bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Active Workstations on Neurocognitive Performance and Typing Skills: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Medina‐Inojosa Jose R. , Gomez Ibarra Miguel A. , Medina‐Inojosa Betsy J. , Supervia Marta , Jenkins Sarah , Johnson Lynne , Suarez Nathalie P. , Bonikowske Amanda , Somers Virend K. , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco
Published: April 2024

Background

Extended sedentary behavior is a risk factor for chronic disease and mortality, even among those who exercise regularly. Given the time constraints of incorporating physical activity into daily schedules, and the high likelihood of sitting during office work, this environment may serve as a potentially feasible setting for interventions to reduce sedentary behavior.

Methods and Results

A randomized cross‐over clinical trial was conducted at an employee wellness center. Four office settings were evaluated on 4 consecutive days: stationary or sitting station on day 1 (referent), and 3 subsequent active workstations (standing, walking, or stepper) in randomized order. Neurocognitive function (Selective Attention, Grammatical Reasoning, Odd One Out, Object Reasoning, Visuospatial Intelligence, Limited‐Hold Memory, Paired Associates Learning, and Digit Span) and fine motor skills (typing speed and accuracy) were tested using validated tools. Average scores were compared among stations using linear regression with generalized estimating equations to adjust standard errors. Bonferroni method adjusted for multiple comparisons. Healthy subjects were enrolled (n=44), 28 (64%) women, mean±SD age 35±11 years, weight 75.5±17.1 kg, height 168.5±10.0 cm, and body mass index 26.5±5.2 kg/m
2
. When comparing active stations to sitting, neurocognitive test either improved or remained unchanged, while typing speed decreased without affecting typing errors. Overall results improved after day 1, suggesting habituation. We observed no major differences across active stations, except decrease in average typing speed 42.5 versus 39.7 words per minute with standing versus stepping (
P
=0.003).

Conclusions

Active workstations improved cognitive performance, suggesting that these workstations can help decrease sedentary time without work performance impairment.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT06240286.
Reconciling Islam with Indonesian Nationalism: Acceptance of the Arab Middle Eastern Influence During the Dutch Colonial Period
Authors: Yamaguchi Motoki
Published: April 2024

During the final decade of the Dutch colonial era, Indonesia witnessed a heated conflict over the relationship between Islam and nationalism. This paper examines several opinions within the Indonesian Islamic movement during the conflict, considering the influence of the Arab Middle East. Around 1930, behind the conflict with secular nationalists, a movement of Islamic groups sympathetic to nationalism emerged, resulting in a fierce debate from the latter half of the 1930s. At the end, those who accepted nationalism while demanding an Islamic movement and an Islamic state became the mainstream position. The rise of Indonesian Islamic nationalism was influenced by the Arab Middle East via Cairo-educated Indonesians and the writings of Arab Middle Eastern intellectuals. However, the acceptance of the influence depended on regional factors. It took some time before those writings became a contentious issue in Indonesia, and Indonesian Muslims selectively utilized the writings.
Prince Wan Waithayakon’s Attempt for Rapprochement with the People’s Republic of China at the 1955 Asian-African Conference at Bandung
Authors: Sripong Wiraj
Published: April 2024

After the end of the Second World War, newly emerging nations were being divided up geopolitically into ideological camps – the so-called “Free World” led by the United States and the ‘Communist Bloc’ under the leadership of the Soviet Union. At the same time, there was rising demands for self-determination by national leaders who did not wish to commit exclusively to either ideological camp, as they perceived this to be a form of neo-imperialism. A leading group within this third way of thinking was the Colombo Group. In the midst of this intense three-way struggle, post-war Thailand under the leadership of Premier Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram was heavily influenced by the US in the earliest stages of the Cold War. In the attempt to renegotiate and re-balance Thailand’s position in the heightened political tension of the region, the premier sent the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Wan Waithayakon, to represent Thailand at the Asia-Africa Conference – initiated through the cooperation of the Colombo Group earlier in May 1954 – in April 1955. At this conference Prince Wan exercised independent diplomacy by meeting and negotiating with the Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in an attempt to re-balance Thailand’s relations with world powers in both the Free World and the Communist Bloc. This meeting would have significant ramifications for Thailand’s diplomacy throughout the Cold War and has impacted the kingdom’s relations with the People’s Republic of China up to the present day.
Statistical Predictability of Euro-Mediterranean Subseasonal Anomalies: The TeWA Approach
Authors: Redolat Darío , Monjo Robert
Published: April 2024

It is widely known from energy balances that global oceans play a fundamental role in atmospheric seasonal anomalies via coupling mechanisms. However, numerical weather prediction models still have limitations in long-term forecasting due to their nonlinear sensitivity to initial deep oceanic conditions. As the Mediterranean climate has highly unpredictable seasonal variability, we designed a complementary method by supposing that 1) delayed teleconnection patterns provide information about ocean–atmosphere coupling on subseasonal time scales through the lens of 2) partially predictable quasi-periodic oscillations since 3) forecast signals can be extracted by smoothing noise in a continuous lead-time horizon. To validate these hypotheses, the subseasonal predictability of temperature and precipitation was analyzed at 11 reference stations in the Mediterranean area in the 1993–2021 period. The novel method, presented here, consists of combining lag-correlated teleconnections (15 indices) with self-predictability techniques of residual quasi-oscillation based on wavelet (cyclic) and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) (linear) analyses. The prediction skill of this teleconnection–wavelet–ARIMA (TeWA) combination was cross-validated and compared to that of the ECMWF’s Seasonal Forecast System 5 (SEAS5)–ECMWF model (3 months ahead). Results show that the proposed TeWA approach improves the predictability of first-month temperature and precipitation anomalies by 50%–70% compared with the forecast of SEAS5. On a moving-averaged daily scale, the optimum prediction window is 30 days for temperature and 16 days for precipitation. The predictable ranges are consistent with atmospheric bridges in teleconnection patterns [e.g., Upper-Level Mediterranean Oscillation (ULMO)] and are reflected by spatial correlation with sea surface temperature (SST). Our results suggest that combinations of the TeWA approach and numerical models could boost new research lines in subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting.

Significance Statement

The Mediterranean climate presents a high natural variability that makes skillful seasonal forecasts very difficult to achieve. We propose to complement the current forecasting methods with a statistical approach that combines two conceptual models: First, climate anomalies (cold/warm or dry/wet periods) are considered as smooth waves (with slow changes); and second, atmospheric and oceanic indices perform the role of atmosphere–ocean interactions, which impact Mediterranean climate variability in a delayed way. The key findings are that combining both sides, a better predictability of climate variability is provided, which is an opportunity to improve natural resource management and planning.
Clustered Vulnerabilities: The Unequal Effects of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence
Authors: Sweet Paige L.
Published: April 2024

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect domestic violence? We might expect that the most marginalized victims experienced the most dramatic upticks in violence during the pandemic. However, through life-story interviews, I found that survivors who were enduring abuse, poverty, housing insecurity, and systems involvement pre-COVID did not suffer worse abuse during the pandemic. For multiply marginalized survivors, COVID did not produce more violence directly, but instead worsened the social contexts in which they already experienced violence and related problems, setting them up for future instability. The small group of survivors in this study who did experience COVID as a novel period of violence were likely to be middle-class and better-resourced. To explain these findings, I suggest moving away from a model of crisis as “external stressor.” I offer the concept “clustered vulnerabilities” to explain how—rather than entering in as “shock”—crisis amplifies existing structural problems: social vulnerabilities pile up, becoming denser and more difficult to manage. “Clustered vulnerabilities” better explains crisis in the lives of marginalized people and is useful for analyzing the relationship between chronic disadvantage and crisis across cases.
Implementing Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in a Rural Level II Trauma Center
Authors: Creel Nathan , Mantooth Jessica
Published: April 2024

This study’s purpose is to develop a low-cost implementation of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in a rural level-2 trauma center. Literature and training to this point have involved urban level-1 trauma centers. This study examines the effectiveness of an in-house training program on trauma patient outcomes by comparing data from a matched historical control group of pre-REBOA patients (n = 32) to the REBOA intervention group (n = 17). The REBOA group had a similar ED to OR LOS (1.45 vs 1.79 hrs, P = .346) and similar ED LOS (1.36 vs 2.21 hrs, P = .01) as the historical control group. Although the REBOA group had a higher transfusion volume (6235.06 vs 2268.75 milliliters, P = .005), survival bias could be a factor. Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta is considered a safe and affordable option for level-2 trauma centers without increasing complications or delaying time to the operating room.
Interhospital Transfer for Emergency General Surgery: A Contemporary National Analysis
Authors: Sakowitz Sara , Bakhtiyar Syed Shahyan , Gao Zihan , Mallick Saad , Vadlakonda Amulya , Coaston Troy , Balian Jeffrey , Chervu Nikhil , Benharash Peyman
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) often require complex management and transfer to higher acuity facilities, especially given increasing national efforts aimed at centralizing care. We sought to characterize factors and evaluate outcomes associated with interhospital transfer using a contemporary national cohort.

Methods

All adult hospitalizations for EGS (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, laparotomy, lysis of adhesions, small/large bowel resection, and perforated ulcer repair) ≤2 days of admission were identified in the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Patients initially admitted to a different institution and transferred to the operating hospital comprised the Transfer cohort (others: Non-Transfer). Multivariable models were developed to consider the association of Transfer with outcomes of interest.

Results

Of ∼1 653 169 patients, 107 945 (6.5%) were considered the Transfer cohort. The proportion of patients experiencing interhospital transfer increased from 5.2% to 7.7% (2016-2020, P < .001). On average, Transfer was older, more commonly of White race, and of a higher Elixhauser comorbidity index. After adjustment, increasing age, living in a rural area, receiving care in the Midwest, and decreasing income quartile were associated with greater odds of interhospital transfer. Following risk adjustment, Transfer remained linked with increased odds of in-hospital mortality (AOR 1.64, CI 1.49-1.80), as well as any perioperative complication (AOR 1.33, CI 1.27-1.38; Reference: Non-Transfer). Additionally, Transfer was associated with significantly longer duration of hospitalization (β + 1.04 days, CI + .91-1.17) and greater costs (β+$3,490, CI + 2840-4140).

Discussion

While incidence of interhospital transfer for EGS is increasing, transfer patients face greater morbidity and resource utilization. Novel interventions are needed to optimize patient selection and improve post-transfer outcomes.
Confronting the Gordian Knot: Disentangling Gifted Education’s Major Issues
Authors: Siegle Del , Hook Talbot S. , Wright Kenneth J.
Published: April 2024

What are the key challenges facing the field of gifted education? In this qualitative study, we posed this question to some of the field’s eminent leaders and scholars. Overwhelmingly, our respondents mentioned problems of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Respondents also discussed problems concerning identification, the limited use of research-based practices, and insufficient support from outside the field; they also touched upon larger theoretical issues like the lack of clarity surrounding our conceptions of giftedness and the purposes of gifted education. In this article, we trace a brief history of the problems and paradigms of our field, share our study’s results, some theoretical and practical connections among the most pressing issues, and implications for moving our field forward.
A Comparison of Gifted Children and Children With Low, Average, and Above-Average Cognitive Abilities in Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the Primary School Context
Authors: Samsen-Bronsveld H. Elise , Bakx Anouke W. E. A. , Bogaerts Stefan , Van der Ven Sanne H. G.
Published: April 2024

High sensitivity is often considered a characteristic of giftedness, but scientific evidence for this is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether gifted children rate themselves higher in sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) than their peers. A total of 882 children from Grades 4, 5, and 6 of primary school participated. They all completed a cognitive ability test (COVAT-3) and two self-report questionnaires to assess SPS (HSC scale and ChiSSEQ). The results revealed that the 10% best-performing children on the cognitive ability test did not differ significantly from their peers in SPS. There was one exception: Only on the HSC scale did children with high cognitive abilities score higher than those with low abilities (not higher than those with average and above-average abilities). However, this difference disappeared when applying stricter cut-offs to define high cognitive abilities.
Who’s Got Talent for Identifying Talent? Predictors of Equitable Gifted Identification for Black and Hispanic Students
Authors: Peters Scott J. , Johnson Angela , Makel Matthew C. , Carter James S.
Published: April 2024

Students who are Black or Hispanic have long been disproportionately represented in K–12 gifted and talented services. However, there are schools that have diverged from this trend by identifying atypically high numbers of Black and Hispanic students. In this conceptual replication of Peters and Johnson, we present predictors of whether a school offers gifted services (i.e., access) and representation indices for Black and Hispanic students (i.e., equity) within schools that enroll 10 or more Black or Hispanic students. Our results show that state policy mandates for gifted education are predictive of higher levels of access to and equity within gifted services for these schools. The average achievement and socioeconomic status of the district were positive predictors of access and equity while the district proportion eligible for special education services was a negative predictor of both. Finally, we end with a description of how the top 5% most-equitable schools in the country look different from their peers.
The role of income inequality as an ecological determinant of mental health: A nation-wide multilevel analysis on an Italian sample
Authors: Rossi Rodolfo , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Jannini Tommaso B , Ossola Paolo , Belvederi Murri Martino , Siracusano Alberto , Rossi Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Income inequality, a pivotal determinant of general and mental health, operates through intricate mechanisms at various geographical scales. While established at country or region levels, the impact of lower-level (municipal or neighborhood) inequality remains inconsistent. This study explores the influence of regional- and municipal-level income inequality on individual psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, employing a multilevel data analysis.

Materials and methods:

In a post hoc analysis of data from the first wave of the pandemic (March to April 2020), three hierarchical levels were considered: individual participants, municipalities, and regions. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, while the Gini coefficient gauged income inequality at municipal and regional levels. The analysis incorporated demographic variables as potential confounders.

Results:

The study encompassed 21 regions, 3,900 municipalities, and 21,477 subjects. Income inequality at both regional and municipal levels exhibited associations with distress scores, suggesting independent effects. Notably, higher distress scores were identified in southern regions with elevated inequality, despite a more substantial COVID-19 impact in the north.

Discussion:

Findings contribute to existing literature by emphasizing the independent impact of lower-level (municipal) and higher-level (regional) income inequality on population psychopathology. The study supports theories suggesting diverse pathways through which inequality at different levels influences health, such as potential associations with healthcare system dysfunction at the regional level and welfare dysfunction at the municipal level. The observed north-south gradient in distress scores highlights the need for psychosocial interventions to alleviate income inequality, especially in historically disadvantaged southern regions. Future research should explore the nuanced interplay between income inequality and various ecological variables to provide a comprehensive understanding of its health impact.
A Socioecological Examination of the Challenges Associated With Young Widowhood: A Systematic Review
Authors: Barros-Lane Liza , Germany Andrea , Smith Patricia , Stovall Tyrian
Published: April 2024

This systematic review employs a socio-ecological framework to investigate the challenges that arise due to early spousal loss. The research team conducted a systematic review of studies published between 2013 and 2023 to uncover factors that influence the grieving process in bereaved spouses. The results reveal that concurrent with the grief and devastation associated with partner loss, young widows and widowers also face a harsh reality filled with secondary losses, financial difficulty, mental health distress, emotional anguish, and identity crises. These hardships are exacerbated by social norms that disenfranchise the grief of young widows and widowers. These norms are then enacted interpersonally and codified in policy. The review’s findings underscore the necessity for increased community grief education and support, focused clinical attention, and policy advocacy.
Book review: Nandini Oza, The Struggle for Narmada: An Oral History of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, by Adivasi Leaders Keshavbhau and Kevalsingh Vasave
Authors: Mishra Chinmayee
Published: April 2024

Nandini Oza, The Struggle for Narmada: An Oral History of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, by Adivasi Leaders Keshavbhau and Kevalsingh Vasave. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan, 2022, 273pp. ISBN 978-93-5442-297-3.
High-gain observer design for auxiliary systems of non-minimum phase nonlinear systems
Authors: Lei Jing
Published: April 2024

To a non-minimum phase nonlinear system, it was supposed that, if there is an output feedback control that stabilizes the auxiliary system, then there is an output feedback that stabilizes the original system. The existing methods base designing output feedback for non-minimum phase nonlinear system on the hypothesis that there exists output feedback for auxiliary system. However, the auxiliary system could be unobservable. Alternatively, this study aims to create a way to design output feedback for auxiliary systems in unobservable situation. An output state is constructed in the last equation of auxiliary system, which artificially makes the internal dynamics of the auxiliary system observable. Then, a cascade high-gain observer is designed for the auxiliary system, consisting of an extended high-gain observer for external dynamics and a high-gain observer for internal dynamics of the auxiliary system. Therefore, the output feedback control for auxiliary system can be designed via the cascade high-gain observer and a state feedback. Finally, the proposed method is demonstrated by an academic example and an inverted pendulum on a cart in the simulation.
Spatial data infrastructure as the means to assemble geographic information necessary for effective agricultural policies in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Asmat , Ahmad Munir , Nawaz Muhammad , Sattar Farha
Published: April 2024

Geospatial information is used to regularly estimate agricultural production for improving food security and economic indicators. Particularly, such estimates are vital for agriculture-based economies like Pakistan. However, poorly managed spatial information causes inaccurate agricultural estimates. Consequently, public policies such as agriculture policies often remain unsustainable to secure enough food and to uplift the rural economy. Against this backdrop, the main objective of this paper is to identify types of spatial datasets, categorize them based on relative importance, and propose a framework to seamlessly disseminate those datasets to agricultural policy-makers in Pakistan. To do so, first of all, the literature is reviewed and a preliminary list of data is prepared. Then we make use of the Delphi survey to prepare the final list of the data. The data are also categorized into most important, very important, and important datasets. The results of the study revealed that the four most important spatial datasets include; hydrological, land use, agricultural census, and meteorological data. The datasets in the category of very important include six datasets; cadaster, crops, soil, pest and disease, natural hazards, and climate change data. The three datasets; remote sensing, research, and agroecological zones data fall under the category of important spatial datasets. Through implementing SDI, the identified data can be made available in one place to find and access to inform policies, the paper concludes.
Decreased diffusivity along the perivascular space and cerebral hemodynamic disturbance in adult moyamoya disease
Authors: Hara Shoko , Kikuta Junko , Takabayashi Kaito , Kamagata Koji , Hayashi Shihori , Inaji Motoki , Tanaka Yoji , Hori Masaaki , Ishii Kenji , Nariai Tadashi , Taoka Toshiaki , Naganawa Shinji , Aoki Shigeki , Maehara Taketoshi
Published: April 2024

Moyamoya disease (MMD) causes cerebral arterial stenosis and hemodynamic disturbance, the latter of which may disrupt glymphatic system activity, the waste clearance system. We evaluated 46 adult patients with MMD and 33 age- and sex-matched controls using diffusivity along the perivascular space (ALPS) measured with diffusion tensor imaging (ALPS index), which may partly reflect glymphatic system activity, and multishell diffusion MRI to generate freewater maps. Twenty-three patients were also evaluated via 15O-gas positron emission tomography (PET), and all patients underwent cognitive tests. Compared to controls, patients (38.4 (13.2) years old, 35 females) had lower ALPS indices in the left and right hemispheres (1.94 (0.27) vs. 1.65 (0.25) and 1.94 (0.22) vs. 1.65 (0.19), P < 0.001). While the right ALPS index showed no correlation, the left ALPS index was correlated with parenchymal freewater ( ρ = −0.47, P < 0.001); perfusion measured with PET (cerebral blood flow, ρ = 0.70, P < 0.001; mean transit time, ρ = −0.60, P = 0.003; and oxygen extraction fraction, ρ = −0.52, P = 0.003); and cognitive tests (trail making test part B for executive function; ρ = −0.37, P = 0.01). Adult patients with MMD may exhibit decreased glymphatic system activity, which is correlated with the degree of hemodynamic disturbance, increased interstitial freewater, and cognitive dysfunction, but further investigation is needed.
Revolutionizing Business and Marketing Education: The MECCDAL Model and a Case Study from the American Institute of Business Experience Design
Authors: Batat Wided
Published: April 2024

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of business and marketing education, accentuated by technological advancements, globalization, and the emergence of digital competitors. I underscore the challenges confronting traditional educational institutions arising from tech giants like Google and innovative e-learning platforms such as Udemy. The exacerbation of these issues in the post-pandemic environment is marked by escalating mental health concerns, a deficiency in practical skills acquisition, shifting student preferences, and debates surrounding the value proposition of college tuitions and business qualifications. Despite efforts to integrate immersive technologies and experiential learning strategies, a noticeable absence of pragmatic skills and learner-centric pedagogies persists within higher education paradigms. I introduce MECCDAL—a holistic, execution-oriented seven-pillar framework tailored to navigate contemporary challenges within an AI-infused, mental wellness-aware post-pandemic context. MECCDAL is an acronym derived from Latin terminologies: M ens (mind), E xecutio (execution), C or (heart), C orpus (body), D igitus (digital), A nima (soul), and L ingua (language). Through a detailed case study conducted at the American Institute of Business Experience Design, I illustrate MECCDAL's efficacy in augmenting business and marketing educational delivery mechanisms while fostering both collective and individual well-being alongside enhanced innovation and implementation competencies among students.
Improving accuracy of vascular access quality classification in hemodialysis patients using deep learning with K highest score feature selection
Authors: Julkaew Sarayut , Wongsirichot Thakerng , Damkliang Kasikrit , Sangthawan Pornpen
Published: April 2024

Objective

To develop and evaluate a novel feature selection technique, using photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, for enhancing the performance of deep learning models in classifying vascular access quality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved creating a novel feature selection method based on SelectKBest principles, specifically designed to optimize deep learning models for PPG sensor data, in hemodialysis patients. The method effectiveness was assessed by comparing the performance of multiple deep learning models using the feature selection approach versus complete feature set. The model with the highest accuracy was then trained and tested using a 70:30 approach, respectively, with the full dataset and the SelectKBest dataset. Performance results were compared using Student’s paired t-test.

Results

Data from 398 hemodialysis patients were included. The 1-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN1D) displayed the highest accuracy among different models. Implementation of the SelectKBest-based feature selection technique resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the CNN1D model’s performance, achieving an accuracy of 92.05% (with feature selection) versus 90.79% (with full feature set).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the newly developed feature selection approach might aid in accurately predicting vascular access quality in hemodialysis patients. This advancement may contribute to the development of reliable diagnostic tools for identifying vascular complications, such as stenosis, potentially improving patient outcomes and their quality of life.
Preferences of Young Adults With Psychosis for Cannabis-Focused Harm Reduction Interventions: A Cross-Sectional Study: Préférences des jeunes adultes souffrant de psychose pour les interventions de réduction des méfaits axées sur le cannabis : une étude transversale
Authors: Coronado-Montoya Stephanie , Abdel-Baki Amal , Crockford David , Côté José , Dubreucq Simon , Dyachenko Alina , Fischer Benedikt , Lecomte Tania , L’Heureux Sophie , Ouellet-Plamondon Clairélaine , Roy Marc-André , Tibbo Philip , Villeneuve Marie , Jutras-Aswad Didier
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Cannabis use is common in people with early-phase psychosis (EP) and is associated with worse treatment outcomes. Few targeted interventions for cannabis use behaviour in this population exist, most focusing on abstinence, none focusing on harm reduction. Many people with EP will not seek treatment for their cannabis use with current therapeutic options. Understanding preferences for cannabis-focused harm reduction interventions may be key to improving outcomes. This study aimed to determine preferences of young adults with EP who use cannabis for cannabis-focused harm reduction interventions.

Methods

Eighty-nine young adults across Canada with EP interested in reducing cannabis-related harms were recruited. An online questionnaire combining conventional survey methodology and two unique discrete choice experiments (DCEs) was administered. One DCE focused on attributes of core harm reduction interventions (DCE 1) and the second on attributes of boosters (DCE 2). We analysed these using mixed ranked-ordered logistic regression models. Preference questions using conventional survey methodology were analysed using summary statistics.

Results

Preferred characteristics for cannabis-focused harm reduction interventions (DCE 1) were: shorter sessions (60 min vs. 10 min, odds ratio (OR): 0.72; P < 0.001); less frequent sessions (daily vs. monthly, OR: 0.68; P < 0.001); shorter interventions (3 months vs. 1 month, OR: 0.80; P < 0.01); technology-based interventions (vs. in-person, OR: 1.17; P < 0.05). Preferences for post-intervention boosters (DCE 2) included opting into boosters (vs. opting out, OR: 3.53; P < 0.001) and having shorter boosters (3 months vs. 1 month, OR: 0.79; P < 0.01). Nearly half of the participants preferred to reduce cannabis use as a principal intervention goal (vs. using in less harmful ways or avoiding risky situations).

Conclusions

Further research is required to see if technology-based harm reduction interventions for cannabis featuring these preferences translate into greater engagement and improved outcomes in EP patients.
Design of ABS sliding mode control system for in-wheel motor vehicle based on road identification
Authors: Fan Xiaobin , Chen Mingxin , Zhu Shuaiwei , He Shuwen
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the problem that the current Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) control algorithm can not make full use of the ground friction to complete the braking when emergency braking on complex roads, an ABS sliding mode control method based on road surface identification is proposed. Combined with the in-wheel motor of in-wheel motor electric vehicle, a coordinated control method of motor regenerative braking and mechanical friction braking is designed. Based on the neural network control method, the road friction coefficient is estimated to realize the identification of typical roads and dynamically obtain the optimal slip ratio of different roads. The ABS sliding mode controler is designed with the optimal slip ratio and the actual slip ratio as input, and the saturation function is used to replace the symbol function in the traditional sliding mode control to weaken the chattering problem, and then the ABS controller is designed. The research results show that compared with the traditional ABS sliding mode controller, the designed ABS neural network sliding mode controller has the following advantages: 1. Through the identification of tire-road friction coefficient by neural network, the real-time performance and road adaptability of ABS controller are improved; 2. When the braking simulation is carried out at a given speed, the braking time is reduced by about 1.03 % and the braking distance is shortened by about 1.01%; 3. The identification of tire-road friction coefficient is realized, which weakens the chattering problem of traditional sliding mode control and improves the stability and robustness of ABS controller.
Membranous lupus nephritis secondary to secukinumab therapy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Yi , Hu Zhangxue
Published: April 2024

The interleukin (IL)-17 axis is involved in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Secukinumab, an IL-17 inhibitor, has been approved for psoriasis treatment. There are accumulating cases of lupus erythematosus induced by IL-17 inhibition. Lupus nephritis after IL-17 inhibition has not been reported. We report the case of a 57-year-old man who developed membranous lupus nephritis after secukinumab treatment for psoriasis. Anti-SSA and PM-Scl antibodies were positive. dsDNA, anti-Smith, and anti-histone antibodies were negative, and serum complement was low. Secukinumab was discontinued, while tacrolimus was initiated, subsequently switched to cyclosporin, belimumab, glucocorticosteroid, and hydroxychloroquine with a good response. The relationship between lupus erythematosus and IL-17 inhibition requires further research.
Results and prognosis of kidney transplantation in lupus nephritis: Experience of an Argentine center
Authors: Ornella Sofía , García Lucila , Cosentino Máximo , Taylor Marcelo F , Ciappa Martín , García Mercedes A
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Although RT has improved the survival of the population with ESRD due to all causes, renal outcomes in SLE are controversial. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics and evolution of the patients and the kidney transplant in LN, and compare it with patients transplanted for other causes.

Materials and methods

Retrospective, observational, analytical, single-center study in which records of patients undergoing nephrotransplantation for LN were analyzed. They were compared with a group of patients transplanted at the same center for other causes of ESRD.

Results

41 patients with kidney transplant due to SLE and 89 transplanted due to other causes of ESRD were registered. Graft loss occurred in 12 (29.26%) patients with LN and 34 (38.2%) patients in the comparison group ( p = .428). Only one case (4.8%) presented reactivation of the LN in the graft, without graft loss. Median graft survival was 73.1 months in the LN group and 66.3 months in the comparison group ( p = .221). A total of 8 (19.5%) patients with LN and 11 (12.4%) without LN died ( p = .42), with infections being the main cause in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in graft and patient survival. In a sub-analysis of 28 patients with LN with aPL study, 4 thrombotic events were observed, in 3 different patients, in the aPL-positive group. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of causes of graft loss and graft survival (positive aFL 75.7 months vs negative aFL 72.7 months, p= .96). There were also no differences in mortality between the groups ( p = .61).

Conclusion

Patients transplanted for LN did not differ from the control population in terms of graft and patient survival. Infections were the main cause of death, so prophylaxis and vaccination continue to be a fundamental pillar in the prevention of infections in immunocompromised patients.
Isotonic design for single-arm biomarker stratified trials
Authors: Li Lang , Ivanova Anastasia
Published: April 2024

In single-arm trials with a predefined subgroup based on baseline biomarkers, it is often assumed that a biomarker defined subgroup, the biomarker positive subgroup, has the same or higher response to treatment compared to its complement, the biomarker negative subgroup. The goal is to determine if the treatment is effective in each of the subgroups or in the biomarker positive subgroup only or not effective at all. We propose the isotonic stratified design for this problem. The design has a joint set of decision rules for biomarker positive and negative subjects and utilizes joint estimation of response probabilities using assumed monotonicity of response between the biomarker negative and positive subgroups. The new design reduces the sample size requirement when compared to running two Simon's designs in each biomarker positive and negative. For example, the new design requires 23%–35% fewer patients than running two Simon's designs for scenarios we considered. Alternatively, the new design allows evaluating the response probability in both biomarker negative and biomarker positive subgroups using only 40% more patients needed for running Simon's design in the biomarker positive subgroup only.
The undersecuritization of COVID-19 in Japan: Voluntary behavioral change as self-defense?
Authors: Adachi Kenki
Published: April 2024

Facing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), leaders of many countries attempted to securitize the COVID-19 issue. The Japanese government, however, neither attempted to securitize it nor implemented strong measures to control its circulation. Yet the behavior of Japanese citizens changed significantly to prevent the spread of COVID-19. What were the mechanisms that drove them to voluntarily change their behavior? By introducing the analytical concept of ‘undersecuritization’, this article tries to answer this question, as well as to broaden the scope of the securitization argument. It first analyzes why Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did not attempt to securitize COVID-19. It then examines the mechanism behind citizens’ behavioral change. When Japanese citizens perceived the measures taken by their government as too weak to address the life-threatening COVID-19 issue, they started to feel that it was undersecuritized. This article argues that such awareness was the reason behind the voluntary behavioral changes that the Japanese people made in self-defense. It also shows that such self-defense measures can be more formidable than the measures taken by the government in a situation of oversecuritization.
Structural Analysis of Pre-hazard Preparedness Criteria in Iranian Large Cities
Authors: Dehcheshmeh Mostafa Mohammadi , Abdolabbas Fereshteh
Published: April 2024

Studies have shown that Iranian large cities have experienced the most casualties and damages from natural hazards in 2010–2020 due to structural reasons. This research aims to extract, classify and determine the final model of drivers affecting the preparedness of these cities against natural hazards. The criteria were extracted by studying records and using the Delphi model’s opinions of 150 experts and city managers in 10 large cities. The combined output was 8 criteria and 70 sub-criteria that were assorted by considering the particular conditions of each study area. To obtain a multi-dimensional and comprehensive model, PROMETHEE and GAIA as structural methods have been used. PROMETHEE findings indicated that the most effective criteria for preparedness in large cities of Iran against natural hazards are institutional-managerial and social-citizenship. Also, based on GAIA VISUAL results, the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan and hazard mapping were identified as vital drivers and prerequisites of hazard preparedness. The output of GAIA has also shown that regarding the challenges of local government financing, the economic criteria (hazard-based investment, emergency budget and business continuity training) were the main facilitators and accelerators of the preparedness of Iranian large cities against natural hazards.
Using Generative AI to Facilitate Data Analysis and Visualization: A Case Study of Olympic Athletes
Authors: DeJeu Emily Barrow
Published: April 2024

The ability to work with data is an important skill for students enrolled in technical and professional communication programs, but students with limited mathematical and computer programming literacies might find it difficult to do basic data analysis or customize data visualizations. This article examines the extent to which ChatGPT can make data analysis and visualization more accessible for students with limited technical proficiency. The results suggest that although the tool is poised to have a substantial impact in helping students create effective data visualizations, its efficacy as a data analysis tool is more limited.
Introducing a Problem-Posing Protocol to Encourage Management Students’ Reflections on Sustainability Premises
Authors: Santos Carlos Jonathan , Brunstein Janette , Walvoord Mark Edward
Published: April 2024

The goal of this article is to examine and develop problem-posing case study teaching methods to promote business students’ reflections on their premises around sustainability practices. Literature on transformative learning in sustainability informed our hypothesis that problem-posing instead of problem-solving case study teaching would yield greater incidences of students’ premise reflections at the deepest level. For our quasi-experimental design, undergraduate students at a business school were presented with a teaching case of corporate sustainability then half were given problem-solving prompts for critical reflection while the other half were given problem-posing prompts. Resultant responses were classified to expose differences in the nature and levels of reflection between these two groups. This pedagogical research indicated that the problem-posing group reached deeper levels of reflections, though further research is needed to better understand this phenomenon. We advocate for the utility of a problem-posing approach in sustainability education. This study contributes a problem-posing protocol for business schools, curricula, and professors, as well as suggestions for further research for theoretical understanding of problem posing for transformative learning in sustainability.
Clinical Outcomes Associated With Diltiazem Use in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction After Implementation of a Clinical Support System
Authors: Foster Elizabeth M. , Coons James C. , Puccio Elena A. , Sullinger Danine , Ibrahim Rachel , Ibrahim Joseph , Hickey Gavin W. , Horn Edward , Mosesso Vincent , Rivosecchi Ryan M.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Despite atrial fibrillation guideline recommendations, many patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF) continue to receive IV diltiazem for acute rate control.

Objective:

Our institution recently implemented a clinical decision support system (CDSS)-based tool that recommends against the use of diltiazem in patients with an EF ≤ 40%. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of adherence to the aforementioned CDSS-based tool.

Methods:

This multi-hospital, retrospective study assessed patients who triggered the CDSS alert and compared those who did and did not discontinue diltiazem. The primary outcome was the occurrence of clinical deterioration. The primary endpoint was compared utilizing a Fisher’s Exact Test, and a multivariate logistic regression model was developed to confirm the results of the primary analysis.

Results:

A total of 246 patients were included in this study with 146 patients in the nonadherent group (received diltiazem) and 100 patients in the adherent group (did not receive diltiazem). There was a higher proportion of patients experiencing clinical deterioration in the alert nonadherence group (33% vs 21%, P = 0.044), including increased utilization of inotropes and vasopressors, and higher rate of transfer to ICU.

Conclusion and Relevance:

In patients with heart failure with reduced EF, diltiazem use after nonadherence to a CDSS alert resulted in an increased risk of clinical deterioration. This study highlights the need for improved provider adherence to diltiazem clinical decision support systems.
“We Just couldn’t Talk About that”: Unmasking Male Student-Athletes’ Experiences of Emotional Abuse
Authors: Alexander Katherine N. , Adams Kat V. , Dorsch Travis E.
Published: April 2024

Numerous empirical efforts have sought to understand the emotional abuse experiences of female athletes, but less is known about how emotional abuse is experienced by males in sport. To address this gap, the present study was designed to explore how four male former NCAA student-athletes ( Mage = 32 years) experienced emotionally abusive coaching behaviors and how those behaviors were influenced by masculine socialization pressures. A multiple case study design and inductive-deductive thematic approach were utilized to collect and analyze retrospective data. Results highlight socialization pressures related to orthodox masculinity influenced participant experiences and recollections of emotional abuse.
An Exploration of Parenting Practices Among Chinese Immigrant Families in the United States: Does Perceived Normativeness Matter?
Authors: Chiang Jason , Roopnarine Jaipaul , Çifci Fatmanur , Shen Yuyang
Published: April 2024

Utilizing theses within IPARTheory, parenting styles framework, and the cultural normativeness hypothesis, this study examined relations between mothers’ and adolescents’ perceptions of guan and shaming practices and grades and psychological distress, and whether the perceived normativeness of these two parenting practices moderated these links among Chinese immigrant families in the United States. Both mothers and adolescents reported elevated levels of guan and low levels of shaming practices. Mothers’ reports of shaming were related to adolescents’ psychological distress but not grades. Adolescents’ reports of guan and shaming were significantly related to their grades but not psychological distress. Adolescents’ perceived normativeness of the use of shaming moderated the association between maternal use of shaming and psychological distress. Implications of the use of guan and shaming for adolescents’ academic performance and psychological well-being are discussed.
Exploring the role of political elites in post-truth communication on social media
Authors: Graham Timothy , FitzGerald Katherine M.
Published: April 2024

This study investigates post-truth messaging and participatory disinformation on Twitter, focusing on the activities of Craig Kelly, a former Australian member of parliament and a key figure previously accused of spreading health misinformation in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. We draw on Harsin's conceptualisation of post truth communication to analyse 4317 tweets and 5.2 million interactions with Kelly's account and his network of followers over a six-month period. Our novel empirical approach, combining coordination network analysis with a forensic qualitative approach, explores the participatory nature of online interaction, where fringe actors mobilise around Kelly's tweets. The findings demonstrate how political figures have a privileged and outsized role in public discourse, undermining scientific institutions and promoting anti-deliberative politics. This research underscores the role of participatory disinformation in the post-truth era and suggests that regulators, governments, and social media platforms work collaboratively to develop a whole-of-society framework to tackle misinformation.