bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the “Platform Society” Mean the End of the “Network Society?” Reflections on Platforms and the Structure and Dynamics of Networks
Authors: Comunello Francesca , Mulargia Simone
Published: May 2022

Scholars and journalistic accounts have devoted growing interest to the centralizing trends characterizing platforms and the “platform society.” They often oppose this model to the alleged openness, horizontality, and “equality” they attach to “networks.” Such depictions seem willing to give up on a thorough consideration of network structure, which appears nowadays less fundamental to reflect on the digital world (and society) than it was 25 years ago. Or even question whether the network society model, as proposed by Castells, is unsuitable for describing contemporary society. In our opinion, the dichotomy opposing the (alleged) openness and egalitarian nature of networks (and of the network society), to the current centralization trends characterizing the platform society, as well as the subsequent assumption that networks are an outdated heuristic tool, derive from a misunderstanding of networks’ structure and dynamics. Scholars have shown that the structure of most complex networks can be defined as “scale-free,” following a power-law distribution. Complex networks, indeed, show the tendency for some nodes to become more interconnected than others (thus becoming “hubs”). In this, the understanding of network structure proposed in Castells (1996), contrary to the rhetoric considering networks intrinsically as “egalitarian,” is still a conceptual and analytical tool of the utmost importance for understanding the so-called “platform society.” This paper focuses on networks, network models, and the network society, reviewing what was proposed in Castells (1996). We argue that the social and platform ecosystem we are witnessing today can be understood from the perspective of scale-free networks and is, indeed, consistent with the premises provided in 1996. When observing networks, we address both structure and agency, and both the macro (network morphology) and micro (networked individualism and sociability) levels
Mobile Communication and Urban/Rural Flows in a South African Marginalised Community
Authors: Dalvit Lorenzo
Published: May 2022

This article draws on Castells’ concept of space of flows to explore the role of mobile communication in mediating the flows of ideas, people and resources concerning Dwesa, a rural community in South Africa. While it is the site of an ICT-for-development project fifteen years in the making, Dwesa is representative of many contemporary South African rural realities in terms of lack of infrastructure, endemic poverty and urban migration. Mobile network coverage is almost universal, sustaining a bidirectional flow of people, resources and information between Dwesa and urban areas such as Cape Town. A critical review of the substantial body of research conducted in the area, as well as thematic analysis of social media texts and semi-structured interviews with community members, reveal that mobile phones play an important and nuanced role in arranging physical or virtual rendezvous, facilitating transfers of monetary and other resources, and enabling timeless communication and exchange of information across distance.
High-Risk Culprit Plaque Predicts Cardiovascular Outcomes Independently of Plaque Rupture in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insight From Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Zhou Peng , Liu Chen , Liao Zhiyong , Wang Xiaoqing , Yan Shaodi , Sheng Zhaoxue , Li Jiannan , Zhou Jinying , Chen Runzhen , Chen Yi , Song Li , Zhao Hanjun , Yan Hongbing
Published: May 2022

The present study explored the predictive value of culprit high-risk plaque (HRP) detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). HRP was defined as the simultaneous presence of four criteria: minimum lumen area <3.5 mm2, fibrous cap thickness <75 μm, lipid plaque with lipid arc extension >180°, and presence of macrophages. Patients (n = 274) were divided into non-HRP group (n = 206) and HRP group (n = 68). MACEs were defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization. During a mean follow-up of 2.2 years, 47 (17.5%) MACEs were observed: 28 (13.6%) in the non-HRP group and 19 (27.9%) in the HRP group (log-rank P = .005). Patients with HRP were 2.05 times more likely to suffer from a MACE than those without HRP (hazards ratio: 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-4.02, P = .038); MACE risk was comparable between plaque rupture and plaque erosion. In conclusion, HRP was present in 24.8% of STEMI patients and associated with higher cardiovascular risk independent of plaque rupture, suggesting that HRP detected by OCT may help identify patients at high risk of future cardiac events.
Raman Spectroscopy Study of Skin Biopsies from Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: Trends in Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation from the Amide I Region
Authors: León-Bejarano Fabiola , Méndez Martín O. , Alba Alfonso , Rodríguez-Leyva Ildefonso , González Francisco J. , Rodríguez-Aranda María del Carmen , Guevara Edgar , Guirado-López Ricardo A. , Ramírez-Elías Miguel G.
Published: May 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological pathologies with a high prevalence worldwide. PD is characterized by Lewy bodies, whose major component is the aggregates of α-synuclein (αSyn) protein. Interestingly, recent works have demonstrated that skin biopsy studies are a promising diagnostic tool for evaluating α-synucleinopathies. In this sense, this work focuses on the detection of αSyn in skin biopsies employing Raman spectroscopy, using three different approaches: (i) the in vitro Raman spectrum of α-synuclein, (ii) the ex vivo Raman spectra of human skin biopsies from healthy and Parkinson’s disease patients, and (iii) theoretical calculations of the Raman spectra obtained from different model αSyn fragments using density functional theory (DFT). Significant differences in the intensity and location of Raman active frequencies in the amide I region were found when comparing healthy and PD subjects related to α-synuclein conformational changes and variations in their aggregation behavior. In samples from healthy patients, we identified well-known Raman peaks at 1655, 1664, and 1680 cm–1 associated with the normal state of the protein. In PD subjects, shifted Raman bands and intensity variations were found at 1650, 1670, and 1687 cm–1 associated with aggregated forms of the protein. DFT calculations reveal that the shape of the amide I Raman peak in model αSyn fragments strongly depends on the degree of aggregation. Sizable frequency shifts and intensity variations are found within the highly relevant 1600–1700 cm–1 domain, revealing the sensitivity of the amide I Raman band to the changes in the local atomic environment. Interestingly, we obtain that the presence of surrounding waters also affects the structure of the amide I band, leading to the appearance of new peaks on the low-frequency side and a notable broadening of the Raman spectra. These results strongly suggest that, through Raman spectroscopy, it is possible to infer the presence of aggregated forms of αSyn in skin biopsies, a result that could have important implications for understanding α-synuclein related diseases.
Management challenges and choices in patients with bipolar disorder: An Egyptian observational study
Authors: Okasha Tarek Ahmed , Abdel Maksoud Menan , Moneum Dalia Mahmoud Abdel , Hegazy Ali Dalia
Published: May 2022

Background:

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) had contributed immensely to high health service utilization. Variation in clinical practices that miss to follow the standard guidelines all with the disorder complexity, deepened the management gap. This study aimed to provide an Egyptian epidemiological database of the ongoing clinical practices that framed different diagnostic and management choices in a sample of patients with bipolar disorder. Highlighting challenges and the need for optimized clinical practices.

Methods:

Over 4 months in 2014, 20 clinicians filled in a designed sheet of their routine healthcare practice with information about; caseload /month, management guidelines knowledge background. Out of 301 patients in acute episode BD, 300 patients aged 20 to 60 years from both sexes, completed their assessment using; (1) a semi-structured interview sheet, (2) Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I (SCID I) for psychiatric diagnoses, (3) Global Assessment of Functioning scale for illness impact.

Results:

Psychiatrists received 49.5 ± 37.0 (mean ± SD) patient /month. 95% of them reported positive knowledge background on BD diagnostic guidelines and treatment recommendations (G/R), 89.6% of patients had different initial diagnosis than BD.The most commonly given initial diagnosis was major depressive disorder (33%) followed by brief psychotic disorder(20.7%) and others. The median of time taken from the initial to bipolar diagnosis was 12.3 months. Majority of patients had evident functional impairment. Atypical antipsychotics were mostly used. Drug abuse and obesity were high comorbidities.

Conclusion:

The evident gap in practice and BD complexity have negative impact on clinical outcomes. Physician’s continuous medical education programs and individually tailored standard medical care are recommended for optimized practices.
Experimental and numerical investigation of damage evolution in carbon fiber reinforced polymer stiffened panel in post-buckling regime
Authors: Bouslama Nidhal , Maslouhi Ahmed , Masson Patrice
Published: May 2022

Stiffened composite panels have been extensively used thanks to their ability to withstand high load and large deflection. However, their nonlinear behavior and complex damage modes during the post-buckling regime remain challenging and still require research work to improve understanding. In the current study, the buckling and post-buckling responses of a hat-stiffened panel made with carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite material are investigated experimentally and numerically with identifying the damage process and its effect on the panel stiffness. The experimental analysis is achieved by performing quasi-static multi-step compressive loading up to failure with full displacement assessment. A Structural Health Monitoring strategy is also deployed for registering and localizing the Acoustic Emission (AE) activities during each run. Matrix data extracted from the AE waveforms are processed and classified with respect to damage mechanism. Additionally, this research proposes predictive Finite Element Model based on Progressive Failure Analysis. Modified Chang-Chang failure criteria is adopted and implemented using Ansys Usermat subroutine. Numerical and experimental data have been compared and good agreement is demonstrated.
Digital Listening Tools to Facilitate Children’s Self-Regulation of Instrumental Music Practice
Authors: Wan Lydia , Crawford Renée , Jenkins Louise
Published: May 2022

In this study, we explored the ways in which listening tools within technology-mediated environments can facilitate children’s self-regulation of instrumental music learning between lessons. This interpretive multiple case study utilized a software application assigned for 22 weeks to a piano teacher and four students (ages 8–10). Data sources include student and teacher semistructured interviews and practice session observations. Self-regulated learning theory informed the recommended learning approach with technology and provided a lens for within- and cross-case thematic analysis. Study findings suggest that digital tools that provide accessible and customizable listening experiences can be used strategically to promote independent listening opportunities between lessons, in turn facilitating processes of aural familiarity and problem-solving. However, students’ self-regulatory development was also dependent on learning preferences and sustained teacher facilitation. The recommendations in this study can inform instrumental teachers about pedagogical approaches with technology, and the implications can contribute to the design of digital environments to support children’s instrumental learning.
Co-operation or unification: Is the future of police multi-agency working simply to become one agency?
Authors: Andrews Tom
Published: May 2022

In 2014 Professor Tim Hope stated that he would “give up the police service”, proposing that the “police service should merge thoroughly with health, ambulance and fire services to become a harm-response service”. This article examines the practicalities of such a proposal,considering different aspects within policing that require multi-agency co-operation and whether that could be replaced by unification. It concludes that in all instances, bar one notable exception in the form of mental health response, the police necessarily stand apart from other agencies for good reason and that unification would be counterproductive to Hope's aims.
Prevalence of Physical Activity Requirements Among US Colleges/Universities Participating in the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II
Authors: Bailey Caitlin P. , Lowry Mark , Napolitano Melissa , Hoban Mary T. , Kukich Christine , Perna Frank M.
Published: May 2022

Physical activity requirements (PAR; ie, courses required for graduation) have been proposed as a policy solution for increasing undergraduate physical activity. This study aimed to report prevalence of PAR among US colleges/universities participating in the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) and to understand whether these requirements were associated with campus characteristics. Data from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II serial cross-sectional survey (2015–2019) were merged with researcher coded variables (2019): binary PAR status, nature of PAR (activity-based, conceptual, or combination), and number of courses required to fulfill the PAR. Logistic regression determined whether campus characteristics were associated with PAR in 2019. Nonparametric tests examined differences in nature and number of PAR courses. Of 379 schools, 59 (15.6%) had PAR, with 36 (61.0%) having activity-based PAR and 23 (39.0%) having a combination. Compared to public and four-year schools, private (OR=3.47 [1.77, 6.80]) and two-year schools (OR=6.55 [2.21, 19.45]) had significantly increased odds of having PAR. Private schools required significantly more PAR courses compared to public schools (2.42 vs. 1.73, P=.005). PAR were less prevalent in this sample than reported historically, indicating need for campus leadership attention to this issue. Research is needed to understand what barriers exist to implementing and maintaining PAR on college/university campuses, particularly among public and four-year schools. Understanding health promotion practices among ACHA member schools, which have made leadership commitments to promote student health, can provide greater knowledge of PAR barriers and best practices in schools across the United States and globally.
Medicare Must Provide Additional Cost and Access Information to Enhance Decision Making Around Trade Offs Between Medicare Advantage and Medigap
Authors: Grabert Lisa M.
Published: May 2022

Health insurance coverage options are complicated and often leave Medicare beneficiaries, families, advocates, and brokers confused. Medicare should make small changes to its existing “Compare Coverage Options” tool that would enhance the public’s understanding of the trade-offs between Medicare Advantage and supplemental Medigap with Fee-for-Service Medicare. For cost considerations, Medicare should include a projection of annual out-of-pocket (OOP) spending, whether an OOP cap applies and whether the ability to alter OOP for additional clinical benefit is offered. For access considerations, Medicare should provide access to information to educate the public on coverage and costs associated with dental, vision, and hearing benefits, network adequacy, prior authorization, and supplemental benefits. These changes will enhance transparency and decision making.
A language documentation perspective: A commentary on Kidd and Garcia (2022)
Authors: Hellwig Birgit
Published: May 2022

This commentary on Kidd and Garcia takes a language documentation perspective on diversifying language acquisition research. Following a brief summary of relevant research in Papuan languages, it sketches out current developments to extend into child language documentation. It is argued that these developments constitute a unique opportunity to engage with on-going discussions on best practice in order to ensure that the resulting documentations are of use to both fields: language documentation and language acquisition.
Effects of a Digital Fluency-Based Reading Program for Students with Significant Reading Difficulties
Authors: Whitney Todd , Ackerman Kera B.
Published: May 2022

Fluency is one of the critical factors necessary for proficient reading due to its connection with reading comprehension yet many students with reading difficulties struggle to become efficient readers of connected text. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a digital reading fluency program that incorporates evidence-based practices such as repeated reading, immediate error correction, modeling, and graphing of performance to improve the oral reading fluency of four elementary students with significant reading difficulties. Using a single-case, multiple probe across participants design, results indicated the Great Leaps Digital Reading Program was an effective intervention for increasing the oral reading fluency of both within-program and grade-level reading passages. Implications of results and future research are discussed.
Effects of a Video-Based Intervention on Emotion Recognition for Children With Autism Who Have Limited Speech in China
Authors: Wang Zhi , Cheong Loh Sau , Tian Jing , Wang Hai yan , Yuan Yue , Zhang Qian
Published: May 2022

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with emotion recognition and a number of interventions have been designed to address this problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of video-based intervention (The Transporters) on emotion recognition in four children (aged 4–8 years old) with ASD who have limited speech in China. This study employed a multiple baseline across participants. The results indicated that the video-based intervention effectively improved emotion recognition in all children with limited speech. However, there was a limited effect in the generalization phase after 7 and 15 days completing the intervention phase. Results of this study have important implications for early intervention educators working with children with ASD.
Facts Do Care about Your Feelings: The “Assertive Turn” in Emergent Attributes of the Contemporary U.S. Public Sphere
Authors: Foust Joshua , St. John Burton
Published: May 2022

After the January 6th, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol, it seemed clear that the public sphere in the U.S. was being challenged by political extremists. Yet, existing public sphere normative theories provide unsatisfying tools for explaining why the riots occurred. Participants in the contemporary U.S. public sphere do not seem to recognize the legitimacy of their political opponents, and there is an increasing turn toward raw assertion instead of rational deliberation. In this essay, we discuss these shortcomings, focusing on how internet-mediated communication makes basic assumptions about legitimacy and rationality untenable. We settle on the concept of an “assertive turn” in the public sphere and analyze how anti-rationalism is becoming dominant in political discourse. We then argue for a scholarly reckoning with the social reality of 21st century U.S. politics—mainly that there are significant gaps in normative theory when it comes to addressing the assertive turn in the U.S. public sphere.
The association between financial distress, conflict management, and co-parenting support for couples receiving child welfare
Authors: Dai Yiyi , Futris Ted G. , Stanford William D. , Richardson Evin W. , Koss Kalsea J.
Published: May 2022

This study examined financial distress, conflict management, and co-parenting support among 254 couples receiving child welfare services. Using an actor-partner interdependence model, this study tested the indirect association between couples’ financial distress and their perceptions of co-parenting support through the use of positive conflict management strategies. Indirect actor effects were found for both mothers and fathers such that financial distress was associated with reports of less positive conflict management behaviors, and in turn less co-parenting support. When mothers reported that they and their partner engaged in less positive conflict management behaviors, they were more likely to be perceived as less supportive by their co-parent. Model results did not differ for married versus unmarried couples. For couples experiencing financial distress, findings imply that how effectively couples experiencing financial distress manage conflict in their relationship could potentially spillover and influence how well they support each other in co-parenting their children. Implications for practice are discussed.
Reducing tumescent anesthetic injection pain by topical anesthesia pretreatment among patients undergoing endovenous radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yuan-Su , Chen Peng-Jie , Wan Hai-Lin , Chen Jin-Hui , Mei Tong , Wang Wei-Lin , Lu Yong-Ming
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Tumescent anesthesia frequently causes the intraoperative and postoperative pain during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of varicose veins. We have to find a way to reduce pain caused by these injections. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of topical anesthesia pretreatment (TAP) on relieving needle puncture pain during administration of tumescent anesthesia among patients undergoing RFA of varicose veins.

Methods

Eligible patients treated with RFA were recruited and randomized to either application of TAP with lidocaine-prilocaine cream (EMLA) or water-based cream (placebo). The primary outcome was patient described pain scores on the visual analogue scale (VAS) at different time points during the procedure. Secondary outcomes were technical success rate, complications, satisfaction level, expense, and extra analgesia use.

Results

Sixty-two patients were randomized: 32 to EMLA and 30 to placebo. Both groups had comparable baseline demographics, CEAP classification, and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). Less tumescent anesthetic needle puncture pain was found in the EMLA group (22 ± 7 vs 42 ± 8, p < .01). Pain scores of other time points were equivalent. There was less pain in EMLA pretreated area compared to non-pretreated area in the same patient during needle puncture (22 ± 7 vs 45 ± 7, p < .01), and similar phenomena did not appear in the placebo group. There was no statistical difference in complications, satisfaction level, expense, and technical success between the two groups. And no extra analgesia was used in all patients.

Conclusion

We recommend the routine use of TAP to reduce the needle puncture pain during tumescent anesthesia in RFA of lower extremity varicose veins.
Impairments in ankle range of motion, dorsi and plantar flexors muscle strength and gait speed in patients with chronic venous disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nepomuceno de Souza Iara , Fernandes de Oliveira Lucas Fróis , Geraldo Izalino de Almeida Igor Lucas , Ávila Matheus Ribeiro , Silva Whesley Tanor , Trede Filho Renato Guilherme , Pereira Danielle Aparecida Gomes , de Oliveira Luciano Fonseca Lemos , Lima Vanessa Pereira , Scheidt Figueiredo Pedro Henrique , Costa Henrique Silveira
Published: May 2022

Objective

To verify the differences in ankle range of motion (ROM), muscle strength of dorsi and plantar flexors, and gait speed among healthy subjects, and patients with chronic venous disorders (CVD) with and without venous leg ulcer.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis ( http://osf.io/b7n3k ) were conducted following a search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, Scopus, and EMBASE databases.

Results

Eight papers were included. The ankle ROM was significantly lower both in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion in patients with venous leg ulcer when compared to healthy individuals and CVD patients without venous leg ulcer. The muscle strength of the plantar flexors and gait speed were reduced in CVD patients when compared to healthy ones.

Conclusion

Impaired muscle strength and gait speed can be detected in CVD patients compared to healthy individuals, and ankle ROM tends to be reduced in CVD patients even in the absence of venous leg ulcers.
Virtual versus true non-contrast images of the brain from spectral detector CT: comparison of attenuation values and image quality
Authors: Kessner Rivka , Sommer Jennifer , Große Hokamp Nils , Laukamp Kai R. , Nayate Ameya
Published: May 2022

Background

Prior studies focused on utilization of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) to better detect intracranial pathology and to reduce artifacts. It is still unclear whether virtual non-contrast (VNC) images of DECT can replace true non-contrast (TNC) images.

Purpose

To compare attenuation values and image quality of VNC images to TNC images of the brain, obtained using spectral detector CT (SDCT).

Material and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients that underwent head CT with and without contrast material, on a SDCT scanner at our institution (n = 33). The attenuation values of different brain structures were obtained from TNC images, the conventional images of the post-contrast exams (n = 16) or the CT angiography (CTA) (n = 17), and the derived VNC images. In total, 591 regions of interest were obtained, including white and gray matter. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated the image quality of the VNC and TNC images, using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

The mean difference between the attenuation values on the VNC versus the TNC images was <4 HU for almost all the structures. The difference reached statistical significance ( P < 0.05) for the deep gray structures but not for the white matter. The image quality score of the TNC images was 5 in all the patients (excellent gray–white matter differentiation). The scores of the VNC images differed between post-contrast and CTA examinations, with means of 4.9 ± 0.3 (excellent) and 3.2 ± 0.4 (fair), respectively ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results show minor differences between attenuation values of different brain structures on VNC versus TNC images of SDCT.
Prevalence of Contralateral Hip Abductor Tears and Factors Associated With Symptomatic Progression
Authors: Arvesen John , McCallum Jeremy , Pill Stephan G. , Cannady Holly , Adams Kyle J. , Jackson Isaiah , Wienke Jeffrey R. , Folk Jason
Published: May 2022

Background:

Patients with gluteus medius tendinopathy present with laterally based hip pain that can be diagnosed under the greater trochanteric pain syndrome diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assist in diagnosing pathology of the symptomatic hip, and when a pelvic MRI that includes both hips, the clinician may identify asymptomatic tears in the nonsurgical hip. In patients who undergo unilateral gluteus medius repairs, little is known about the prevalence or subsequent onset of clinical symptoms in the nonsurgical hip.

Purpose:

To describe (1) the prevalence of asymptomatic contralateral gluteus medius tears in patients with unilateral symptoms, (2) the presentation and time before symptom onset, and (3) the morphological characteristics on MRI of future symptomatic tears.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 51 consecutive patients who underwent gluteus medius tear surgery were reviewed for contralateral hip pathology; of these, 43 patients were 2 years out from index surgery with reviewable preoperative MRI scans. A musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed the MRI scans for tear size, tendon retraction, and fatty infiltration using the Goutallier-Fuchs grading system. Medical record review identified contralateral hips requiring subsequent treatment.

Results:

Of the original 43 patients, 10 (23%) had no contralateral tear, 19 (44%) had low-grade partial tears, 9 (20%) had high-grade partial tears, and 5 (11%) had full-thickness tears. Thirty-seven patients had unilateral symptoms; the other 6 had mild contralateral hip pain at enrollment. Of the 37 patients with unilateral symptoms, 27 (73%) had a contralateral tear; of those, 10 became symptomatic at an average of 24 months after index presentation (range, 6-50 months). In patients with symptomatic progression, 7 had low-grade partial tears, 1 had a high-grade partial tear, and 2 had full-thickness tears, with an average retraction of 17 mm. Tendon tear grade on MRI did not always correlate with symptoms or future presentation. All symptomatic progression remained mild to moderate. Seven patients required a corticosteroid injection, and none needed contralateral hip surgery within 2 years.

Conclusion:

Of patients who underwent surgery for a gluteus medius tear, 73% (27/37) had an incidental MRI-confirmed contralateral hip abductor tear. Of these, 37% (10/27) developed symptoms consistent with greater trochanteric pain syndrome during the 2-year study period.
Understanding Discrepancies in Nutritional Outcomes Among Under-Fives in Laos: A Mixed-Methods Study Using the Positive Deviance Approach
Authors: Boulom Sayvisene , Bon Daniëlle M. , Essink Dirk , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Broerse Jacqueline E. W.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Stunting is one of the main contributing factors in the under-five mortality rate worldwide. In Laos, the prevalence of stunting remains high, particularly in mountainous rural areas. To prevent stunting, insight into positive deviant behaviors can help understand how people can cope or adapt in resource-poor settings.

Objective:

This study aims to analyze the practices and underlying factors that explain discrepancies in nutritional outcomes in children under the age of 5 in remote mountainous areas in Laos.

Methods:

This mixed-methods study included all children under the age of 5 living in 6 selected villages. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and a Z-score for stunting was calculated to select the positive and negative deviant children. To identify the causes of discrepancies in childhood stunting, household questionnaires, focus group discussions, observations, and individual interviews with family members and health workers were conducted.

Results:

Fifty-five percent of children were stunted. Inappropriate care and feeding practices were observed such as providing unbalanced diets and not attending health facilities. Positive deviant mothers were less likely to follow inappropriate practices, experienced less food insecurity, and had higher motivation and autonomy, which resulted in prioritizing their children’s health. An active role of fathers seemed to benefit positive practices within households.

Conclusions:

The combination of many different practices in which positive deviant families are doing slightly better was associated with in less stunting of children. Those practices are related to the household resources, such as access to food and social support; and the mother’s motivation, autonomy, and perspectives on child health.
If You Ask Them, They Will Support: A National Study of Local Initiatives Developed to Provide Social Care to Older Adults in the Community
Authors: Koumoutzis Athena , Heston-Mullins Jennifer , Mayberry Pamela S. , Applebaum Robert
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

Some communities across the nation are utilizing alternative funding sources to better support home and community-based services for older adults.

Methods:

A variety of methods identified local initiatives across the United States. An online survey was distributed to a total of 377 communities in 15 states identified as using locally raised funds to provide aging services, yielding a 55% response rate.

Results:

Total funding from programs generated almost 400 million dollars annually with funding ranging from $8000-$47 million. Commonly provided services with local funds include home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, and homemaker services with provision varying by the size of the levy initiative. Additionally, six in 10 initiatives reported local funds being used to provide at least one family or friend caregiver service.

Conclusion:

Locally-funded initiatives fill a gap in long-term services needs for older adults, yet policy concerns regarding potential inequities across states and communities warrant attention.
Factors Associated With Contracting Between Area Agencies on Aging and Health Care Entities
Authors: Brewster Amanda L. , Wilson Traci L. , Kunkel Suzanne R. , Curry Leslie A. , Rubeo Chris
Published: May 2022

Contracting with health care entities offers an avenue for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to be reimbursed for providing services that improve health and avoid the need for expensive health care among older adults. However, we have little systematic evidence about the organizational characteristics and policy environments that facilitate these contractual relationships. Using survey data on AAAs from 2017–18, we found that contracting with health insurers was significantly more likely if AAAs had strong business capabilities and access to a state CBO contracting network. AAA contracting with health care delivery organizations trended with different factors, becoming more likely if states had implemented more integrated health care delivery programs, and becoming less likely if states had managed long-term services and supports. Contracting could be facilitated by supports for AAA business capabilities, as well as state policies that increase demand for their services among health insurers and health care delivery organizations.
Patterns of Intimate Partner Violence and the Harsh Parenting of Children
Authors: Rousson Ashley N. , Tajima Emiko A. , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Casey Erin A.
Published: May 2022

While research shows that adult intimate partner violence (IPV) and harsh parenting of children co-occur, less information is available about whether specific types or patterns of IPV create greater risk for harsh parenting, and whether these patterns vary by gender. This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to examine unique patterns of IPV perpetration and victimization among men and women, and variation across patterns by gender, parenting status, and harsh parenting of children. Data are from the Lehigh Longitudinal study ( n = 332). LCA produced four classes of IPV perpetration and victimization (Minor Psychological; None; Moderate; and Severe), which were invariant by gender. Although any level of IPV was associated with an increase in harsh parenting, patterns of IPV characterized by a greater number of and more severe types, were particularly associated with the use of harsh parenting toward their children for both mothers and fathers. Parents were overrepresented in all IPV classes compared to the No-IPV class. Results suggest the need for more broad screening and increased supports for parents that are tailored to different levels of need.
Myths and Misunderstandings About Child Sexual Abuse in Criminal Investigations
Authors: Denne Emily , St George Suzanne , Stolzenberg Stacia N.
Published: May 2022

Researchers have established that rape myths shape perceptions of victims and perpetrators in criminal cases. Researchers have devoted less attention to exploring the impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) myths in court. While we know that jurors believe myths and misconceptions about the nature of CSA, no work has explored how these myths appear during the prosecution of CSA cases. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess how defense attorneys apply myths more specific to CSA in the questioning of children testifying about alleged CSA. The present study compliments and expands upon a previous study by St. George and colleagues (2021a), where authors examined the use of rape myths in the questioning of children making allegations of CSA. In the current study, we examined testimonies of 122 children testifying in criminal cases of alleged CSA in the United States. We qualitatively coded 6,384 lines of questioning for references to CSA-focused myths related to the disclosure process, witnesses and privacy issues, assumptions of harm, and the child’s positive relationship with the perpetrator. These myths were common, occurring in over 10% of defense attorneys’ lines of questioning. Disclosure issues were the most frequent, followed by witness and privacy issues, assumptions of harm, and the child’s positive relationship with their perpetrator. In many cases, attorneys employed different strategies across child’s age to highlight these myths. These findings compliment those of prior work suggesting that CSA myths, much like rape myths, are appearing with regularity. Defense attorneys are likely capitalizing on jurors’ misconceptions to undermine children’s believability.
Differentiating Online Posting Behaviors of Violent and Nonviolent Right-Wing Extremists
Authors: Scrivens Ryan , Wojciechowski Thomas W. , Freilich Joshua D. , Chermak Steven M. , Frank Richard
Published: May 2022

There is an ongoing need for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to detect and assess online posting behaviors of violent extremists prior to their engagement in violence offline, but little is empirically known about their online behaviors generally or the differences in their behaviors compared with nonviolent extremists who share similar ideological beliefs particularly. In this study, we drew from a unique sample of violent and nonviolent right-wing extremists to compare their posting behaviors in the largest White supremacy web-forum. We used logistic regression and sensitivity analysis to explore how users’ time of entry into the lifespan of an extremist sub-forum and their cumulative posting activity predicted their violence status. We found a number of significant differences in the posting behaviors of violent and nonviolent extremists which may inform future risk factor frameworks used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to identify credible threats online.
Predictors of Cessation Outcomes Among Older Adult Smokers Enrolled in a Proactive Tobacco Quitline Intervention
Authors: Fahey Margaret C. , Talcott Wayne G. , Robinson Leslie A. , Mallawaarachchi Indika , Klesges Robert C. , Little Melissa A.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To identify predictors of older adults’ likelihood of quitting following engagement in a proactive tobacco quit line.

Methods

Older (>60 years) participants ( N = 186) enrolled in a four-session quit line with 8-weeks of nicotine replacement therapy reported demographics, beliefs, and information about tobacco use. Point prevalence abstinence was reported at 3 and 12-months.

Results

In final models, endorsement of quitting to take control of one’s life and confidence in quitting were positively associated with 3-month cessation (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.62; OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.21, 2.52, respectively). At 12 months, stronger endorsement of quitting to take control of one’s life and decreased nicotine dependence were associated with higher cessation (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.17; OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.71,0.99, respectively).

Discussion

For tobacco cessation among older adults, programs should provide additional support to those with higher nicotine dependence, promote quitting self-efficacy, and encourage quitting as means to gain control of life and health.
Ionic liquid dispersed highly conducting polymer electrolyte for supercapacitor application: Current scenario and prospects “ICSEM 2021”
Authors: Mathela Shreya , Kumar Sushant , Singh Pramod K , Chandra Singh Ram , Shukla PK , Singh Vijay , Noor IM , Kakroo Sunanda , Madkhli Aysh Y , Tomar Richa
Published: May 2022

Ionic liquid (IL) is now being considered as a novel contender in the development of highly conducting polymer electrolytes rather than a solvent. It has a significant impact on the electrochemical performance of polymer electrolytes. This study emphasizes the significance of low viscosity IL dispersion within a polymer (PVA) matrix. The electrical, structural and photoelectrochemical properties of the IL-doped polymer electrolyte are discussed in detail. These highly conducting IL doped solid polymer electrolytes show promise towards the development of highly efficient supercapacitors.
Intelligent network vehicle driving risk field modeling and path planning for autonomous obstacle avoidance
Authors: Luo Jiufei , Li Sijun , Li Haiqing , Xia Fuhao
Published: May 2022

Autonomous obstacle avoidance and decision-making algorithms for intelligent connected vehicles in a complicated transportation environment are important studies on intelligent driving. However, it is difficult to adapt to a more complicated traffic environment based on safety distance and conventional potential field. Therefore, in this paper, a driving risk field model based on field theory is proposed involving transportation factors and vehicle conditions. A hidden Markov model was used to evaluate and determine the motion state of surrounding vehicles. A safe, feasible, and smooth collision-free path was planned by calculating the magnitude of the potential field forces on the longitudinal and lateral sides of the obstacle vehicles. The results showed that the method can effectively select a suitable path for obstacle avoidance in complex road conditions while satisfying safety and traffic laws.
Periodic maintenance optimization considering the difference of preventive maintenance effect based on generalized Polya process
Authors: Li Xinlong , Ran Yan , Zhang Genbao , He Yan
Published: May 2022

Previous studies seldom consider the difference of preventive maintenance effect on different failure processes when establishing the preventive maintenance model. Meanwhile, preventive maintenance models usually assume that minimal repair is performed for each failure, but this assumption is not applicable in some systems. Once this assumption is made for the inapplicable system, the maintenance strategy obtained by the established preventive maintenance model will not be optimal. In order to get a better maintenance policy to reduce maintenance cost, this paper divides the system failure processes into two types: wear-out type and damage-type. The model assumes that preventive maintenance can reduce the probability of damage-type failure, but it has no effect on wear-out type failure. At the same time, for the system studied in this paper, it is assumed that after corrective maintenance, the overall state of the system is worse than the moment just prior to the failure. Then, an extended preventive maintenance optimization model based on generalized Polya process is established. Finally, a practical algorithm is designed to solve the model. The analysis of numerical examples shows the potential value of the proposed method, which may provide maintenance guidance for enterprises and save maintenance costs.
A general real-time optimization framework for polynomial-based trajectory planning of autonomous flying robots
Authors: Alqudsi Yunes Sh. , Kassem Ayman H , El-Bayoumi Gamal
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a general real-time, numerically stable optimization framework for time polynomial-based trajectory generation of autonomous aerial robots. The proposed general optimization framework (GOF) allows various optimization criteria for trajectory generation cost-function, such as minimizing the trajectory total length, time, and position derivatives. Minimizing position derivatives includes velocity, acceleration, jerk, and snap, or any combination of them. This study considers the quadrotor as the test platform. By exploiting tools from the calculus of variations, differential flatness property, and polynomial-based trajectories, the developed algorithm finds feasible trajectories without extensive computational sampling and iterative searching in the high-dimensional state space of quadrotor dynamics. The GOF includes a segment-wise gradient descent-like algorithm to iteratively decrease the allowed time of each segment individually so as to avoid getting stuck at a local minimum. The comparison analysis with existing methods validated the numerical stability and computational speed advantages of the proposed approach. It also shows that the algorithm is suitable for the real-time generation of high-performance long-range trajectories consisting of a large number of waypoints and high-order piecewise polynomials. An animated simulation of this work is available at https://youtu.be/E1AC1vyPqOE
The effect of bell mouth height on the hydraulic characteristics of the two-way pumping station based on the parameter design
Authors: Lu Rong , Zhang Huiyan , Li Yanjun , Yuan Jianping , Xu Jian , Wang Longyan
Published: May 2022

Pump intake is an important part of pumping station. To improve the inflow condition of the two-way pumping station, the optimal design of two-way intake of an in-operation pumping station was carried out based on the numerical and experimental study. A design scheme that incorporates the parametric design of the bell mouth height by introducing a parabola, and combined criteria for comprehensively evaluating the performance of the two-way intake, was developed to better estimate the outflow conditions. Moreover, the flow regime in intake and its’ influence on the impeller performance were comprehensively analyzed. With the verified results by the experimental test, they show that the uniformity of intake outflow affects both the hydraulic performance and forces of the impeller. As the bell mouth height decreases, the partial flow in intake has been greatly improved. Furthermore, it has been found that a more uniform outflow suppresses the adverse flow conditions on blade surfaces making the rotor more evenly stressed, while the excessively low height causes the serious hydraulic loss in intake. The present study is helpful in enhancing the operational performance of the two-way pumping station.
Critical care nurses’ experiences on dishonesty: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Negarandeh Reza , Khoobi Mitra , Ahmadihedayat Majid , Marks Dougie
Published: May 2022

Background:

Providing information to patients is an essential aspect of care. The way in which such information is transmitted is also important and is affected by different variables. The perceptions of dishonest nursing staff have not been sufficiently discussed to date.

Aim:

The purpose is to explore the reasons for dishonesty in transmitting information to patients.

Design and Method:

In this qualitative content analysis study, data were collected using semi-structured interviews with Twelve Iranian Critical Care Nurses from January 2020 till August 2020. Data were analyzed according to Graneheim and Lundman approach.

Ethical consideration:

The research protocol was authorized by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Sciences University of Tehran (Register number: 95-04-99-33485).

Results:

The findings indicated that dishonesty in giving information to the patients has many reasons. Although lying is not compatible with ethical care, working conditions sometimes forced nurses to hide the truth.

Discussion and conclusion:

Nurses believed honesty was an integral aspect of professional practice, but situational specifics have an effect on whether the truth is told or withheld. Finally, the nurses noticed a big gap between what they want to tell and what they were doing in practice.