dictionnaires des siècles suivants s’efforcent de gommer les ambiguïtés et les incohérences d’Abū l-ʿAtāhiya, pour construire la figure qui nous est familière aujourd’hui : celle d’un homme qui, après une jeunesse dissolue, se convertit et se consacre exclusivement à appeler ses contemporains à tourner leurs actions vers la vie future.
Promoting Paraeducators’ Use of Evidence-Based Practices for Students With Autism
Authors: Sam Ann M. , Steinbrenner Jessica R. , Odom Samuel L. , Nowell Sallie W. , Waters Victoria , Perkins Yolanda , White Mary , Swaminathan Hariharan , Rogers H. Jane
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a teacher-implemented professional development program to increase the fidelity with which paraeducators use evidence-based practices (EBPs) in instruction for children with autism. Employing a modified multiple-probe design, investigators implemented the Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules for Paraprofessionals (AFP) program in four special education and four inclusive classrooms enrolling students with autism. As the teacher initiated features of the AFP program focusing on individual EBPs, level changes in paraeducators’ EBP fidelity increased markedly, with replications across paraeducators demonstrating experimental control. Statistical analyses produced large effect sizes, Goal Attainment Scale scores indicated student progress, and participants’ ratings reflected strong social validity. School closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the completion of the study, but the pattern of effects suggests the efficacy of the AFP program as a program of professional development for paraeducators providing instruction for children with autism.
BP fuzzy neural network PID based constant tension control of traction winch
Authors: Zhu PengCheng , Zhang Qing , Zhao Zhong , Yang BingHua
Published: November 2022

As part of the ocean winch, the traction winch mainly plays the role of attenuating the load tension. It generally uses simple speed control. For the ship-based collection and release system, complex sea conditions make the cable tension constantly changes. The traditional control method will make the cable in the traction winch too slack or too tight. Meanwhile, it can result in the wrong rope, bite rope and slippage, and other phenomena. Eventually, it is leading to cable damage or breakage and equipment loss. Moreover, with the introduction of expensive photoelectric composite cables, there is a greater need for a good control algorithm to extend the life of the cable and ensure the safety of retrieval and release. Therefore, this paper focuses on the constant tension control of the traction winch cable. In this paper, the NARX neural network-based cable tension compensation value prediction model is established as the feedforward part based on historical ship heave displacement data and cable tension compensation data as training data. On this basis, the simulation model of cable constant tension winch based on common PID control, fuzzy PID control, and BP fuzzy neural network PID control are established. By comparing the tension of the cable with the above controller, the results show that the tension control of the cable based on the NARX neural network predicted tension compensation value plus BP fuzzy neural network PID control has high accuracy, fast dynamic response, smooth system, and no overshoot.
DPSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Rat Jawbone Regeneration
Authors: Lee A.E. , Choi J.G. , Shi S.H. , He P. , Zhang Q.Z. , Le A.D.
Published: November 2022

Repair and functional reconstruction of large jawbone defects remain one of the challenges in the field of head and neck surgery. The recent progress in tissue engineering technologies and stem cell biology has significantly promoted the development of regenerative reconstruction of jawbone defects. The multiple trophic activities of extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may play a critical role in their therapeutic effects. Accumulating evidence has shown the promise of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in bone regeneration, but less is known about the regenerative effects of DPSC-EVs on jawbone defects. The purpose of this study is to explore the osteogenic effects of DPSC-EVs on jawbone marrow–derived MSCs (JB-MSCs) in vitro and their osteoinductive effects in a mandibular bone defect model in rats. Our results showed that JB-MSCs could efficiently uptake DPSC-EVs, which in turn significantly promoted the expression of osteogenic genes, such as runt-related transcription factor 2 ( RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase ( ALP), and osteocalcin ( OCN), as well as the osteogenic differentiation capability of JB-MSCs. Meanwhile, we found that the pro-osteogenic effect in vitro induced by DPSC-EVs was comparable to that induced by BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2), currently the only Food and Drug Administration–approved osteoinductive growth factor. In vivo, animals that were locally treated with DPSC-EVs laden with a commercially available collagen membrane exhibited a relatively fast wound closure and increased new bone density at the mandible defects. Our results provide evidence for the osteogenic and osteoinductive effects of DPSC-EVs on jawbone regeneration. Due to the accessibility, rapid proliferation, and osteogenic propensity of DPSCs, DPSC-EVs may represent a safe cell-free therapeutic approach for craniofacial bone regeneration.
Pressure distribution in the drafting zone measured by film pressure sensors
Authors: Qian Lily , Yu Chongwen
Published: November 2022

Frictional force distribution in the drafting zone is a key factor to control the fiber movement during drafting, and hence to determine the quality of the drafted strands. The frictional force is usually expressed by pressure acting on the strand or fibers in the drafting zone. In order to investigate the pressure distribution in the drafting zone, a device was designed with a film pressure sensor, by which the pressure distribution in different drafting forms and drafting parameters was measured. The effects of drafting parameters, such as the linear density of the strand, roller settings, etc., on the pressure distribution were discussed.
Relationships Among Study Guide Format, Academic Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Student Grades
Authors: Shane-Simpson Christina , Desens Emma , Kleutsch Allisyn , Obeid Rita
Published: November 2022

Background: Limited research has compared relationships among student characteristics, study guide format, and academic performance. Objective: This study investigated relations among student characteristics (motivation, self-efficacy) and academic performance, examined the efficacy of study guide format on performance, and aggregated student recommendations for improving study guides. Method: Data was collected from three sections of a Child Psychology course (93 students) via a pre-survey, post-survey, and four exams. Students were assigned one study guide for each exam: instructor-created, student-created, class-created, or small group. Results: Students’ self-efficacy predicted exam and final course performance. Most exam performance did not vary by guide format. However, students who used the small group and student-created guides performed better on Exam 2. Students reported wanting more instructor support on study guide creation. Conclusion: Student characteristics such as self-efficacy can predict academic performance, but additional research is needed to disentangle relationships between study guide format and performance. Teaching Implications: Educators should intentionally support students’ self-efficacy throughout the semester. Given that students may prefer less effective study formats, lessons on effective study habits should be integrated into coursework.
End-of-life communication strategies for healthcare professionals: A scoping review
Authors: Chen Weilin , Chung Joyce Oi Kwan , Lam Katherine Ka Wai , Molassiotis Alex
Published: November 2022

Background:

Timely and effective communication about end-of-life issues, including conversations about prognosis and goals of care, are extremely beneficial to terminally ill patients and their families. However, given the context, healthcare professionals may find it challenging to initiate and facilitate such conversations. Hence, it is critical to improving the available communication strategies to enhance end-of-life communication practices.

Aim:

To summarise the end-of-life communication strategies recommended for healthcare professionals, identify research gaps and inform future research.

Design:

A scoping review performed in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework.

Data sources:

A literature search was conducted between January 1990 and January 2022 using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases and Google, Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Studies that described recommended end-of-life communication strategies for healthcare professionals were included.

Results:

Fifty-nine documents were included. Seven themes of communication strategies were found: (a) preparation; (b) exploration and assessment; (c) family involvement; (d) provision and tailoring of information; (e) empathic emotional responses; (f) reframing and revisiting the goals of care; and (g) conversation closure.

Conclusions:

The themes of communication strategies found in this review provide a framework to integrally promote end-of-life communication. Our results will help inform healthcare professionals, thereby promoting the development of specialised training and education on end-of-life communication.
Effects of Pedestrians’ Assertiveness on Drivers’ Yielding Behavior at Mid-Block Sections: An Application of Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Soathong Ajjima , Wilson Douglas , Ranjitkar Prakash , Chowdhury Subeh
Published: November 2022

Crossing roads at mid-block sections often creates ambiguity about priority between pedestrians and drivers, resulting in conflicts, road crashes, death, and human injury. To share the road space safely, they need to anticipate other user behaviors whilst maintaining and modifying their own habitual and desired maneuvers. This study investigates the effect of pedestrian assertive behaviors and vehicle user characteristics on driver yielding at mid-block sections. Road users’ interactions were observed in a dense mixed land use urban area of Central Auckland, New Zealand. Bayesian structural equation modeling is used to find interrelationships of multivariate data. The result shows that yielding levels decrease when the vehicle speed increases and they are not part of a platoon. Pedestrians’ direct signals (i.e., hand gestures) can increase drivers’ willingness to yield. Conversely, pedestrians, who tend to run or cross heedlessly through the traffic, are less likely to modify driver behavior in a high-speed environment. However, these factors are mediated through vehicle speed-related factors. Women are more likely to be given priority compared to men, especially when they have slow crossing speed. The study offers a better understanding of road users’ interactions outside controlled crossings. It provides evidence why it is important to reduce operating speeds in areas where there is a high demand for sharing between vehicles and vulnerable road users and mid-block crossings. Road users can be better informed to understand more gesture communication combined with appropriate engineering practice, such as traffic calming, and where appropriate re-prioritization of road space to influence drivers’ operating speeds.
Examining Factors Affecting the Willingness of Rickshaw Operators to Adopt Battery Operated Rickshaws: The Case of Bhopal, India
Authors: Saxena Aditya , Shrivastava Bhavna
Published: November 2022

Conventionally, public transportation has been the responsibility of the government. In developing countries, however, government-provided public transportation is often inadequate: people’s mobility needs are best met by private modes, such as shared auto-rickshaws. In India, auto-rickshaws serve as a popular last-mile transportation alternative as well as a public transportation substitute. The mode share of auto-rickshaws in major Indian cities is significant. Electrifying this mode will certainly result in a significant reduction in air pollution levels. It is therefore imperative to identify the factors which influence rickshaw operators (ROs)’ willingness to adopt battery-operated rickshaws (BORs) in India. The present study aims to identify and explore the factors that contribute to the adaptability of battery electric vehicles in India and measure the satisfaction level of ROs with the selected factors. By using structural equation modeling, the present research found that, from the viewpoint of 478 ROs, vehicle-related attributes and economy-related attributes are most influential on the adaptability of BORs. Furthermore, the one-way analysis of variance revealed that willingness to adopt BORs is significantly related to the age of the ROs. From the standpoint of government, as well as electric vehicle manufacturers, this study would be helpful in understanding the tastes, expectations, and needs of ROs if they adopt BORs.
Mentoring Women to Publish in Order to Thrive in the Academic Patriarchy
Authors: Rothblum Esther D.
Published: November 2022

It is vital for women to publish their writing for tenure and promotion so that they are no longer underrepresented as senior scholars in academia. Furthermore, it is important that their radical and important ideas are published and not lost to history. For the 2022 Carolyn Wood Sherif Award talk, I focused on five topics: (1) publishing is vital for women in academia; (2) women may not feel entitled to write and publish; (3) women need to learn how to be invited to publish; (4) women may leave academia; and (5) feminist writing is political, radical, and important.
RANTES Concentration at the Time of Surgery Is Associated With Postoperative Stiffness in Patients Undergoing ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Avila Amanda , Petrera Massimo , Duenes Matthew , Kingery Matthew T. , Song Melissa , Jazrawi Laith M. , Strauss Eric J.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been shown to be at risk for postoperative arthrofibrosis. Diagnostic biomarkers associated with the development of postoperative stiffness are unknown.

Hypothesis:

Biomarkers found in the synovial fluid at the time of surgery are associated with the development of postoperative arthrofibrosis in a cohort of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction were prospectively enrolled. Synovial fluid was collected before surgical incision. A cohort of patients with postoperative stiffness requiring manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and/or lysis of adhesions (LOA) was retrospectively identified. Matching of cases to controls was performed using a 1:2 pair matching algorithm. Risk factor–adjusted single-biomarker and multivariable models were used to assess the association of synovial fluid biomarkers with postoperative stiffness requiring MUA/LOA. Stepwise logistic regression controlling for clinical risk factors was used to identify biomarkers that are possible predictors of postoperative stiffness.

Results:

A total of 11 cases (3 male, 8 female) were identified and matched with 21 controls (6 male, 15 female) with no significant differences in age, sex, smoking history, or days from injury to surgery. Concentrations of the biomarker regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) were significantly higher in patients requiring MUA/LOA versus controls (694.20 pg/mL [interquartile range, 214.75-3428.79] vs 113.04 pg/mL [interquartile range, 32.81-517.91], respectively; P = .034). On single-biomarker models, RANTES (odds ratio, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.29-5.37; P = .019) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.07-3.99; P = .047) were associated with increased risk of postoperative stiffness requiring MUA/LOA after ACL reconstruction. Stepwise logistic regression identified 3 biomarkers that are possible predictors of postoperative stiffness, which were included in the final model: Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) ( P = .198), bFGF ( P = .157), and RANTES ( P = .046).

Conclusion:

Higher concentrations of synovial fluid biomarkers bFGF and RANTES were associated with increased risk for stiffness requiring intervention after ACL reconstruction. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1B (MIP-1B) were not associated with the development of postoperative arthrofibrosis.
The Effect of Patients’ Understanding of Sling Necessity and Home Assistance on Sling Wear After Shoulder Surgery
Authors: Livesey Michael G. , Weir Tristan B. , Addona Jacqueline L. , Curto Ryan A. , Apte Anuj , Hughes Marcus , Enobun Blessing , Henn R. Frank , Hasan S. Ashfaq , Gilotra Mohit N.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Perioperative education and socioeconomic factors influence patient behavior. Recent evidence has suggested that sling compliance is associated with improved outcomes after shoulder surgery; it is important to investigate factors that influence sling compliance.

Purpose:

To determine the associations between postoperative sling wear and patients’ understanding of sling necessity, postoperative home assistance, and social deprivation.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 66 patients were prospectively enrolled from 2018 to 2020 if they were ≥18 years of age and undergoing shoulder surgery requiring a sling for at least 1 month postoperatively. Sling wear was measured using a temperature-sensing device. At 6 weeks postoperatively, patients’ understanding for sling necessity was determined by their response to a question on the Medical Adherence Measure questionnaire, “Why did you have to wear a shoulder sling?” The Patient Understanding Grading Scale (PUGS) was developed to quantify patient responses. PUGS was graded 1 to 3, with grade 1 corresponding to the least technical knowledge. Patient characteristics, social deprivation (Area Deprivation Index [ADI]), and home assistance were additionally analyzed.

Results:

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between patients when stratified by PUGS grade. Multivariable linear regression analysis for total hours of sling wear per week showed that patients with PUGS grade 2 (β, 48.2 hours; P = .007) and grade 3 (β, 59.5 hours; P = .003) wore their slings significantly more than grade 1 patients. Patients with home assistance had significantly greater day hours (73.5 ± 33.0 vs 44.0 ± 24.5 hours; P = .037) of sling wear per week, but there was no difference in night sling hours. Patients older than 60 years wore their slings significantly more, while men and those with a higher body mass index (BMI) wore their slings significantly less. ADI was not significantly associated with sling wear.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that patients with greater understanding for sling necessity, those with home assistance, and patients >60 years have greater sling wear, while male patients and those with a higher BMI have lower sling compliance. ADI was not a significant contributor.
Industry Self-Regulation of Food Fortification Compliance: Piloting the Micronutrient Fortification Index in Nigeria
Authors: Durotoye Tobi , Ilegbune Ike , Schofield Dominic , Ajieroh Victor , Ezekannagha Oluchi
Published: November 2022

Sustaining large-scale and good-quality food fortification requires strategies that incentivize food processors to invest in and consistently meet national food fortification standards where they exist. A standardized Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI) piloted in Nigeria has provided a ranking of fortified branded products for each participating company, based on a score aggregating the effectiveness and efficiency of the company’s systems and levels of product fortification. The MFI has demonstrated the significance of brands as a focal point for investment and industry accountability in food fortification and the power of harnessing the competitive nature of businesses to drive their food fortification performance. The initiative started with a pilot consisting of well-known brands of 4 companies and has since expanded participation to 15 companies, representing 31 brands, having completed the first entire ranking cycle. The publicly listed brands on the Index now cover approximately 80% of the flour milling market, 40% of the edible oils market, and 88% of the sugar market in Nigeria, reaching an estimated 134 million people in the country in 2022 according to analysis by TechnoServe Supporting African Processors of Fortified Foods (SAPFF) program in Nigeria. The data inputs are made through company-owned digital portals, and the results are published on a secure, web-based public portal which also serves as a gateway for stakeholders to access related information on micronutrient fortification and food quality ( https://technoserve-mfi.web.app/ ). The ultimate aim of the MFI is to serve as a leverage for private sector efforts to both digitalize quality assurance and business processes linked to industrial automation and to harness their competitiveness through voluntary participation in the Index to drive improved food fortification performance based on industry best practices and quality benchmarks.
Aesthetic rehabilitation of amputated phalanx by three part mould technique using silicone elastomer – case report
Authors: Rathee Manu , Divakar S , Jain Prachi , Singh Sandeep , Alam Maqbul
Published: November 2022

The unfortunate loss of all or part of a finger caused by traumatic amputation has a negative impact on physical and psychological well-being of a person. Thus an aesthetic prosthesis can offer psychological, functional and rehabilitative advantages. One of the major problems with the prosthetic replacement of a partially amputated finger is inadequate retention of the prosthesis and there are numerous means to enhance the retention. The most routinely used are adhesives, adhesive tape, magnets and implants. The present article describes a technique which utilizes room temperature vulcanizing silicone (RTV) as a prosthetic material retained by preformed artificial rings. Such treatment can be opted for in cases of financial constraints.
Addressing Barriers to Mental Health Wellness: Prescriptions for Marketing
Authors: Kemp Elyria , Davis Cassandra D. , Porter McDowell
Published: November 2022

The rising number of adults living with emotional and mental health challenges is a growing concern. This research examines specific barriers that may preclude individuals from achieving mental health wellness. A model (n = 382) is tested using individuals from the millennial generational cohort to outline key factors that contribute to negative behaviors and barriers that impede mental health engagement. Findings indicate that perceived stigma related to mental health conditions is negatively associated with mental health engagement and positively related to efforts to self-treat by using consumption to manage emotional distress. Trust in a mental health care provider is positively related to interest in seeking help for a mental health condition (motivation) and mental health literacy (ability). Furthermore, interest in seeking help, mental health literacy, and access to mental health services (opportunity) are also positively related to mental health engagement. The authors offer prescriptions for social marketing and public policy to help reduce obstacles to mental health wellness and to encourage the consumption of mental health services. These recommendations are put forth with the intention of heightening mental health engagement and increasing mental health care access such that consumer and societal well-being are enhanced.
Racial and Gender Threat and the Death Penalty: A County-Level Examination of Sociopolitical Factors Influencing Death Sentences
Authors: Schmuhl Margaret , Mills Colleen E. , Silva Jason , Capellan Joel
Published: November 2022

The death penalty is a local phenomenon with 15% of U.S. counties responsible for passing death sentences since 1976. Although state-level research has contributed a greater understanding of abolition and state-level factors surrounding the death penalty, it remains crucially important to understand the sociopolitical context of counties as key decision-makers in death penalty cases. Findings from our study suggest that both racial and gender threats are important predictors of death sentences within these communities. Specifically, counties with Black populations greater than the state median experience increases in all death sentences, while gender equality in education produces an ameliorative effect on death sentencing. The persistence of extralegal factors, especially racial bias, influencing death sentencing suggests that these relationships be carefully considered in the research and administration of capital sentencing.
Sustainable Healthcare System: Providers Initiatives for Quality Improvement of Healthcare Organisation
Authors: Sharma Sandesh Kumar , Tripathi Vidya Bhushan
Published: November 2022

The study is designed for sustainable healthcare system with providers’ initiatives to provide quality services in healthcare organisations. Healthcare providers’ initiatives promote quality and ensure better healthcare services. Among the healthcare providers who were studied and reviewed, it was observed that the initiatives of the healthcare providers improved the overall quality. There is a distinct scope of further enhancement with the participation of healthcare providers in healthcare organisations. The purpose of this research is to learn and determine the answers to questions through scientific application.

This study shows that an augmented frequency of sustainable healthcare systems is only possible through the initiatives of healthcare providers. In healthcare services, patients remain satisfied without expressing their dissatisfaction to the management. To know the needs of patients, there has to be a certain level of relationship between healthcare providers and patients. For this purpose, the system has to be very proficient in the service conditions and their applicability for quality in the hospital.

Healthcare organisations management has the conviction that the participative role of healthcare professionals in hospitals will increase patient satisfaction. In this perspective, the pressing priority of healthcare providers for hospitals will always be patients. Thus, apart from the availability of healthcare facilities and quality of care, the location of the hospital has predominant importance. Based on the findings, it is to be stated that sustainable healthcare is subject to provider’s initiatives and actions for quality in healthcare organisations.
Corporate Governance and Risk Management: A Bibliometric Mapping for Future Research Agenda
Authors: Singhania Shubham , Singh Reetesh Kumar , Singh Amit Kumar , Sardana Varda
Published: November 2022

The global financial crisis of 2007–2008 highlighted the significance of sound corporate governance mechanisms to tackle risks. Numerous extremities, insolvencies and the collapse of enterprises have brought forward the need for sound risk management, effective planning and control, and the necessity to re-evaluate the governance components. Considering this, the present study aims to critically review the theoretical development and evolution of corporate governance and risk management. To this end, a bibliometric analysis of 998 peer-reviewed research articles, extracted from the Scopus database, is undertaken. The review employs bibliometric methods, such as citation analysis and co-occurrence analysis in order to uncover intellectual developments in this area, identify the trend as well as the volume of publications, point out the most influential studies, authors and journals publishing in the domain, and highlight the emerging agendas for research.
Legislating consent in sexual relations: How significant is the move to affirmative consent?
Authors: North Anthony
Published: November 2022

There are significant problems with how the justice system responds to sexual violence. This essay discusses some of the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s recent reform recommendations, focusing on affirmative consent. It considers the history of consent reform, beginning with the introduction some 30 years ago of a communicative consent model. It explains why further reform is needed and what affirmative consent is designed to achieve.
“It’s Like Youth are Talking Into a Microphone That is not Plugged in”: Engaging Youth in Disaster Risk Reduction Through Photovoice
Authors: Pickering Christina J. , Al-Baldawi Zobaida , McVean Lauren , Amany Raissa A. , Adan Munira , Baker Lucy , Al-Baldawi Zaynab , L. O’Sullivan Tracey
Published: November 2022

Over the last decade, youth have been acknowledged as agents of change in the fight against climate change, and more recently in disaster risk reduction. However, there is a need for improved opportunities for youth to participate and have their voices heard in both contexts. Our Photovoice study explores youth perceptions of the capability of youth to participate in disaster risk reduction and climate change action. We conducted six focus groups from February 2019 to June 2019 with four teenaged youth participants in Ottawa, Canada, hosting two virtual Photovoice exhibitions in 2021. Our results highlight 11 themes across a variety of topics including youth as assets, youth-adult partnerships, political action on consumerism, social media, education, accessibility, and art as knowledge translation. We provide four calls to action, centering youth participation and leadership across all of them, to guide stakeholders in how to improve disaster risk reduction and climate change initiatives by meaningfully including youth as stakeholders.
Modus Operandi in Sexual Assaults of Female Strangers Does Not Change Over Time
Authors: Beauregard Eric , Chopin Julien , Andresen Martin
Published: November 2022

Criminological theories and widespread assumptions about crime suggest that the modus operandi involved in sexual crimes should have changed over time given various contextual changes, such as better criminological knowledge (e.g., forensic awareness) as well as improved investigative techniques (e.g., forensic evidence analysis). The aim of this study was to test whether the modus operandi patterns of individuals having committed a sexual assault against female strangers have changed over time during the period of 2003–2017. More specifically, the study has identified changes in the trends of monthly counts and (relative) participations for sexual assaults during the study period in France. The measure of participations – a concept borrowed from the field of criminal career – was used to overcome the inherent limitations associated with this type of data. Results show that despite some significant changes in the modus operandi involved in sexual crimes, overall the modus operandi patterns appear to be fairly stable over time. The findings are discussed in light of their theoretical and practical implications.
Efficacy of Teachers Supporting Paraeducators to Implement Functional Communication Training
Authors: Ogden Nicolette , Walker Virginia L. , Tapp Melissa C. , Carpenter Megan E.
Published: November 2022

Functional communication training (FCT) is an evidence-based practice for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that can be implemented by practitioners in school settings. However, few studies have explored effective and sustainable training approaches to support paraeducators in their implementation of FCT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of special education teacher–delivered training on paraeducator implementation of FCT for students with ASD. Paraeducator FCT implementation included delivery of a teacher-identified response prompting system to teach a predetermined functionally equivalent communicative response. All paraeducators delivered FCT with high levels of implementation after receiving training, with two paraeducators requiring additional follow-up coaching to meet the criteria for mastery. We present implications for practice and future research directions as it relates to developing effective training systems for paraeducators who support students with ASD.
Radiographic features of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in cats with left-sided cardiac disease: 71 cases
Authors: Diana Alessia , Perfetti Simone , Valente Carlotta , Baron Toaldo Marco , Pey Pascaline , Cipone Mario , Poser Helen , Guglielmini Carlo
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe the radiographic features of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (CPE) in a large group of cats with left-sided cardiac disease, and to determine the association between the radiographic features of CPE and the underlying cardiac disease.

Methods

Thoracic radiographs of cats with CPE and echocardiographic evidence of left-sided cardiac disease and left atrial enlargement (LAE) were reviewed, and cardiac silhouette, pulmonary vessels and pulmonary parenchyma evaluation were performed. Interstitial and/or alveolar patterns were classified according to their distribution (ie, diffuse, multifocal or focal) and location (ie, craniodorsal, cranioventral, caudodorsal, caudoventral and perihilar). A Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test, or the two-proportion z-test, were used to compare continuous or categorical variables, respectively, between cats affected by the two most represented cardiac diseases, namely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM).

Results

Seventy-one cats were included; among them, 46 (64.7%) and 13 (18.3%) had presented for HCM and RCM, respectively. Subjective and objective cardiomegaly, and subjective and objective LAE were detected in 97.2% and 91.9% of cats and in 80.3% and 40.6% of cats, respectively. Pulmonary artery abnormalities, in particular caudal pulmonary artery dilation, were found in 77.5% of cats. Pulmonary artery to pulmonary vein ratio = 1 was found in 71.8% and 55% cats on right lateral and ventrodorsal or dorsoventral views, respectively. Interstitial (57.8%) and mixed interstitial–alveolar (38%) pattern, multifocal (84.5%) and symmetrical (75%) distribution with prevalent ventrocaudal (65.6% of cats) and ventrocranial (60.9% of cats) locations were most frequently observed. No difference was found for any of these radiographic features between cats with HCM and RCM.

Conclusions and relevance

Moderate-to-severe cardiomegaly and LAE, caudal pulmonary artery and vein dilation, as well as a ventral, multifocal and symmetrical interstitial pulmonary pattern, were the main radiographic features of CPE in evaluated cats. Underlying cardiac disease did not influence the aforementioned radiographic features.
Ultrasonographic findings of feline aortic thromboembolism
Authors: Eberlé Olivia , Pouzot-Nevoret Céline , Thomas-Cancian Aurélie , Lurier Thibaut , Nectoux Alexandra , Ségard-Weisse Emilie
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of feline aortic thromboembolism (ATE) and determine potential associations between ultrasonographic findings and prognosis.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from the medical records (2013–2021) of cats that were diagnosed ultrasonographically with ATE based on the presence of a thromboembolus (TE) in the distal aorta beginning after the departure of the renal arteries.

Results

Twenty-nine cats were included in this study. The most frequent location for an ATE was at the aortic trifurcation. The median length of TEs was 9 mm (range 3.5–42.9). TEs appeared homogeneous and isoechoic to surrounding tissues in all cases. No correlation was found between the appearance of the TE and the duration of clinical signs. The obstruction of blood flow in the distal aorta at the aortic trifurcation was complete in 66% of cases and incomplete in 34% of cases. The survival rate was significantly lower when the obstruction was complete (11%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2–34) compared with incomplete (70%, 95% CI 35–92). The arterial wall characteristics were as follows: smooth and thin (62%), and hyperechoic (38%).

Conclusions and relevance

Increased vascular obstruction of TEs was associated with a lower survival rate.
Veterinary services during the COVID-19 pandemic: less stressful for cats and their carers?
Authors: Caney Sarah MA , Robinson Natalie J , Gunn-Moore Danielle A , Dean Rachel S
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic saw major changes to small animal veterinary practice, many of which may have had an impact on stress in cats presented to the clinic. The aim of this study was to examine the nature of feline outpatient visits before and during the pandemic, and examine signs of stress noted in cats before, during and after these visits.

Methods

A questionnaire was used to gather data on cat owner experiences of visits to the veterinary clinic. Data were gathered on the owner’s most recent experience of a consultation, with consultations occurring in February 2020 or earlier coded as a standard consultation, and consultations occurring in March 2020 or later coded as COVID-19 consultations.

Results

A total of 371 responses were received, with 210 coded as standard consultations and 161 coded as COVID-19 consultations. Consultation type varied significantly between standard and COVID-19 consultations ( P <0.001), with emergency consultations more frequent and preventive healthcare consultations less frequent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The area in which the owner and their cat waited also varied significantly between standard and COVID-19 consultations ( P <0.001), with standard consultations more likely to involve time in a waiting room while COVID-19 consultations were often called straight in or waited outside the practice. Most owners notedbehaviours associated with stress in their cats, regardless of consultation type, although trying to hide or escape were noted more frequently for cats seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions and relevance

The findings suggest that outpatient visits to the veterinary clinic were stressful for cats both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some measures taken during the pandemic, for example less use of waiting rooms, could be used alongside existing cat friendly measures to help to reduce stress in feline patients.
Use of serum procalcitonin (PCT) level and PCT mRNA expression as a potential clinical biomarker in cats with bacterial and viral infections
Authors: Matur Erdal , Özcan Mukaddes , Ergül Ekiz Elif , Ergen Ezgi , Erek Mert , Or Erman , Dokuzeylül Banu , Erhan Songül , Bilgiç Bengü
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker in differentiating bacterial infections from viral infections in cats. In addition, the relationship between PCT and mortality rate was also examined.

Methods

Forty-five cats were included in the study. The cats were categorised into two groups: bacterial (n = 20) and viral (n = 25) infection. Serum PCT level and PCT mRNA expression were analysed from blood samples collected before treatment.

Results

Serum PCT level and PCT mRNA expression of the cats with presumed bacterial infection were higher than those with viral infection ( P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an area under the ROC curve value of 0.888 for serum PCT and 0.850 for PCT mRNA expression. There was no statistically significant difference among respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal tract infections regarding serum PCT level and PCT mRNA expression in the presumed bacterial infection group ( P = 0.741 and P = 0.141, respectively). In the presumed bacterial infection group, serum PCT level and PCT mRNA expression in the non-surviving cats were higher than those of the surviving cats ( P = 0.021 and P = 0.026, respectively).

Conclusions and relevance

Serum PCT level and PCT mRNA expression were considered efficient biomarkers in cats to distinguish a bacterial infection from a viral infection. Moreover, ROC curve analysis was highly accurate in the discriminative capacity of these two parameters. PCT level and PCT mRNA expression offer substantial assistance in an efficient therapeutic approach and in avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use in feline clinical practice, particularly in emergency patients and those with non-specific clinical signs, decreasing the mortality rate. However, it should be noted that these data are only research data. More detailed future studies are needed.
Feline maxillary sarcoma: clinicopathologic features of spindle cell sarcomas from the maxilla of 25 cats
Authors: Harvey Alexandra , Soukup Jason W , Bell Cynthia M
Published: November 2022

Case series summary

Feline maxillary sarcomas are aggressive spindle cell neoplasms that occur within the maxilla, palate and upper lip of cats. This diagnosis includes fibrosarcoma and sarcomas with indeterminate histomorphology, excluding melanocytic tumors and sarcomas that can be differentiated by histomorphology. In this study of feline maxillary sarcomas in 25 cats, the cats’ ages ranged from 4 to 16 years (median 12.5). These sarcomas presented as smooth thickenings or mass lesions of the gingiva and palate, often involving both the right and left quadrants of the maxilla. Radiographic bone loss was typically absent to mild at the time of diagnosis. Histologically, feline maxillary sarcomas were composed of spindle cells with varying amounts of fibrous stroma and mild inflammation. Metastasis was not documented for any cat in the study, although clinical staging was limited. Cats were often euthanized because of local recurrence following incomplete tumor excision and local tumor progression. Median survival time from the date of histologic diagnosis was 70 days (n = 12).

Relevance and novel information

Feline maxillary sarcomas are aggressive neoplasms that may be difficult to differentiate from a benign, reactive process or other types of spindle cell neoplasms. Our findings indicate that feline maxillary sarcoma has distinctive clinical and histopathologic features, and the information provided in this paper will facilitate early and specific diagnosis of this tumor.