bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Belgian Climate Case and rising (sea) levels: Human rights, separation of powers and multi-level constitutionalism
Authors: Jenart Cedric
Published: November 2024

On 30 November 2023 the Brussels Court of Appeal of Belgium rendered a remarkable judgment ordering the Belgian federal state, the Flemish Region and the Brussels-Capital Region to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 55% versus the level of 1990. Even though an appeal to the Belgian apex Court of Cassation has been lodged in the meantime, this lengthy and carefully reasoned judgment constitutes by no means a run-of-the-mill climate case. The case touches on three fundamental columns of comparative constitutional law: human rights, institutional law and multi-level governance (bottom-up and top-down). From a human rights perspective, the recognition of a positive right to life and privacy in light of climate change and of a vicarious damage concept confirmed Urgenda and Neubauer, whereas the strikingly low standing threshold for natural persons was pioneering. From an institutional perspective, the Court of Appeal explicitly considers separation of powers as a constitutional principle in which judiciary checks and balances can have full effect to safeguard minimum human rights requirements. Moreover, the outspoken judicial threat of a governmental penalty payment for non-compliance was original. In light of bottom-up multi-level governance, the Belgian Climate Case proves unique in its portrayal of climate litigation in federal states with exclusive competence of the state entities. However, the decision to exonerate one state level while condemning three others without mutual distinction is questionable. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal's judgment operates in a top-down multi-level context as well, with a direct discussion on asking a preliminary question to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The recent KlimaSeniorinnen judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) largely confirms and refers to the Belgian Climate Case, yet it could still prove both legally mandatory and pragmatic to have a judicial dialogue with the ECJ as well.
Validation of Service-Learning Outcomes Measurement Scale-Short Version (S-LOMS-SV) With New Samples and Cross-Cultural Comparisons
Authors: Lau Ka Hing , Lam Lisa , Snell Robin Stanley , Ma Carol
Published: November 2024

Background: The Service-Learning Outcomes Measurement Scale (S-LOMS) with 56 items is an established tool for evaluating student developmental outcomes arising from service-learning in Hong Kong. However, its length may have deterred potential users. Hence, the current study used a shortened version (S-LOMS-SV) with 21 items for validation in Hong Kong and Singapore. Purpose: The purpose of the current study is to validate S-LOM-SV with new samples, as is required for shortened scales. Methodology/Approach: We recruited 970 respondents from Hong Kong and Singapore universities. They answered the 21-item S-LOMS-SV before and after service-learning, along with a service-learning experience questionnaire. We tested scale validity and reliability and used multisample analyses to examine factor stability and cross-cultural validity. In addition, we employed structural equation modeling to establish the relationship between service-learning experience and developmental outcomes. Findings/Conclusions: The current study established the scale validity and reliability and preliminary cross-cultural validity of the S-LOMS-SV. Results revealed developmental differences between traditional undergraduate students and adult learners and reaffirmed the positive relationships between service-learning experience and student development. Implications: The validated S-LOMS-SV provides a succinct and reliable tool for academic research and quality assurance purposes and paves the way for developing a centralized database for cross-cultural and cross-institutional comparisons.
The Correlation Between Static and Dynamic Facial Asymmetry in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Wright Christopher , Benington Philip , Ju Xiangyang , Gillgrass Toby , Russell Craig , Ayoub Ashraf
Published: November 2024

Objective

Assess the relationship between static and dynamic facial asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip and palate during maximum smile.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Multidisciplinary dentofacial planning clinic.

Participants

Thirty-one surgically managed non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate patients between the ages of 13 to 17 years.

Materials and Methods

Dynamic three-dimensional (3D) facial images (four-dimensional [4D]) throughout the course of a maximum smile were captured using video stereophotogrammetry at a rate of 60 frames per second, which generated 180 3D images/expression. A generic facial mesh containing more than 7000 vertices was superimposed onto the 3D facial images to quantify and track facial asymmetry throughout the captured sequence. Partial ordinary Procrustes analysis was utilized to calculate an asymmetry score at the rest position, maximum smile, and at the point of maximum mathematical asymmetry. The relationships between the asymmetry at rest and the asymmetry at the point of maximum smile (static 3D), and the maximum mathematical asymmetry (dynamic 4D) were evaluated.

Results

Asymmetry scores were higher at maximum smile than at rest. Maximum mathematical asymmetry was observed in most cases during the relaxation phase. Static asymmetry at rest and maximum smile was strongly correlated with the maximum mathematical asymmetry ( r = 0.941, P < .001).

Conclusions

Static 3D asymmetry at both rest and maximum smile are strongly correlated with dynamic 4D facial asymmetry. The use of 4D imaging, combined with generic mesh conformation and dense correspondence analysis, provides a valid objective measure of facial asymmetry.
Exploring the Efficacy of Schema Therapy-Based Training on Enhancing Self-Compassion and Cognitive Flexibility Among Divorced Women
Authors: Mirahmadi Leila , Amini Mariam
Published: November 2024

Schema therapy has gained recognition as an effective approach for improving mental health in various populations. This study aimed to examine the impact of schema therapy training on the self-compassion and cognitive flexibility of divorced women living in Shahrekord city. The research utilized a semiexperimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The sample consisted of 30 purposefully selected divorced women who met the specified criteria and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in two sessions of training per week. The research measures included the self-compassion questionnaire and the cognitive flexibility assessment. Data analysis involved univariate analysis of covariance and multivariate covariance analysis. The findings indicated that schema therapy-based education significantly improved self-compassion and cognitive flexibility among divorced women. Future research should explore the long-term effects of schema therapy training on divorced women's self-compassion and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, investigating the role of demographic and psychological factors in mediating or moderating the effectiveness of schema therapy interventions would further contribute to our understanding and refinement of therapeutic approaches for divorced individuals.
The Effect of Different Construct Operationalizations, Study Duration, and Preprocessing Choices on Power-Based Sample Size Recommendations in Intensive Longitudinal Research
Authors: Lafit Ginette , Revol Jordan , Cloos Leonie , Kuppens Peter , Ceulemans Eva
Published: November 2024

To shed light on the dynamics of psychological processes, researchers often collect intensive longitudinal (IL) data by asking people to repeatedly report on their momentary experiences in daily life. Two important decisions when designing an IL study concern the number of persons and the number of measurement occasions to be included. These sample size decisions are ideally based on statistical power considerations. When conducting statistical power analysis, it is necessary to provide the value of the effect size of interest as well as of all other model parameters. In IL research, these values have to be based on previous studies. This implies that these values are subject to large heterogeneity due to differences in study design and preprocessing choices. This between-study heterogeneity can severely impact power-based sample size recommendations. In this article, we introduce an approach to investigate the impact of study design and pre-processing of previous studies and to determine a recommended sample size to account for this impact. We demonstrate how to use this approach to investigate the effect of different construct operationalizations, study duration, and preprocessing choices. This approach paves the way for more thoughtful and robust sample-size decisions.
Purity Culture on YouTube: Selling Heteronormative Patriarchy as God’s Design
Authors: Macy Burkett K.
Published: November 2024

Purity culture, a movement that emphasizes sexual abstinence before marriage, infiltrated American evangelical Christian churches in the 1990s and has been found to induce shame in young women while excluding people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. By using their influencer status to persuade their audiences, American evangelical Christian YouTube creators have brought purity culture back into the U.S. cultural zeitgeist. Through an inductive thematic analysis of 25 YouTube videos by evangelical Christian creators, this study seeks to understand the themes evangelical YouTube channels use to promote purity culture: heteronormativity, patriarchal submission, and naturalizing patriarchy as God’s design.
Effect of meat type and fat level on burger meat characteristics: A combined approach using imaging and sensory techniques
Authors: Cardona María , Barat Jose M , Fernández-Segovia Isabel , Grau Raúl
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fat level and meat cut type on burger meat through color, texture, image, and sensory analyses, and to explore the ability of the imaging technique as a complementary tool for consumer quality perception. For this purpose, burger meat samples were prepared by combining pork and beef meat (50/50%) with other nonmeat ingredients. The differences between samples were fat level: around 15 g fat/100 g (code HF) or 10.5 g fat/100 g (code LF); cut types: from cow carcasses (code C) or yearling (code Y). Instrumental color and texture measures analysis, an image analysis, and a sensory evaluation were carried out on samples (raw and cooked) at two times: day 0 and day 1 before expiry dates. The results showed that the samples made with meat from cows presented lower L* and higher a* and b* values than the samples made from yearling. However, the fat level did not affect this parameter. This same pattern was observed for the image measurements. Regarding texture, the samples with higher fat content (and lower moisture content) had higher hardness values. Generally, meat type had no effect on textural parameters. The samples that consumers gave the highest overall acceptance scores were those made of cow meat at both fat content levels. These samples also had the highest raw and cooked color scores. The fat level slightly affected hardness, with the same pattern observed for the instrumental measures of texture. The analyses showed a good correlation between instrumental techniques and sensory evaluation.
Accelerated versus conventional corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yeh Cyuan Yi , Chen Kuan Chieh , Chen Yen Ju , Cheng Sheng Fu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To systematically compare the effectiveness of conventional corneal collagen cross-linking (CCXL) protocols and accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (ACXL) protocols in cases with progressive keratoconus.

Methods

The Cochrane library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Outcomes were clinical results and changes in corneal properties. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the clinical consequences. All outcomes were distributed by different follow-up durations (6 months, 12 months, and > 12 months). We also compared maximum keratometry (Kmax) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in subgroups, which were categorized by the discrepant impregnation time period of riboflavin.

Results

We included 14 RCTs that met the eligibility criteria in this meta-analysis. At the last follow-up, CCXL was superior in postoperative change in demarcation line (SMD: −1.573; 95% CI: −2.897 to −0.248) and in Kmax (SMD:0.302; 95% CI: 0.071 to 0.533), whereas ACXL provided a significantly lower reduction in central corneal thickness (SMD: 0.498; 95% CI: 0.125 to 0.871). No differences in the changes in uncorrected visual acuity, BCVA, manifest refraction spherical equivalent, corneal biomechanical properties, and the endothelial cell density were found among both groups.

Conclusion

CCXL was superior to ACXL in greater corneal flattening and deeper demarcation line, while ACXL seemed to cause less reduction in CCT and allow for earlier UDVA stability. To clearly define the comparative safety and clinical consequences of the different regimens of CXL, more RCTs are required.
Treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis with high dose PHMB (0.08%) monotherapy in clinical practice: A case series
Authors: Franch Antonella , Knutsson Karl Anders , Pedrotti Emilio , Fasolo Adriano , Bertuzzi Federico , Birattari Federica , Bonacci Erika , Leon Pia , Papa Vincenzo
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare sight-threatening infectious disease with no approved pharmacological treatments. Topical polihexanide 0.8 mg/ml (PHMB 0.08%) completed a pivotal clinical trial showing a medical cure rate of 84.9%. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PHMB 0.08%, given as monotherapy, in clinical practice.

Methods

consecutive cases of AK were included. Diagnosis was confirmed by in vivo confocal microscopy or PCR. Patients were treated with PHMB 0.08% as part of a name-based compassionate use program. Treatment delivery frequency and termination were as advised in the pivotal clinical trial. Medical cure was defined as clinical evidence of healed epithelium and absence of corneal inflammation lasting 3 months after discontinuing all treatments.

Results

twelve eyes of 11 contact lens wearers with AK of variable severity were evaluated. Eleven of 12 (91.7%) eyes achieved a medical cure with no surgery. One eye had a corneal perforation and required emergency therapeutic keratoplasty. The median time of treatment with PHMB 0.08% was 100 days (range 35–222). Seven eyes (58.3%) reached a final visual acuity of 20/50 Snellen or better. Two subject reported worsening of conjunctival hyperaemia during the intensive phase of the treatment. No other adverse drug reactions were observed.

Conclusion

topical treatment with PHMB 0.08% monotherapy successfully cured AK in 11 of 12 eyes when used in real-world clinical practice, thereby confirming that results observed in the clinical trial could be obtained in this setting.
Understanding tourists’ perceived urban design qualities
Authors: Wan Yim King Penny
Published: November 2024

Utilizing the new urbanism theory in urban design, this exploratory study assessed tourists’ perceived urban design qualities (PUDQs) and the effects on their emotions and behaviors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 first-time tourists to Macao (China). The respondents indicated 20 urban design qualities, which were then divided into seven major urban design quality themes. These seven themes, namely landmark, aesthetics, complexity, permeability, harmony, human scale, and diversity, elicited a wide range of positive emotions such as joy, happiness, relaxation, interest, and amazement, as well as positive behaviors such as recommendation, exploration, spending, and intent to return. Permeability, on the other hand, contributed to unpleasant feelings of anger and fear and hampered wandering and exploration. Furthermore, there were discrepancies in the PUDQs across districts, as well as their emotional impact. Based on the identified PUDQs, this study elucidates how destination planners and marketers may make places more appealing by improving the destination's PUDQs and promoting and marketing their destinations.
Investigating the shear behaviors of hollow core beams strengthened with ESS-HCC and shear steel rebars
Authors: Du Wenping , Zhang Guanjun , Yang Caiqian , Pan Zhihong , De Backer Hans , Ming Kai , Pan Yong
Published: November 2024

Insufficient shear load-carrying capacity of hollow slab bridges is caused by the web cracks and damage of hinged joints generated with the increasing traffic volumes, service life and degradation of material properties. The authors propose a novel composite strengthening method to improve the shear load-carrying capacity, a novel composite strengthening method is proposed by authors. It is defined as filling ESS-HCC (early-strength self-compacting shrinkage-compensating high-performance cementitious composite) and shear steel rebars. In this paper, nine hollow core beams (HCBs) were conducted and investigated. The main parameters were shear span-to-depth ratios and opening sizes. The failure mode and crack morphology, load-deflection behaviors and concrete strains were measured and analyzed. The experimental results showed that the HCB specimens strengthened with ESS-HCC and shear steel rebars exhibited excellent ductility. The shear load-carrying capacity showed a decreased tendency with the increase of the shear span-to-depth ratios. However, the opening sizes had little influence on the shear load-carrying capacity. According to ACI 318 (2019), EN 1168 (2005), GB 50010 (2010), and JTG 3362 (2018) standards, four modified models were proposed to evaluate the shear behaviors of the HCB specimens strengthened with ESS-HCC and shear steel rebars. Simultaneously, the influence of shear span-to-depth ratios on shear behaviors was considered. The theoretical results clearly showed reasonable accuracy with the experimental results. Combined with the ABAQUS finite element models, the optimum strengthened length was 0.2 times the length of the HCB specimens. The strength grade of the ESS-HCC should be one or two higher than that of the old concrete’s, which can obtain the most excellent shear stress.
Everyday refugee integration: A holistic reconceptualization of refugee integration through the everyday practices of Hazara Afghan refugees
Authors: Radford David , Krivokapic-Skoko Branka , Hetz Heidi , Roberts Rosie , Soong Hannah , Tan George
Published: November 2024

Addressing public discourses that refugees are a burden, threat or cost, unable or unwilling to integrate into society, we argue in this article for a holistic reconceptualization of refugee integration. The article explores what we call ‘everyday refugee integration’ – that is, the ways in which refugee-background migrants participate in, contribute to and become a part of their local community socially, culturally and economically. We do so through a bottom-up approach that sharpens the lens of the ordinary to highlight the role that everyday practices of humanitarian-background migrants have in that process. This article draws on a qualitative case study of one group of humanitarian-background migrants, Hazaras from Afghanistan, across three sites: community and education centres, sports and business, in Adelaide, South Australia.
“It tracks me!”: An analysis of apple watch nudging and user adoption mechanisms
Authors: Asimakopoulos Grigorios , Asimakopoulos Stavros , Spillers Frank
Published: November 2024

Objective: The current study aims to understand how Apple Watch helped users maintain wellness routines during the COVID-19 lockdown period, where access to public gyms and spaces was curtailed. We explore the effectiveness of biofeedback engagement aspects of Apple Watch: goals, alerts and notifications, and sociability aspects of the device or social interaction with other users. Methods: We report the results of a 2-week digital diary study based in the United States with 10 adults with 6 months or longer exposure to Apple Watch, followed by online survey responses gathered from 330 additional users. Results: The study findings show how Apple Watch transforms notifications from distractions into positive wellness tools. Data suggests that personal context (custom goals and supported intent) combined with motivational nudges from alerts and notifications as well as contextually triggered nudges contribute to Apple Watch user adoption and satisfaction. Conclusion: This study highlights how Apple Watch transforms notifications from distractions into positive wellness tools; emphasizing the importance of balancing nudging with customization with user control. Sociability and privacy remain crucial, especially with biofeedback-enabled fitness trackers. We conclude that Apple Watch enhances user engagement by triggering context-relevant interactions, nudging users to achieve their goals through small, motivated behaviors.
An Assessment of Rural Midwestern Schoolteachers’ Nutrition Literacy and MyPlate Knowledge: Implications for Current Practice and Policy
Authors: Marchello Nicholas J. , Chrisman Matthew , Hastert Mary , Skarbek Anita , Endsley Patricia , Hagen Jamee
Published: November 2024

Background. Rural schoolchildren outpace their urban counterparts in obesity and diet-related chronic disease rates. Educating students on nutrition basics may help reduce these health burdens in this focus population. Rural schoolteachers are ideally positioned to teach students about nutrition; however, to teach nutrition, one must first understand basic nutrition concepts. The nutrition literacy and knowledge of rural schoolteachers, as well as strategies to and barriers for integrating nutrition into rural classrooms, are understudied. Examining these topics may provide a deeper understanding of nutrition education in rural schools. Methods. Data were collected via an online survey of K–12 teachers ( n = 153) from seven Midwestern rural school districts. This survey collected data on nutrition literacy, nutrition knowledge, and preferred methods for implementing nutrition education into current curricula. Descriptive statistics were reported; associations between nutrition literacy and knowledge were examined. Results. Nutrition literacy levels were borderline low (mean score 45.7 out of 64). Nutrition knowledge and literacy were associated ( p < .001). Most teachers ( n = 108, 70%) were/may be willing to change lessons to incorporate nutrition information, with hands-on and group activities being preferred strategies. Barriers to including nutrition information into curricula included lack of time, knowledge, and resources. Most teachers reported little support from administration for promoting nutrition in the classroom. Discussion. Implementing nutrition education into teachers’ continuing education requirements may provide a means of improving teacher nutrition literacy and knowledge. Support from both state-level and local administration could benefit both nutrition knowledge acquisition by schoolteachers and implementation of nutrition education throughout the curriculum.
Constructing a Classification Model for Cervical Cancer Tumor Tissue and Normal Tissue Based on CT Radiomics
Authors: Pei Jinghong , Yu Jing , Ge Ping , Bao Liman , Pang Haowen , Zhang Huaiwen
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to develop an automated classification framework for distinguishing between cervical cancer tumor and normal uterine tissue, leveraging CT images for radiomics feature extraction. We retrospectively analyzed CT images from 117 cervical cancer patients. To distinguish between cancerous and healthy tissue, we segmented gross tumor volume and normal uterine tissue as distinct regions of interest (ROIs) using manual segmentation techniques. Key radiomic parameters were extracted from these ROIs. To bolster model's predictive capability, the data was stratified into train data (70%) and validation data (30%). During feature selection phase, we applied Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression algorithm to identify most relevant features. Subsequently, we built classification models using five state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Decision Tree (DT). Ultimately, the performance of each model was evaluated. Through stringent feature selection process, we identified 18 pivotal radiomic features for classification of cervical cancer and normal uterine tissue. When applied to test data, all five models achieved excellent performance, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.8866 to 0.9190 (SVM: 0.9144, RF: 0.9078, KNN: 0.9051, DT: 0.8866, XGBoost: 0.9190), all surpassing threshold of 0.8. In terms of test data, all five models had high sensitivity; accuracy of SVM, RF, and XGBoost models was comparable; and specificity of five models was similar. XGBoost model outperformed the others in terms of diagnostic accuracy, achieving an AUC of 0.8737 (95% CI: 0.8198-0.9277) for train data and 0.9190 (95% CI: 0.8525-0.9854) for test data. Our findings underscore the potential of CT radiomics combined with machine learning algorithms for accurately classifying cervical cancer tumors and normal uterine tissue with high recognition capabilities. This approach holds significant promise for clinical diagnostics.
Where We Live and Be: (Re)Turning to Black Girlhood for Project-Praxes of Otherworld-Making in Educational Research
Authors: Nyachae Tiffany M. , Smith-Purviance Ashley , Reynolds Aja D. , Toliver S. R.
Published: November 2024

In this article, we argue that the humanity and mattering of Black people have always lived in Black girlhood, but the potentiality of Black girlhood as a creative space for designing Black approaches in educational research has yet to be fully realized. Therefore, we (re)turn to Black girlhood frameworks and theories in our contribution to Black approaches in educational research. Looking to where Black girls live and be (re)defines notions of human, humanity, humanness, and living for it begins at Black girl epistemes. Following Wynter’s call for a new humanness, one that promises liberatory futures, we offer Project-Praxes of Black Girl Otherworld-Making to scholars and researchers occupying educational space, considering their/our responsibility and answerability firstly to Black people, and secondly, to the fields of Black Studies, Black Girlhood Studies, and education in a transdisciplinary sense. Project-Praxes of Black Girl Otherworld-Making includes the following seven pursuits: (1) humanness outside the white gaze and after Man; (2) remembering where Black girlhoods lived; (3) ethical engagements with Black girl(s)/hoods; (4) Black girlhood approaches in educational research; (5) reflexivity in doing freedom work in unfree places/spaces; (6) transdisciplinary intellectual rendezvouses that seriously read and cite Black women; and (7) writing with regard for the spectrum of legibility. Through Project-Praxes of Otherworld-Making, Black girls can show up as their most authentic selves and fully expect the same of us as researchers. This framework is not invested in projects of changing, fixing, or colonizing young Black girls. We instead acknowledge that they already have the language to express how they feel and what they know. We hold their descriptions as truth and learn from them to honor their/our lives in the work. Project-Praxes of Otherworld-Making makes possible Black girls’ humanity and freedom dreaming.
Exploring Chronic Congenital Heart Disease Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): A Methodological Insight
Authors: Gonder Kristy , Clarkson Gina
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a methodological insight in using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method in a study of young adults with chronic congenital heart disease (ACHD). It is not well understood how young adults with CHD make sense of their lives beyond the existing quality of life measures. Exploring this research topic guided by the three principles of IPA: (a) phenomenology, (b) hermeneutics, and (c) idiography, we found our study elucidated one’s sense making growing up with a pediatric chronicity; particularly the role of researcher ‘as instrument’ for its centrality as an authentic representation of the lived ‘CHD’ experience unfolded. Decisions relevant to data collection and the analytical phase of the research are presented. Insight further involves discussing methodological integrity and the ethical considerations associated with implementing IPA as the foundational framework. We believe using IPA in a cohort of adult congenital heart disease patients provided an in-depth exploration into the meaningfulness of these individuals’ lives. Our study highlights the value of using hermeneutics to advance the growing body of ACHD evidence and other disease-related research studies. Moreover, using the IPA approach contributes to methodological development by promoting interdisciplinary scholarship that disseminates practical, real-world knowledge.
“China threat” agenda in American media and public perception of China: A large-scale content analysis from 1999 to 2019
Authors: Zheng Jingwei , Du Ying Roselyn , Xu Miao
Published: November 2024

This study analyzed “China threat” coverage in US media and examined how such coverage affected public perception of China from 1999 to 2019. We retrieved 15 national polls on perceptions of “China threat” together with 30,795 China-related news articles published before each poll. Media discourse related to “China threat” was coded into ideological, military, and economic second-level agendas using computational methods. We first tracked how “China threat” waxed and waned in media discourse over this period. Second, we examined whether the salience of “China threat” in the media has agenda-setting effects on public opinion. We found the economic threat agenda is correlated with the American public perception of China's threat at a marginally significant level and is significantly correlated with the Democrats’ threat perception.
Bricks or cooks? Geographical and social determinants of the investment choices of mafia-type organized crime
Authors: Riccardi Michele , Maggioni Mario A
Published: November 2024

This article studies legitimate businesses confiscated from mafia groups in Italy to assess whether mafia investment patterns across industries depend on the characteristics of the geographical environment in which infiltrated firms operate. We carry out a spatial regression analysis of more than 1700 firms, with special emphasis on restaurants/hotels and construction, confiscated from mafia groups in Italy against a set of variables related to the social and criminal environment (with a special emphasis on mafia presence) after controlling for the local business structure and the economic/financial composition of the areas. Ceteris paribus, mafia investments in the construction industry are greater in regions with a higher level of mafia presence, infiltration of public administration and more protected markets; while investments in bars, restaurants and hotels are greater in areas characterized by less rooted mafia presence, higher violence, higher trade openness and cash intensity. The results suggest that mafia investments in construction can benefit from the opportunities offered by grip on the territory and on the public administration; and those in restaurants by concealment drivers, such as money laundering. This article contributes to the understanding of the geography of mafia economy and of the mobility of mafia groups beyond territories of origin, by highlighting the possible instrumental use of legitimate businesses, and the relationship between mafias’ migration and infiltration mechanisms.
Arthroscopic evaluation for posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow
Authors: Koso Riikka , Logli Anthony , Mirvish Asher , Baratz Mark
Published: November 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of three arthroscopic techniques for intraoperative assessment of posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI).

Methods

The study was performed using six fresh frozen cadaveric upper extremities. The three arthroscopic tests were the modified ulnohumeral drive through test, the annular drive through test, and proximal radioulnar joint instrumentation. Sequential soft tissue sectioning was performed to create four stages of instability: baseline, transection of the anterior half of the lateral collateral ligament complex (i.e., the radial collateral ligament), transection of the posterior half of the LCL complex (i.e., the lateral ulnar collateral ligament), and finally the release of the common extensor origin. Each test was repeated with the elbow at 90-degrees flexion in neutral rotation and at 45-degrees extension in full supination.

Results

Each test appropriately identified loss of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament. The modified ulnohumeral drive through test and the annular drive through test were most sensitive for loss of the radial collateral ligament. Elbow position did not affect test sensitivity.

Conclusions

Each of the tests identified PLRI with high sensitivity, regardless of elbow position. The ulnohumeral and annular ligament drive through tests were more sensitive for radial collateral ligament disruption.
GC-MS Analysis and ADMET Properties of Tom Brown Weaning Meal and its Subsequent Effect on Liver Enzymes and Learning/Memory Parameters in Male Wistar Rats: A Docking and in Vivo Study
Authors: Umoh Ekementeabasi Aniebo , Odey Agnes Igimi , Mbu Condoleezza Bohneji , Otu Kevin Marshal , Asuquo Joseph Okon , Otu Effiom-ekaha Otu , Uno Victor Kanu , Bassey David Oyom
Published: November 2024

Background: The paucity of information on the effect of Tom Brown's weaning meal on liver and learning and memory functions necessitated this study. Methods: Fifteen rats were acclimatized for a week and used for this study. They were divided into control, combined, and Tom Brown experimental groups. Rat Chow, Rat Chow/Tombrown, and Tom Brown Feed alone were given to the experimental animals accordingly. At the end of the four-week feeding period, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and learning and memory parameters were assessed. GC-MS and ADMET properties were done for Tom Brown and its ligands. Eleven Ligands with zero violations using the Lipinski rule of five (ROF) were docked with netrin, AST, and ALT. Results: ALT, AST, and ALP results of the control, combined, and Tom Brown experimental groups presented as mean ± SEM were 67.89 ± 3.15 Iu/L, 71.68 ± 1.30 Iu/l, and 73.65 ± 0.89 Iu/l; 129.81 ± 1.77 Iu/L, 129.51 ± 1.84 Iu/L, and 130.94 ± 1.31 Iu/L; 22.10 ± 1.24 Iu/L, 23.28 ± 0.61 Iu/L, and 22.48 ± 1.29 Iu/L, respectively. There was no significant difference among experimental groups in liver enzymes or other parameters assessed in this study (P > 0.05). 5-hydroxymethyl furfural and carpaine were ligands with a better docking score. Conclusions: The non-significant values of liver and long-term memory parameters is evident of the meal having no effect on these parameters. 5-hydroxymethyl furfural and carpaine are possible compounds that could enhance liver and leraning/memory functions from docking results. However, they had low peak areas from GCMS result and this effect was not seen.
Unlocking minds: Psychological roadblocks to the adoption of AI-powered brain–machine interfaces
Authors: Cloarec Julien , Meyer-Waarden Lars , Timmler Katharina , Thiele Sarah , Weiss Matthias , Wiese Madeleine
Published: November 2024

Brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) are emerging as transformative tools with applications in neuroscience, medicine, and virtual reality. Recent breakthroughs, such as Neuralink’s brain implant technology, have showcased the potential to cure neurological diseases and spinal cord injuries. However, as BMIs become more invasive, questions arise about societal acceptance, regulatory challenges, and ethical considerations. This study explores the factors influencing potential users’ attitudes and perceptions toward BMIs. We find that performance and effort expectancy, as well as trust and well-being, positively influence behavioral intention to use BMIs. Conversely, the level of invasiveness of BMI technology negatively impacts behavioral intention due to raised privacy concerns and technology fear. These results offer valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and technology developers seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of BMIs.
The 1862 companies act, the origins of the Anthropocene boundary-getting the genie back in the bottle
Authors: Lawrence Phillip
Published: November 2024

Since the turn of the century, there has been a developing conversation on where the start boundary of the Anthropocene should be situated in time. The article argues that these discussions have overlooked corporations’ history. Specifically, the Companies Act of 1862 was arguably the most important human invention passed in the middle of the 19th century. Effective solutions to climate change could be overlooked if the 1862 Companies Act is ignored. The Act’s passage and accompanying limited liability through the UK Parliament in 1862 boosted financial flows across international borders. It created the modern multinational corporate structure that dominates global business and politics. The Act also stimulated an unintended share-trading market based on the speculative value of company shares rather than dividends paid on company performance. The 1862 Act is the origin of the modern multinational company, which is held responsible for almost all the ecological harm done to the planet today. By the end of the 19th century, the flaws in the law were becoming apparent, highlighted by the Salomon vs Salomon legal dispute in 1897, which would be a warning for the future. The paper proposes re-imagining wealth distribution strategies that can address some unintended consequences of the 1862 Act. The research interrogates historical records and subsequent political, business, contemporary social commentary and literature, and academic material to investigate the 1862 Act’s impact using the concepts of historical institutionalism to reveal the evolution of the modern corporation.
Perspectives of Caring for Older Persons: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chida Ignatius , Pawar Manohar , Mungai Ndungi
Published: November 2024

In this article we explore caring practices for older persons from multiple care perspectives related to organizing home-based care. We employed a scoping review method and searched 5 electronic database using relevant key words and identified 62 articles for codebook thematic analysis. Our analysis identified 6 key themes in older people’s care: gender issues; socio-economic status; psychological; cultural issues; elder abuse; and legal, ethical, and human rights concerns. Findings show that despite notable research progress made in recent years on home-based care for older people, research gaps still exist. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to consider viewing home-based care for older people from multiple perspectives to ensure a holistic understanding of an individual’s needs and circumstances and organize care accordingly. Future research and practice should seek to understand the lived experiences of care givers and receivers from multiple care perspectives, to help inform responsive and effective home-based care policies and programs.
How to Care for Adolescent Patients With Orthostatic Intolerance in the Primary Care Office
Authors: Hebson Camden , Muterspaw Kelly , Kuo Alexander , Borasino Polly , Syeda Khalisa , Anderson Toren
Published: November 2024

Orthostatic intolerance (and its subtype postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome [POTS]) is an increasingly common complaint among adolescents associated with significant decrease in quality of life and frequent visits to primary care offices. As orthostatic intolerance becomes increasingly discussed online and through social media, we have observed that family angst and anxiety only heighten, often leading to requests for specialist referral to manage the symptoms. This often leads to delay in diagnosis, which further exacerbates the situation. In truth, however, a pragmatic approach applied by the primary care provider, including a ready explanation for the experienced symptoms, not only provides the bedrock for patient improvement, but also eases the anxiety of having a seemingly nebulous diagnosis. As physicians caring for these patients, we have seen success with treatment and seek to share this blueprint. Key points that will be covered include how to make an accurate diagnosis (using the “dizziness rule”), how to counsel about treatment, and clinic pitfalls to avoid. The description of care that follows is not based on systematic review and instead is exactly what is used in our office and what we hope will be successful in yours as well.
Measuring Green Performance in Hotel Industry Through Management Environmental Concern: Mediated by Green Product and Process Innovation
Authors: Li Liu , Patwary Ataul Karim , Mengxiang Li
Published: November 2024

Sustainable practices through green innovation have become key while the organization aims to achieve COP26 (Conference of the Parties, 26th Summit) targets. This study examined the relationship between management environmental concern, green process innovation, green product innovation and green performance in China’s hotel industry. It further examines the mediating role of green products and process innovation between management environmental concerns and green performance. Researchers utilized Structural Equation Modelling using Partial Least Squares version 4 to test theory and path analysis. Findings suggest that management environmental concern significantly influences the green process and product innovation. For indirect effects, green product and process innovation mediate the relationship between management environmental concerns and green performance. This study contributes to the growing body of work on green innovation in several important ways addressing the gap in the literature and examining the causes of green innovation from the point of view of green performance in the hotel industry’s perspective.
Break the Eclectic Choice: Can Green Credit Policy Restraint the Polluting Firms’ Financialization? Evidence From China
Authors: Gu Xi , Qiao Sijia
Published: November 2024

The innovative use of green credit policy for financial regulation in environmental governance is a significant effort to balance environmental preservation and economic growth. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of green credit on the polluting firms’ eclectic business strategy, which is financialization, and the related mechanisms. Based on the sample of Chinese public firms from 2008 to 2019, we employ the DID model constructed by the Green Credit Guidelines promulgated in 2012 to investigate the causality between green credit policy and firms’ financialization. The results of theoretical and empirical studies show that the green credit policy helps to mitigate the financialization of heavy polluters compared to non-heavily polluting firms, thereby realizing the optimal allocation of financial resources. The mechanism test indicates that green credit policy has a suppressive effect on the financialization level of heavily polluting firms, mainly through promoting green innovation while reducing excess cash and banks’ credit willingness. The heterogeneity test further indicates that green credit policy is more pronounced in SOEs, strong environmental regulation enforcement regions and higher market competition industries. Our study confirms the effectiveness of green credit policies from the perspective of firms’ business strategy, which not only provides empirical evidence for the evaluation of green credit policy effects, but also sheds lights on the green transformation and sustainable development of heavily polluting firms.
Role of Parts of Speech in Utterance Length for Mandarin-Speaking Children Aged 3–6 Years
Authors: Wu Shang-Yu , Lin Hung-Ching
Published: November 2024

We investigated the effect of part of speech adoption on the utterance length of Mandarin-speaking children. A total of 209 typically developing Taiwanese children aged 3–6 years participated in the study. They included 90 boys and 119 girls recruited from preschools in Miaoli City, New Taipei City, and Taipei City. We collected children’s language samples in four contexts: conversation (school life), story retelling (“Little Red Riding Hood”), free play, and conversation (daily life). One-on-one conversation with participants comprised the main interaction form. Language samples collected from the participants were transcribed and analyzed; all words in the samples were coded with part of speech tagging. Part of speech factors that could predict utterance length were examined using stepwise regression. The results showed that prepositions and conjunctions had positive effects on utterance length while interjections had a negative effect. Increasing utterance length may be a teaching or clinical intervention goal for some children. Educators and clinicians can consider guiding such children to use prepositions and conjunctions to increase their utterance length.
Development and Validation of the Customer Value Scale for Meal-Sharing Service
Authors: Riantama Dalianus , Wu Weishen
Published: November 2024

Understanding customers’ purchase intentions toward meal-sharing is critical for market expansion. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a scale based on customer perceived value for measuring customers’ purchase intentions toward meal-sharing. This study analyzed 252 favorable reviews using a feature selection approach that derived seven attributes of customer recommendations. Customer perceived value measurement would be developed from the seven attributes. To explore and confirm the structure of measurements, exploratory factor analysis, and second-order confirmatory factor analysis were used. Using the random sampling method, the 437 respondents were asked to answer a researcher-made questionnaire. A structural equation modeling approach was used to test the hypotheses. Results showed that the multi-dimensional scale known as customer value scale (CVS) had good validity and reliability. The structural model confirmed that both utilitarian and hedonic values positively influenced consumers’ meal-sharing purchase intentions. Findings can be used as a reference tool for managers to evaluate and promote meal-sharing services.
Value Co-destruction: The Dark Side of Interactions in Online Brand Communities
Authors: Luo Jia , Wang Jiayu , Liu Rui , Li Kaigeng
Published: November 2024

With the advent of online communities, firms have invested heavily in creating their brand communities as a value co-creation platform to engage with their customers. However, customer interactions in online brand communities may not always be beneficial for firms. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, we explore how interaction failure as a manifestation of value co-destruction leads to negative customer outcomes in online brand communities. The results of an offline scenario-based experiment and an online survey suggest that interaction failure causes negative customer behaviors through two resource-based mediators: perceived usefulness and perceived fairness. Furthermore, we find that different types of interaction failures lead to different degrees of value co-destruction. Specifically, firm-oriented interaction failure leads to more negative customer behaviors than customer-oriented and peer-oriented interaction failures. Our study provides both theoretical and practical implications for value co-creation in online brand communities.