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Background There has been increasing emphasis on patient-reported satisfaction as a measure of surgical outcomes. While previous research has investigated factors influencing patient satisfaction following breast reconstruction, there are few studies on how patient satisfaction is impacted by revision procedures. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether elective revisions following breast reconstruction are significantly associated with changes in patient-reported outcomes and quality of life. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent immediate autologous or alloplastic breast reconstruction at a single institution from 2015 to 2021. Patients were included if they had completed BREAST-Q preoperatively, post–initial reconstruction, and post-revision procedures. Patients were excluded if they received adjuvant radiation or if they had previously undergone breast reconstruction procedures. The primary outcome measures were BREAST-Q domains. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were also analyzed. Results Of the 123 patients included for analysis, 61 underwent autologous breast reconstruction and 62 underwent alloplastic reconstruction. Mean age was 49.31 ± 11.58 years and body mass index (BMI) was 29.55 ± 5.63 kg/m 2. Forty-eight patients underwent no revision procedures and 75 patients underwent at least one revision. Between these two groups, there were no differences in age, BMI, complication rates, socioeconomic status, or preoperative BREAST-Q scores. Patients reported significantly higher satisfaction with outcome after their first revision compared with after initial reconstruction alone (p = 0.04). Autologous reconstruction patients who had at least one revision had significantly higher satisfaction with outcome (p = 0.02) and satisfaction with surgeon (p = 0.05) in the 2-year follow-up period compared with patients who had no revisions. Conclusion Revision procedures following autologous breast reconstruction are associated with higher patient satisfaction with outcome. Further research should explore specific factors influencing patient decision-making regarding whether to undergo revisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to parental suicide or substance-related death can be a risk factor for unwanted developmental trajectories. The stigma and taboo that often follow a death subject to being morally sanctioned in society ('special deaths') pose an extra challenge for the surviving child and family. The support of informal and formal networks is an important factor in adaptive coping; however, when the death is not socially recognised, the child's access to support can be limited. This article presents the results of a systematic literature review seeking to explore children's access to support when parentally bereaved as the result of suicide or a substance-related death. All six studies included address access to support after a suicide-related death. All studies focus on how children can be supported by loss-oriented activities, particularly how to facilitate open communication between the child and their surroundings. Based on this review, the authors recommend developing research on: 1) support for child survivors in the aftermath of substance-related death, 2), children's everyday grieving practices, including their access to support for restoration-oriented activities, 3) the effects of social support on mental health outcomes, and 4) to developing research designs that allow for disturbing the phenomena of stigma production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social networking sites (SNSs) have emerged as parallel societies, providing individuals with a platform to interact with peers and construct their desired self-identities. However, maintaining a positive image and safeguarding oneself from social judgment often necessitate self-censorship in self-identity expression. Drawing upon the privacy calculus theory, this study investigates how SNS users engage in a rational cost–benefit analysis between peer privacy concerns and self-presentation when deciding whether to actively or passively use SNSs. Findings from a variance-based analysis—partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)—to a sample of 394 Facebook users revealed that active use was primarily driven by perceived benefits, while passive use was triggered by perceived privacy costs. However, employing a case-based analysis—fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the present study uncovered that while some SNS users do not conform to the privacy calculus, many others do, thereby confirming the proposed dual privacy calculus model for SNS use. These findings resolve the contradictory findings from previous research on the privacy calculus model. This study extends the literature on the privacy calculus theory by developing a dual peer privacy calculus model to understand SNS users' passive and active uses and validate the significance of peer privacy concerns on these behavioral patterns. This study underscores critical factors influencing SNS usage patterns, empowering platform developers to provide users with effective tools to combat privacy violations by peers, thereby promoting increased active engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Western Anatolia Journal of Educational Sciences (WAJES) / Batı Anadolu Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Dokuz Eylul University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Real-time captions appear to be an effective tool in assisting deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) college students' access information and communication in certain classroom settings. However, there is limited knowledge of DHH students' direct experiences with real-time captioning services. In this study, we gathered narratives from 15 DHH college students across the United States about their experiences with real-time captioning services in college. We analyzed the stories using thematic narrative analysis and uncovered 4 types that students told about their experiences. The story types were (a) stories of overcoming obstacles, (b) stories of resignation, (c) pragmatic stories, and (d) stories of personal connection. These story types reveal that although many students eventually experience effective communication access through real-time captioning services, they can initially struggle to overcome barriers to using the services successfully. Making time and space to listen to DHH students' narratives can teach educators and professionals how to support these students and resolve barriers before they arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Path integration is the navigational process by which animals construct a memory of a previous location by continuously measuring and summing their movements to form a single home vector pointing to the starting location. It is intrinsically error prone, subject to random errors and, potentially, to systematic errors in either measurement or the summing algorithm. Both types of errors lead to an incorrect vector memory and thus to an error in homing. Because the errors are incurred when animals move, they are theoretically predictable from the movements. We analyzed the behavior of fiddler crabs (Leptuca pugilator) as they performed foraging excursions followed by homing with varying degrees of error. From video recordings we measured body orientations and locations and computed these spatiotemporal path characteristics: duration, distance, turns, bearing and arc sector. These were analyzed for their effect on, separately, the magnitude, and the direction, of crabs' homing error. The magnitude of the homing error was predicted by arc sector, Dbearing and path length, and several interactions. The direction of the homing error was predicted by interactions including arc sector x Dbearing, arc sector x turns, and Dbearing x turns. Covariance among these factors results in a path that traces a large arc while maintaining body orientation toward the burrow direction and leads to an error with the same clockwise/counterclockwise sign as the arc and the body turns. These results place L. pugilator's path integration mechanism among others with known systematic errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 7.3% of children under the age of 18 experiencing the death of a parent and more who experience a loss of a loved one bereavement is a common experience in the lives of children and youth. The current study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week, school-based grief group treatment program in reducing symptoms of grief, dysregulation, and improving social support. A total of 296 children and youth (age 11–18) participated in the grief programming provided by a local hospice agency. With a retention rate of 76% the researchers identified a significant reduction in grief symptomology, frequency of emotion dysregulation, and a significant increase in perceived social support from pre- to post-8-week school-based grief programming. A reduction in intensity of dysregulation was not significant. Implications for school personnel and parental support of children and youth experiencing loss are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article suggests that lawyers and judges may not understand the effects of their rules and procedures upon the production of evidence and its evaluation in criminal trials and appeals. Focusing on case studies involving the opinions of police officers and other investigators, as well as experts, it explains how applicable rules, procedures and safeguards did not produce, and appear incapable of producing, the effects claimed by courts. Drawing on scientific research – on cognitive bias and voice and face comparison – the article demonstrates how judges have enabled investigators to express their biased and speculative opinions, treated investigators' opinions as expert (or special) without evidence of validity or ability, and encouraged jurors to make their own voice and face comparisons in the highly suggestive context of the accusatorial criminal trial. Courts have placed great reliance on trial safeguards, such as cross‐examination and judicial directions, trivialised the difficulty of voice and image comparisons and overlooked the likelihood that juror interpretations will be incurably biased, and that the same evidence will be unwittingly counted more than once. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grieving is a life-long process, and children in the grieving process are faced with memories of a loved one, which act as a trigger for emotional reactions that may hinder the grieving process. Most children are able to cope with loss and complete the grieving process with the support of people close to them, however, some grieving children need the help of experts during the grieving process and adjustment to their loss, because they are at risk of developing long-term psychological difficulties. Aims: The aim of this paper is to provide information to experts in the field of mental health on effective counselling and psychotherapeutic methods and techniques, as well as practical guidelines in work with grieving children. Methods: Four databeses were searched on November 1, 2023 for peer-reviewed literature on therapeutic approaches for working with bereaved children. The key search terms were: “Child” OR “Children” OR “Adolescents” AND “Grief” OR “Grieving process” OR “Childhood bereavement” OR “Loss and trauma” OR “Traumatic grief” AND “Therapeutic techniques” OR “Psychotherapy” OR “Counselling” OR “Therapy” OR “Interventions”. The search was conducted in English. Twenty-eight articles/books published up until November 2023 that matched the inclusion requirements were found. Results: Two “category” of psychotherapy approach were identified, namely, evidence-based psychotherapy techniques and creative (expressive) techniques. The psychotherapy techniques are based on individual or group treatment, psycho-education and work with family members and peers. Alongside evidence-based psychotherapy treatments, it is useful to use creative or expressive techniques as a supplement. Conclusion and implications: The effectiveness of psychotherapy and counselling intervention has been proven beyond doubt through a great deal of research, and therefore counselling and psychotherapy should be seen as the first choice in treatment of children in the grieving process. The presented review results could guide clinicians in selectively implementing grief therapy in a way that will be the most helpful to bereaved children, adolescents, and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drowning continues to be a major cause of death for children, especially among minority groups. USA Swimming commissioned studies in 2008 and 2010 to look at swimming ability or inability, an associated drowning variable. The 2010 study showed alarming high percentages regarding insufficient swimming skill for many demographic groups. The current study's purpose was to provide further analysis of variables which emerged from 2010 study and how these variables are affecting all US populations. Focus group interviews accomplished in three regionally diverse US cities asked participants (3=fathers; 12=mothers) about their personal history with swimming, perceptions concerning swimming in general, and their child's swimming ability/habits. Results confirmed the positive impact parents have on their children and the benefit of their child developing strategies for continued growth of their swimming skill. Participants expressed a healthy fear of water. They believed that swimming was a life skill that all children should learn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems play an increasingly vital role in the glycemic control of patients with diabetes mellitus. However, the immune responses triggered by the implantation of poorly biocompatible sensors have a significant impact on the accuracy and lifetime of CGM systems. In this review, research efforts over the past few years to mitigate the immune responses by enhancing the anti-biofouling ability of sensors are summarized. This review divided these works into active immune engaging strategy and passive immune escape strategy based on their respective mechanisms. In each strategy, the various biocompatible layers on the biosensor surface, such as drug-releasing membranes, hydrogels, hydrophilic membranes, anti-biofouling membranes based on zwitterionic polymers, and bio-mimicking membranes, are described in detail. This review, therefore, provides researchers working on implantable biosensors for CGM systems with vital information, which is likely to aid in the research and development of novel CGM systems with profound anti-biofouling properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the strategy of preponderance, the grand strategy of offshore balancing can be pursued to achieve the goals of isolation or hegemony. The U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East has been changing from preponderance to offshore balancing, which has occasionally (and erroneously) been interpreted as the US isolationist tendency to begin the total withdrawal of its forces from the Middle East, followed by the decline of its influence in the region. The authors investigate why and how George W. Bush (2001-2009), Barack Obama (2009-2017), and Donald Trump (2017-2021) followed a similar strategy of offshore balancing, despite all their differences. The study intends to answer the following research questions: 1. To what extent were the US foreign policy strategies and its actions in the Persian Gulf different during the presidencies of Bush, Obama, and Trump? 2. Why did the three presidents follow the same grand strategy, despite the apparent differences, particularly in their worldview, leadership style and personality traits? In the research hypothesis, it is postulated that even though the U.S. pursued the strategy of offshore balancing during the presidencies of Bush, Obama, and Trump, differences in personality, policymaking style, and security threat assessments of these presidents have had an impact on the transformation of the U.S. foreign policy in the region. With a qualitative approach, the method of events and historical data analysis is used to test the hypothesis. The U.S. policies and reactions to the recent events such as the rivalries between Iran and the southern Persian Gulf countries, the political instability of Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, the great powers competition in the region are examined. International relations scholars have different ideas regarding what the strategy of offshore balancing represents, and whether a given U.S. president is an offshore balancer or not. The present study views these differences as an indication of the variations of this strategy. First, one needs to present an inclusive definition of offshore balancing, and for such a definition, one needs to identify the common elements of the various definitions given by different scholars. Different policy goals and means of implementation of offshore balancing have been discussed, but most scholars agree on two points: First, offshore balancing emphasizes the use of naval and air forces, while ground forces should be used only in very special circumstances and on a temporary basis. Second, offshore balancing assigns roles to regional actors, whether allies or competitors which must contribute to the cost of collective defense in the region on the basis of a burden and responsibility sharing formula. Variation in offshore balancing occurs at different levels; for instance, between defensive versus offensive realism, between pursuing a more offshore presence versus a more favorable balance of power. In conclusion, the authors argue that offshore balancing has been the U.S. grand strategy in the Persian Gulf since 2006, but its goals have changed in response to the need to react to different circumstances. In the last two years of Bush presidency, he was under pressure to find a balance of power arrangement that would end the war in Iraq, while achieving the hegemonic goal of democratization. The cost of upholding the current liberal global order and providing American security guarantees for US allies have adversely affected the prosperity of American people, who expect their politicians to give priority to the economic national interest. Because of the slowdown in the U.S. economy as a consequence of the 2008 financial crisis and military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, Obama followed the strategy of offshore balancing with the goal of reducing the costs of the U.S. foreign policy adventures, and finally ended up being more in favor of an ‘offshore than balanced’ strategy. During the Trump era, offshore balancing was more influenced by the idea of “make America great again,” with its touch of realism. Bush had to deal with the security implications of the September 11 attacks, and acted on the basis of offensive realism and the logic of hegemonism. Obama sought isolationism based on defensive realism, while Trump returned to offensive realism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Innovative Education Researcher (IEdRes) is the property of International Innovative Education Researcher (IEdRes) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is considered an ideal species for developing genetically modified nonhuman primates (NHP) models of human disease, particularly eye disease. They have been proposed as a suitable bridge between rodents and other NHP models due to their similar ophthalmological features to humans. Prenatal ultrasonography is an accurate and reliable diagnostic tool for monitoring fetal development and congenital malformation. We monitored fetal eye growth and development using noninvasive ultrasonography in 40 heads of clinically normal fetuses during pregnancy to establish the criteria for studying congenital eye anomalies in marmosets. The coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes were useful to identify the facial structures for any associated abnormalities. For orbital measurements, biorbital distance (BOD), ocular diameter (OD), interorbital distance (IOD), and total axial length (TAL) were measured in the transverse plane and carefully identified for intraorbital structures. As a result, high correlations were observed between delivery‐based gestational age (GA) and biparietal diameter (BPD), BOD, OD, and TAL. The correlation assessments based on BOD provide more reliable results for monitoring eye growth and development in normal marmosets than any other parameters since BOD has the highest correlation coefficient according to both delivery‐based GA and BPD among ocular measurements. In conclusion, orbital measurements by prenatal ultrasonography provide reliable indicators of marmoset eye growth, and it could offer early diagnostic criteria to facilitate the development of eye disease models and novel therapies such as genome editing technologies in marmosets. Research highlights: Prenatal ultrasound was used to evaluate fetal growth and eye development in 40 clinically normal marmoset fetuses. It identified a high correlation between delivery‐based gestational age (GA) and parietal diameter (BPD), one of the biometrics for assessing fetal size. In addition, high correlations were observed between the delivery‐based GA and the ocular development biometrics, including biorbital distance (BOD), orbital diameter (OD), and total axial length (TAL).Correlation evaluation based on BOD provided more reliable results for monitoring eye development in normal marmosets since BOD has the highest correlation coefficient according to delivery‐based GA and BPD among ocular measurements.Prenatal ultrasonography is an easy and noninvasive method in marmosets and provides reliable results for evaluating fetal viability and eye growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interpersonal violence against children and adolescents can affect their mental health and functioning in the long term. To reduce mental health problems in children and adolescents, school-based mental health interventions have been shown to be beneficial. A review of school-based interventions designed to mitigate posttraumatic symptoms after interpersonal violence is lacking to date. Methods: We searched for original studies published in English or German until November 2019 in 6 electronic databases. Supplementary search strategies to reduce publication bias were implemented. Peer-reviewed original studies assessing school-based interventions for children and adolescents under the age of 21 after interpersonal violence were included. Relevant data was extracted, synthesised and assessed qualitatively. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed. Results: Of 5,021 unduplicated publications, 15 studies met eligibility criteria. The included studies were almost exclusively conducted in the USA; over half utilised a randomised-controlled design. Studies mainly focussed on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or depression. In all studies, implemented interventions partially or fully mitigated posttraumatic symptoms. Nine school-based interventions, five of which were based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), were identified. School staff were often involved in intervention implementation besides mental health professionals. Conclusions: School-based interventions can be beneficial to reduce mental health problems in children and adolescents after interpersonal violence. Trained school staff aided by mental health professionals can implement trauma-informed practices at school. While school-based interventions may be a feasible way to provide children and adolescents with accessible mental health care, further research on school-based trauma interventions outside the USA is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to investigate the factors affecting e‐wallet adoption intention in Malaysia, which considered a central pushforward in imagining a cashless society. A theoretical framework adapting an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) with two additional constructs, trust and perceived security was applied to investigate the effects on behavioural intention to adopt e‐wallet electronic payment system, and the data was collected using questionnaires which correlates to 171 respondents. Partial lest squares equation structural modelling (PLS‐SEM) was employed for data analysis. The result revealed that performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, trust, facilitating condition and habit constructs influence the behavioural intention to continuously adopt 'e‐wallet' electronic payment system. On other hand, remarkably the perceived security construct portrays to have no significant influence which suggested that users are seemingly well inclined in policies that were executed by financial institutions which govern information's security. The finding should lead some practically and theoretically implications, chiefly elucidating some sustenance in achieving the cashless society imaginary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Justice‐involved youth (JIY) experience extremely high prevalence rates of trauma prior to their involvement in the juvenile justice system. Trauma outcomes are heterogeneous, long‐term, and may influence JIY outcomes. Although specific evidence‐based treatments (EBTs) target trauma symptoms, few studies have examined treatment outcomes in relation to adolescent populations, and even fewer have examined treatment outcomes in relation to JIY. This review examines evidence supporting the effectiveness of trauma‐focused treatments with JIY. The existing literature suggests trauma‐focused interventions may be a promising avenue for improving both mental health and juvenile justice outcomes for JIY. Clinical practice and policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic payments have become more popular thanks to the growth of the Internet, which has become the foundation of electronic payment systems. The financial sector has started to use electronic networks for trading since the 1970s. In 2021, according to the World Bank, two-thirds of the adult population globally make electronic payments, 95% in developed economies, and 57% in developing economies. With the ongoing worldwide digitalization (Internet) process, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, electronic payment becomes a very important component of every economy, especially as a payment method for companies and households. Digitalization is also rising in North Macedonia, so a large percentage of adults are using electronic payment systems for conducting daily transactions. This paper aims to explore electronic payments, as they are recognized as crucial elements in financial technology. Three main factors will be examined to achieve the goal: customer satisfaction, benefits, and drawbacks of electronic payment. Furthermore, part of the research is also the findings about Macedonian customer satisfaction toward epayment, their perceived drawbacks, benefits, and electronic payment methods such as: payment cards, internet/online payments, mobile payments, electronic wallets, and cash. The data are gathered by using the self-administrated questionnaire method and analyzed using comparative and descriptive analysis. The questionnaire contains closeended questions relating to the objectives of the study. Based on obtained results of the research, it can be concluded that the new electronic payment methods offered to Macedonian customers are still in the process of development. It may take time for citizens to accept digital payments. Their acquaintance with electronic payment systems is still at a low level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economics instructors often seek new content to improve student engagement and motivation. The Netflix Original series Cowboy Bebop provides an additional option to instructors. The TV show offers excellent examples of microeconomics concepts (e.g., opportunity cost, price elasticity of demand). It also reinforces diversity and inclusion, thanks to its diverse cast, Japanese origins, and imaginary society where various cultures and languages coexist symbiotically. The short clips can be used during lectures, face-to-face, and synchronous or asynchronous online sessions. They can also facilitate engaging discussions and assignments, as each clip is provided with teaching material, including concept-related questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia is related to disturbances in the sleep-wake pattern, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). These phenomena are the main reason for institutionalization. Assistive light technology is relevant to study, as mitigation of BPSD may allow for the improvement of quality of life for both people with dementia and their caregivers. Studies of dynamic light exposure in home-dwelling populations are scarce. In this single-case experimental design study, we evaluated the effects of exposure to dynamic light on the sleep-wake pattern and symptoms of depression, agitation, and anxiety in 11 home-dwelling people with dementia. A four-phase light-exposure therapy oscillating between the control and intervention waves was offered. Objective and questionnaire data were analysed and discussed. The results show that the used dynamic light system did not significantly affect the sleep variables. The severity of BPSD fluctuated in the expected pattern, reducing in intensity with increased light exposure. This pattern was significant for depression and agitation. This longitudinal study included an exploration of a low-cost assistive light intervention within a hard-to-study home-dwelling dementia population. The lessons learned are discussed and recommendations are made for future studies, as this design seems suitable for studying lifestyle interventions to support home-dwelling people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underactuated robotic hands get a lot of attention in recent years. In order to analyze the grasp ability and optimize structure parameters of underactuated hands for effective grasp, new grasp performance metrics have been defined. The new metrics quantify the effective grasp region and grasp stability of underactuated hands. A general method to calculate the new performance metrics is introduced by developing a static grasp model. Then an optimization method of underactuated hands is proposed based on the new metrics and structure parameters of a general underactuated hand are optimized. Finally, the performance of the optimized hand is experimentally validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium is a regulated contaminant (maximum contaminant level [MCL] 30 μg/L) that contributes to the gross alpha activity of groundwater. The adjusted gross alpha activity (MCL 15 pCi/L) is determined by subtracting the total uranium activity from the measured gross alpha activity. U.S. water utilities can use mass‐based and radiochemical analysis methods for compliance monitoring of uranium. Mass‐based measurements use a conversion factor of 0.67 pCi/μg of uranium to calculate the adjusted gross alpha activity. This conversion factor assumes that the activity of 234U equals 238U. Here, we present two decades of uranium isotope data measured by alpha spectrometry that shows 234U activity typically exceeds 238U. Using mass‐based measurements, the total uranium activity is biased low causing artificial exceedances of the adjusted gross alpha activity. Therefore, water utilities with gross alpha activities >15 pCi/L should utilize radiochemical analyses for uranium for the most accurate calculation of adjusted gross alpha activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência e Natura is the property of Revista Ciencia e Natura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study explores Deaf individuals' and sign language interpreters' perspectives on what it is like to work together in K-12 education. A group of 41 formerly mainstreamed Deaf individuals and interpreters offers insights into interactional dynamics (e.g. the deaf student–interpreter relationship) that influence interpreters' work, deaf students' participation and learning, and feedback practices. This study illustrates the significance of the deaf student–interpreter relationship and suggests a correlation between this relationship and deaf students' participation and positioning in mainstream classrooms. In addition, the findings suggest a correlation between the deaf student–interpreter relationship and feedback practices in mainstream education. Finally, this study finds that deaf students do not always know that they can engage in feedback conversations with interpreters or know how to engage interpreters to ask for what they need to learn. This article concludes with considerations and recommendations for the deaf education and interpreter education communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment increase knowledge during the prerequisite of response, and consequently, by pointer evaluation measures assist productive connection linking learners and mentor as well as between learner; such exchanges connect learners to be educated regarding their potencies, and faults and as well, facilitate them espouse suitable educating tactics, or adjust the offered ones. This study was aimed to investigate teacher's opinions about board examinations and its impact upon teaching practices at secondary level. Data was collected through self developed questionnaire. Descriptive survey 154 both male (n=34) and female (n=111) teachers perceptions regarding board examinations and its impact on the teaching practices was conducted. Both inferential and descriptive statistics including t-test tools were applying for data analysis. The findings revealed that there was no statistically significant change in secondary school educators' perception about board examinations. Findings also indicated that there was no statistically significant dissimilarity in the secondary school instructors' (both male and female) perceptions about impact of instruction performs. Besides, outcomes of this study specify that board examinations affected secondary school teachers' coaching performs. Teachers taught that was important for board exams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green light exposure has been shown to reduce pain in animal models. Here, we report a vision-associated enkephalinergic neural circuit responsible for green light–mediated analgesia. Full-field green light exposure at an intensity of 10 lux produced analgesic effects in healthy mice and in a model of arthrosis. Ablation of cone photoreceptors completely inhibited the analgesic effect, whereas rod ablation only partially reduced pain relief. The analgesic effect was not modulated by the ablation of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which are atypical photoreceptors that control various nonvisual effects of light. Inhibition of the retino–ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) pathway completely abolished the analgesic effects. Activation of this pathway reduced nociceptive behavioral responses; such activation was blocked by the inhibition of proenkephalin (Penk)–positive neurons in the vLGN (vLGNPenk). Moreover, green light analgesia was prevented by knockdown of Penk in the vLGN or by ablation of vLGNPenk neurons. In addition, activation of the projections from vLGNPenk neurons to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) was sufficient to suppress nociceptive behaviors, whereas its inhibition abolished the green light analgesia. Our findings indicate that cone-dominated retinal inputs mediated green light analgesia through the vLGNPenk-DRN pathway and suggest that this signaling pathway could be exploited for reducing pain. Pain relief gets the green light: Pain relief gets the green lightExposure to green light exerts analgesic effects in rodents by activating a subpopulation of neurons in the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN). Exposure to green light has been shown to reduce pain sensation in rodents, however, the mechanisms remain to be completely elucidated. Here, Tang et al. performed mechanistic studies in rodents and showed that cone and rod photoreceptor-mediated activation of neurons expressing proenkephalin in the vLGN mediated the analgesic effect of green light by modulating the activity of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). The vLGN-DRN circuit is thus a potential target for reducing pain. ---MM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bereaved siblings often receive insufficient social support and are at higher risk for mental disorders. This study aimed to examine the role of the therapist-rated working alliance in an online intervention for bereaved siblings. Clients (n = 74, 95% female), aged 17–59 received writing assignments and individual feedback by CBT trained therapists over 6 weeks. Working alliance (Working Alliance Inventory) and treatment outcomes (Inventory of Complicated Grief, Beck Depression Inventory-II) were assessed. Results revealed that the working alliance significantly increased during the course of the treatment and a significant association between working alliance and the change in depression was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study explored the influence of lower extremity manipulation on the postural after-effects of standing on an inclined surface. Methods: Eight healthy individuals (28.0 ± 4.1 years) were recruited for this open-label, crossover study. Participants stood on an incline board for 3 min to develop a known form of somatosensory illusion. After randomization to either a lower-extremity joint manipulation or no intervention, participants immediately stood on a force plate for 3 min with eyes closed. After a 24-h washout period, participants completed the remaining condition. Center of pressure (CoP) position data was measured by a force plate and evaluated using statistical parametric mapping. Pathlength, mean velocity, and RMS were calculated for significant time periods and compared with corrected paired t-tests. Results: Parametric maps revealed that CoP position of control and intervention conditions differed significantly for two time periods (70-86 s--control: 0.17 ± 1.86 cm/intervention: -1.36 ± 1.54 cm; 141-177 s--control: -0.35 ± 1.61 cm/intervention: -1.93 ± 1.48 cm). CoP pathlength was also significantly decreased for the second period (control: 6.11 ± 4.81 cm/intervention: 3.62 ± 1.92 cm). Conclusion: These findings suggest that extremity manipulation may be a useful intervention for populations where CoP stability is an issue. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that manipulation of the extremities can drive global postural changes, as well as influence standing behavior. Further, it suggests these global changes may be driven by alterations in central integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The undetected and untreated PTSD symptoms (difficulty paying attention, nightmares and difficulty sleeping, irritability or aggression, flashbacks, diminished interest in activities, self-destructive behavior, and feeling isolated) of college students may interfere with their relationships, well-being, learning, and academic success. To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of providing a short-term trauma-specific evidence-based group intervention, Coping & Resilience (C&R), an adaptation of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) was implemented at a large urban public university. Fifty college students (54 percent male, 90 percent students of color), with a mean PTSD symptom score of 34 at pretest (considered in the moderate range of symptom severity) participated in C&R groups. As expected, student PTSD symptoms improved after group participation. A Quade test showed a significant decrease in the scores from pretest to follow-up for PTSD and two subscales (intrusion and avoidance). Large public universities serving underrepresented students are uniquely positioned to become trauma- and resilience-informed systems and to provide trauma support services to promote student well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given gaps in both identifying and providing targeted interventions to struggling learners, the purpose of this study is to both improve rapid identification and to improve individualized academic advising for learners using this visual representation of performance. Across three graduating classes, individual growth curves were calculated for each student on National Board of Medical Examiners customized assessments during the pre-clerkship period using their deviation from the class average at each assessment point. These deviation scores were cumulatively summed over time and were regressed onto the sequence of exams. We analyzed the difference between the regression slopes of those students placed on Academic Probation (AP) versus not, as well as differences in slopes based on the timing of when a struggling learner was placed on AP to explore learner trajectory after identification. Students on AP had an average growth slope of − 6.06 compared to + 0.89 for those not on AP. Findings also suggested that students who were placed on AP early during pre-clerkship showed significant improvement (positive changes in trajectory) compared to students identified later in the curriculum. Our findings suggest that earlier academic probation and intervention with struggling learners may have a positive effect on academic trajectory. Future research can better explore how academic trajectory monitoring and performance review can be regularly used in advising sessions with students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mafic intrusions in the Coldwell Complex have previously been interpreted as forming from a metasomatized mantle source. To build upon our understanding of this metasomatism, the Mg–Fe isotope compositions of these rocks have been determined, and variations are assessed with respect to the magmatic processes that could have occurred at different stages of their formation. The mineralized Marathon Series (δ26Mg = −0.28‰ to −0.19‰), associated metabasalt (δ26Mg = −0.24‰ to −0.23‰), and the Geordie Lake gabbro (δ26Mg = −0.31‰ to −0.22‰) are characterized by δ26Mg values that are within the range of mantle values, whereas the unmineralized Layered Series (δ26Mg = −0.2‰ to −0.05‰) is heavier than mantle. In contrast, the δ56Fe values of all the Coldwell basaltic–gabbroic rocks (δ56Fe = 0.07 ± 0.08‰) are heavier than mantle but within the range of terrestrial basalts and mafic–ultramafic layered intrusions. We propose that the Mg–Fe isotope compositions of these rocks was not significantly modified by processes such as partial melting or garnet retention/fractionation in the mantle, fractional crystallization, or contamination during ascent through the crust, as the isotope values do not correlate with proxies for these processes (e.g. La/Sm and La/Yb, Gd/Yb, MgO–CaO–TiO2, and Th/Nb and Th/La, respectively). Their isotope compositions are, therefore, proposed to reflect the compositions of their metasomatized mantle sources. We conclude that metasomatism was not caused by a carbonate melt, subduction-altered oceanic crust and sediments, or an evolved silicate melt, as these processes generate light δ26Mg, variably fractionated δ56Fe, and heavy δ56Fe values, respectively, which are not observed in our dataset for the Coldwell Complex. The agent that metasomatized the mantle beneath the Coldwell Complex was likely slab-derived fluids characterized by isotopically heavy δ26Mg and basaltic δ56Fe values. This scenario can account for the lack of Fe isotope fractionation from basaltic values in all of the Coldwell rocks. The variably heavier δ26Mg of the Layered Series (−0.20 ± 0.01‰ to −0.05 ± 0.05‰) relative to the mantle (−0.25 ± 0.07‰) suggests that the magmas for the Coldwell rocks were derived by tapping of an isotopically heterogeneous mantle source that had undergone variable degrees of metasomatism. The distinctive geochemistry of mafic sequences in the Coldwell and numerous mafic dykes located in the northeast shoulder of the Midcontinent Rift suggests the presence of a variably metasomatized mantle source beneath a large area of the rift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radium (Ra) is a geogenic contaminant that occurs at high levels in the Midwestern Cambrian‐Ordovician aquifer system (MCOAS), a regionally important sandstone and carbonate drinking water aquifer. Water utilities using the MCOAS often must adopt treatment methods or use alternative water sources to maintain high‐quality drinking water. Here, we show that Ra in water obtained from a municipal well in Wisconsin remains consistent despite variation in pumping conditions. However, widely used analytical methods (e.g., scintillation counting) for measuring Ra are less precise for quantifying Ra variability given the site conditions. Although not currently used for EPA compliance, mass spectrometry improves the precision of Ra measurements by an order of magnitude over the currently used counting method (e.g., 95 ± 3 mBq/L vs. 110 ± 30 mBq/L) at the concentrations observed in this study. The use of more precise analytical methods will increase understanding of trends in Ra levels important for operating public water systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growth of the internet and communication technologies, electronic financial systems are becoming popular. Physical cash is losing its preeminence, and digital numbers on computers represent money. However, electronic financial systems, mostly operated by private entities, have defects to be compensated for, such as high charges for using the system, security issues, and the problem of exclusion. As a solution, many countries around the world are considering central bank digital currency. For central bank digital currency to be utilized as a national legal tender, it must be universal and accessible regardless of time and place, similar to physical cash. Therefore, offline payment functions that extend the accessibility of central bank digital currency are becoming attractive. However, due to the characteristics of the electronic financial system, central bank digital currency is vulnerable to possible malicious behaviors in offline situations, such as blackouts and system shutdowns. This paper reviews research studies that deal with security matters related to the offline payment function of central bank digital currency. Offline payment solutions, including central bank digital currency and other electronic financial systems, such as electronic cash and cryptocurrency, are reviewed, and supplemental methods to improve the offline payment solutions of central bank digital currency based on trusted execution environment devices are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the acceptability and effectiveness of a new childhood bereavement service known as Lionheart Camp for Kids. Using a pre-post-follow-up design, data pertaining to 12 bereaved children (aged 5–12 years) and their primary caregivers were obtained. Results showed that caregivers reported decreases in children's peer relationship problems, improvements in parental consistency, and reductions in coercive parenting, and there was a trend toward lower self-reported grief by the children. Caregivers were highly satisfied with the program. There is a need for a wait-list or randomized controlled trial over a longer time period to determine the full benefits of the camp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of the paper is to assess the role of banks and non-banks in payments from a global perspective using a comprehensive approach. The considerations are also focused on the determinants of possible changes in this area in the future. Research method - The research methods applied in the study include the literature review and the critical analysis of available empirical research results in the field of payment intermediation. The analysis based on desk research is focused on changes in payments trends observed worldwide. Results - The research leads to the conclusion that despite the significant role of nonbank entities on the payment services market, banks continue to be important elements of payment systems. There are no commonly used solutions that are fully separate from banking systems, and there is no doubt that this will not change in the nearest future. However, payment innovations combined with changes in regulations and central bank strategies may alter the use of both bank money and the banking infrastructure in payments. Originality/value / implications/recommendations - The paper contributes to the discussion on trends leading to a change in the role of banks and an increasing role of non-banks in payment intermediation. It investigates the problem from a global perspective and using a comprehensive approach. Its novelty lies also in the approach based on four distinguished stages of the change of the banks' role in payment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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