bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency department crowding: An examination of older adults and vulnerability
Authors: MacIsaac Meghan , Peter Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

Emergency departments in many nations worldwide have been struggling for many years with crowding and the subsequent provision of care in hallways and other unconventional spaces. While this issue has been investigated and analyzed from multiple perspectives, the ethical dimensions of the place of emergency department care have been underexamined. Specifically, the impacts of the place of care on patients and their caregivers have not been robustly explored in the literature. In this article, a feminist ethics and human geography framing is utilized to argue that care provision in open and unconventional spaces in the emergency department can be unethical, as vulnerability can be amplified by the place of care for patients and their caregivers. The situational and pathogenic vulnerability of patients can be heightened by the place of the emergency department and by the constraints to healthcare providers’ capacity to promote patient comfort, privacy, communication, and autonomy in this setting. The arrangements of care in the emergency department are of particular concern for older adults given the potential increased risks for vulnerability in this population. As such, hallway healthcare can reflect the normalized inequities of structural ageism. Recommendations are provided to address this complicated ethical issue, including making visible the moral experiences of patients and their caregivers, as well as those of healthcare providers in the emergency department, advocating for a systems-level accounting for the needs of older adults in the emergency department and more broadly in healthcare, as well as highlighting the need for further research to examine how to foster autonomy and care in the emergency department to reduce the risk for vulnerabilities.
Dear Prime Minister, Mr Musk and Mr Zuckerberg!: The challenge of social media and platformed racism in the English premier league and football league
Authors: Hylton Kevin , Kilvington Dan , Long Jonathan , Bond Alex , Chaudry Izram
Published: March 2024

This paper draws on original research from a larger study of racism and Islamophobia online around football, particularly a set of interviews with staff at English football clubs whose responsibility is to manage social media. We use that information alongside our reflections on “platformed racism” to appraise how expressions of racism on social media differ from those in and around the grounds, and how clubs and others in football contest them. This involves a consideration of three themes commonly identified by those speaking on behalf of the clubs: The triggers that ignite racist posts; the partnerships necessary to counter them; and their proposed solutions. Hence this is not just a cue for a collective wringing of hands, but an effort to point the way forward.
‘All that glisters is not gold?’ The digital euro between myth and reality
Authors: Zaccaroni Giovanni
Published: March 2024

Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are being studied and tested in many countries. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Commission have been working on an EU CBDC, the digital euro, since 2020. On 28 June 2023 the European Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation establishing the digital euro. This paper, after contextualizing CBDCs in the wider group of digital currencies, analyses the legal and technical design issues emerging from the legislative initiative of the European Commission and from the ongoing preparatory phase of the ECB. Despite the ‘myth’ that the introduction of an EU CBDC could have potentially disrupted the way in which traditional banks and financial institutions work, the reality seems that the proposed digital euro is solidly under the control of the ECB. Thus it is crucial, to ensure full ECB accountability, that the EU decision-making institutions, and in particular the Parliament, engage fully in the legislative procedure.
The accountability of the ECB as a macroprudential supervisor
Authors: Segoin Daniel
Published: March 2024

As an institution competent both for central banking and banking supervision, the ECB is ideally equipped to monitor macroprudential risks. However, despite an overhaul of the European framework following the Great Financial Crisis, the ECB has remained assigned to a secondary or subsidiary role, largely dependent on the actions or lack thereof from the national competent authorities. After having presented the various tools at the ECB’s disposal to deal with macroprudential risks, this article critically assesses how and to what extent the Frankfurt-based institution should be held accountable in that field.
Maddening Post-Qualitative Inquiry: An Exercise in Collective (Mad) Theorising
Authors: Sinclair Aimee , Mahboub Lyn
Published: March 2024

Both post-qualitative inquiry and Mad methodologies sit on the fringes of qualitative health research, although their potential for creating new knowledges and practices is increasingly recognised. In this article, we explore the possibilities created by bringing these approaches together within research led by, or centring, mental health service users and survivors. We outline and reflect on a workshop undertaken with peer support workers to map affective intensities within mental health assemblages. We suggest the tensions between post-qualitative and Mad research approaches hold potential for mental health research, and qualitative health research more broadly, bringing together theory and the experiences of service users/survivors to think–feel–become otherwise in relation to health care, peer support, and activism.
High-Intensity Interval Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise Training on Glycemic Control, Beta Cell Function, and Aerobic Fitness in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Niyazi Arghavan , Yasrebi Seyed Mohammad Ali , Yazdanian Mohtaram , Mohammad Rahimi Gholam Rasul
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on glycemic control, beta-cell function, and aerobic fitness in women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Thirty-six women with T2DM were assigned equally to HIIT, MICT, and control (CON) groups. Participants in the exercise cohorts underwent a 12-week training regimen (three sessions per week), while the CON group maintained an inactive lifestyle. Glycaemia variables, beta-cell function, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), lipid profiles, and body composition were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: Both HIIT and MICT interventions led to significant improvements in glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and insulin resistance index. Moreover, visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels significantly decreased in the HIIT and MICT groups after 12 weeks. Triglyceride (TG) levels decreased only after MICT, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased after both interventions. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), body mass, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) significantly improved in all exercise groups. Notably, the HIIT group showed greater reductions in body mass compared to MICT. Nevertheless, beta-cell function remained unaltered after these two exercise regimens. Conclusion: Both HIIT and MICT interventions effectively managed T2DM in women, regardless of exercise intensity. The HIIT regimen can be considered for time-efficient lifestyle interventions in people with T2DM.
New approach to AGV implantation with scleral tunnel method by prolene suture: Şimşek Technique
Authors: Şimşek Şaban , Karadağ Erdi , Gün Raziye Dönmez
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To present the short-term outcomes of our novel technique, the suture-assisted method, in long scleral tunnel Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation

Methods

This retrospective study included glaucoma patients who underwent AGV implantation using the suture-assisted long scleral tunnel method and were fellowed for at least 6 months between January 2022 and November 2022. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior and posterior segment examinations, anti-glaucomatous medications, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were also evaluated.

Results

Eight eyes of seven patients were included in the study. The mean age was 52.25 ± 29.38 years (r:8–76 years), and there were 5 female and 2 male patients. The mean follow-up duration period was 8.62 ± 2.50 months (r:6–12 months). The mean IOP was 27.12 ± 3.48 mmHg preoperatively and 11.62 ± 3.48 mmHg on postoperative on 1st day, 11.62 ± 3.20 mmHg at 1st week, 18.75 ± 8.94 mmHg at 1st month, 16.62 ± 2.72 mmHg at 3rd month, 16.12 ± 3.75 mmHg at 6th month. Postoperative hyphema was observed in one eye, and tenon cyst excision was performed in two eyes. No tube exposure was observed in any eye during the follow-up period. No hypotony-related complications were observed during follow-up.

Conclusion

We believe that suture-asissted application of the long scleral tunnel method not only prevents tube exposure but also facilitates the passage of the AGV silicone tube through the scleral tunnel, reducing the surgical time contributing to a decreased the risk of infection.
Career progression for autistic people: A scoping review
Authors: Davies Jade , Romualdez Anna Melissa , Pellicano Elizabeth , Remington Anna
Published: March 2024

Many autistic people are unemployed. Of those who are employed, many are in roles that do not reflect their skills, qualifications and/or capabilities, and little is known about how autistic people progress throughout their careers. This study aimed to review and synthesise the existing evidence about career progression for autistic people. In total, 33 studies met the criteria for inclusion, though no study directly aimed to explore the topic. Our findings suggest that underemployment is common within the autistic population. Indirectly, we identified several potential barriers and facilitators of career progression for autistic people. Possible barriers included personal (e.g. gaps in education and employment history), relational (e.g. disclosing an autism diagnosis) and organisational factors (e.g. inadequate employment support). Adequate employment support was the most frequently discussed facilitator. Future research should seek to identify the most successful employment supports for autistic people over the long term to ensure that all autistic people are able to live – and work – in ways that are meaningful to them.

Lay abstract

Lots of autistic people are unemployed. Even when they are employed, autistic people might be given fewer opportunities than non-autistic people to progress in their careers. For example, assumptions about autistic people’s differences in social communication might mean they are not given as many promotions. Indeed, we know that many autistic people are in jobs lower than their abilities (known as ‘underemployment’). We reviewed 33 studies that tell us something about career progression for autistic people. Our review found that lots of autistic people want to progress in their careers, but there are many barriers in their way. For example, when they told their employer about being autistic, some people were given fewer opportunities. Research has also shown that autistic people do not get enough support to progress and that gaps in their employment history can make it difficult to progress. Our review suggested that good employment support (e.g. mentors) might help autistic people to progress in their careers. However, not much research has evaluated employment support for autistic people, which means we do not know how useful it is. Future research should find the best support that allows autistic people to live and work in ways that are meaningful to them.
Experiencing disruption and transformation of communal environments: War’s influence on Ukrainian coworking spaces
Authors: Orel Marko , Mariotti Ilaria , Zhurbas Vika
Published: March 2024

In light of the Russian–Ukrainian conflict, this study explores the transformation and resilience of Ukrainian coworking spaces amid significant social disruptions, contrasting war-driven changes with those prompted by other exogenous shocks like the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Utilising problem-centred interviews and co-constructed autoethnographic narratives, we probe the evolving roles and organisational shifts these spaces undergo. Despite adversity, they have showcased resilience, adaptability and in most part remained functional. This research illuminates the transformative nature of community-based work environments, paving the way for the development of innovative coworking models resilient to diverse social disruptions.
Variable Guidelines for Pediatric Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation Exists Across PRiSM Member Organizations
Authors: Greenberg Elliot , Hannon Joseph , Chaclas Nathan , Albaugh Jeffrey , Molony Joseph ,   PRiSM Patellofemoral Research Interest Group, Williams Brendan A.
Published: March 2024

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, typically used to restore stability to the patellofemoral joint after dislocation, often requires extensive rehabilitation to address acute impairment related to surgical intervention and also underlying non-anatomical deficits that may have contributed to the index injury. Rehabilitation guidelines, including objective functional performance assessment criteria, are lacking in the literature. We sought to summarize the clinical guidelines for rehabilitation and return to activity assessment after MPFL reconstruction as advocated by the member organizations of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) Patellofemoral Research Interest Group (PF-RIG). We obtained and reviewed MPFL rehabilitation guidelines from 11 member organizations of the PRiSM PF-RIG, extracting information on weight-bearing advancement, bracing, use of supplemental strengthening modalities, and any objective criteria for advancing rehabilitation phases. We found highly variable agreement among guideline parameters at each treatment stage, with time-based criteria most widely used for early progression. Although functional metrics like strength or movement tests were more widely used in later phases of rehabilitation, there was substantial variation in testing mode and level of acceptable performance. Our review found that significant variability exists in current practice among PRiSM and PF-RIG member institutions regarding rehabilitation standards after MPFL reconstruction. Although we found broad consensus that objective strength or performance criteria should be employed to establish a better framework for clinical decision-making, most current guidelines lack standardization and sufficient detail to guide ideal clinical practice.
A heuristic autonomous exploration method based on environmental information gain during quadrotor flight
Authors: Zhang Tong , Yu Jiajie , Li Jiaqi , Pang Minghui
Published: March 2024

Autonomous exploration is a widely studied fundamental application in the field of quadrotor, which requires them to automatically explore unknown space to obtain complete information about the environment. The frontier-based method, one of the representative works on autonomous exploration, drives autonomous determination by the definition of frontier information so that complete information about the environment is available to the quadrotor. However, existing frontier-based methods are able to accomplish the task but still suffer from inefficient exploration, and how to improve the efficiency of autonomous exploration is the focus of research nowadays. Slow frontier generation affecting real-time viewpoint determination and insufficient determination methods affecting the quality of viewpoints are typical of these problems. Therefore, to overcome the aforementioned problems, this article proposes a two-level viewpoint determination method for frontier-based autonomous exploration. First, a sampling-based frontier detection method is presented for faster frontier generation, improving the immediacy of environmental representation compared to traditional traversal-based methods. Second, the access to environmental information during flight is considered for the first time, and an innovative heuristic evaluation function is designed to decide on high-quality viewpoint as the next local navigation target in each exploration iteration. Extensive benchmark and real-world tests are conducted to validate our method. The results confirm that our method optimizes the frontier search time by 85%, the exploration time by around 20%–30%, and the exploration path by 25%–35%.
Emerging economies in business news: Repositioning leaders in the Global South
Authors: Sosale Sujatha , Rosas-Moreno Tania Cantrell
Published: March 2024

Drawing from nation-branding as a recent development in contemporary globalization, and new middle power theory that examines hierarchies of nations, we used thematic textual analysis to examine business press coverage of the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) consortium for business news representations and the positioning of IBSA nations in the global arena. Analysis of coverage in India’s The Financial Express, Brazil’s Valor Econômico and South Africa’s Business Day revealed that regional economic leadership, strengths in trade and technology, development aid and the consortium’s collective engagement in global activism inform the business press’ positioning of the IBSA countries as new middle powers.
Safety and efficacy of tight versus loose glycemic control in acute stroke patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu Shuangzhe , Mao Yuke , Chen Sijia , Pan Peiyan , Zhang Huiying , Chen Siqi , Liu Jue , Mi Donghua
Published: March 2024

Background:

Hyperglycemia is associated with worse stroke outcomes, but it is uncertain whether tight glycemic control during the acute stroke period is associated with a better outcome. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the effect of tight glycemic control versus loose glycemic control in the acute phase of stroke patients.

Methods:

A literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the safety and efficacy of tight glycemic control with a relatively loose control of blood glucose of acute stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) patients within 24 h after stroke onset. We required that the blood glucose level of the patients should not be lower than 6.11 mmol/L at the time of enrollment, and for the intensive blood glucose control range, we defined the blood glucose level as lower than that of the control group. The primary efficacy outcome measure was deaths from any cause at 90 days. Secondary efficacy outcomes comprised the number of participants with modified Rankin score (mRS). We define mRS scores 0–2 as favorable scores, recurrent stroke, and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale or the European Stroke Scale scores. We defined the number of participants with hypoglycemia as our primary safety outcome. Subgroup analysis was performed according to age, the variety of interventions, maintained glucose level, and status of hypoglycemia on National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores or European Stroke Scale (ESS) scores.

Results:

Fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2957 participants meeting the including criteria were identified and included in this meta-analysis, although not all included data on every outcome measure. Data on the primary efficacy endpoint, mortality at 90 days, was available in 11 RCTs, a total of 2575 participants. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups (odds ratio (OR): 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81–1.23; P = 0.99). For secondary endpoints, there was no difference between intervention and control groups for a mRS from 0 to 2 (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.80–1.15; P = 0.69; data from 9 RCTs available), or recurrent stroke (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 0.92–1.96; P = 0.13; data from 3 RCTs available). For NIHSS scores or ESS scores, there was a small difference in favor of intensive controls (standardized mean difference: −0.29; 95% CI: −0.54 to −0.04; P = 0.02). There was a marked increase in hypoglycemia with tight control: (OR of 9.46 (95% CI: 4.59–19.50; P < 0.00001; data from 9 RCTs available).

Conclusion:

There was no difference between tight and loose glycemic control on mortality, independence, or recurrent stroke outcome in acute stroke, but an increase in hypoglycemia. There was a small effect improvement on neurological scales, but the relevance of this needs to be confirmed in future adequately powered studies.
‘If You Will but Study Him’: The Presence of John Ruskin in the Plays of Henry Arthur Jones
Authors: Newton Jeremy
Published: March 2024

Despite widespread interest in John Ruskin and the theatre in recent years, little consideration has been given to his presence in the works of one major playwright, Henry Arthur Jones (1851–1929). Although Ruskin's influence on Jones has been examined in broad terms by commentators such as Kate Newey and Peter Yeandle, a detailed textual analysis of Jones's plays has not been forthcoming. In this essay, I discuss three plays by Jones – The Silver King (1882), Wealth (1889) and The Middleman (1889) – and demonstrate how they dramatise key elements of Ruskin's well-known works ‘Of Queens’ Gardens’ (1864) and Unto This Last (1862). I argue that with these commercially successful and critically admired plays, Jones was at the forefront of communicating and popularising Ruskinian thinking for theatre audiences in the West End and across the world.
A Critical Discussion of Alert Evaluations in the Context of Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Performance
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Eichenlaub Manuel , Waldenmaier Delia , Freckmann Guido
Published: March 2024

Many continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide functionality which alerts users of potentially unwanted glycemic conditions. These alerts can include glucose threshold alerts to call the user’s attention to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, predictive alerts warning about impeding hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, and rate-of-change alerts. A recent review identified 129 articles about CGM performance studies, of which approximately 25% contained alert evaluations. In some studies, real alerts were assessed; however, most of these studies retrospectively determined the timing of CGM alerts because not all CGM systems record alerts which necessitates manual documentation. In contrast to assessment of real alerts, retrospective determination allows assessment of a variety of alert settings for all three types of glycemic condition alerts. Based on the literature and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s POCT05 guideline, two common approaches to threshold alert evaluation were identified, one value-based and one episode-based approach. In this review, a critical discussion of the two approaches, including a post hoc analysis of clinical study data, indicates that the episode-based approach should be preferred over the value-based approach. For predictive alerts, fewer results were found in the literature, and retrospective determination of CGM alert timing is complicated by the prediction algorithms being proprietary information. Rate-of-change alert evaluations were not reported in the identified literature, and POCT05 does not contain recommendations for assessment. A possible approach is discussed including post hoc analysis of clinical study data. To conclude, CGM systems should record alerts, and the episode-based approach to alert evaluation should be preferred.
Integrated UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS Method and Network Pharmacology for Exploring the Active Components and Potential Mechanisms of Neuroprotective Effect of the n-Butanol Part of Mume Flos
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhao Hongsu , Wu Mengying , Gan Yijie , Zhang Shurong , Wu Deling , Ou Jinmei , Jin Chuanshan , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2024

Background: Mume Flos is a common Qi-regulating medication used in traditional Chinese medicine, modern study has discovered that Mume Flos and its components have neuroprotective properties. However, the effective components and molecular mechanisms of Mume Flos are still unclear. Methods: In this study, the current study chose Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to evaluate the anti-Alzheimer disease (AD) effect of the active parts of Mume Flos using life span, paralysis rate, oxidative stress capacity, and heat stress capacity as indicators. Then, UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS and network pharmacology combined with GEO database chip were used for joint analysis to predict the active components and potential molecular mechanisms, which were validated using C. elegans models. Results: The results showed that the n-butanol part of Mume Flos slowed down nematode paralysis and possessed anti-AD activity, and we tentatively identified a total of 45 constituents, mainly including flavonoids and phenylpropanoids as well as a small number of amino acids, and determined that 39 active components and 130 targets are related to neuroprotection. Further analysis identified the main active ingredients such as rutin, neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid, all of which could reduce Aβ deposition in nematodes and slow down the rate of paralysis in transgenic nematodes. Conclusion: This study revealed the neuroprotective effects of MFB and identified its active components as rutin, neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid. They may play a role in reducing Aβ deposition by regulating the targets of GAPDH, TNF, IL6, INS, and TP53. This study provides a basis for further in-depth research on the mechanism of MFB to improve neurological diseases.
Uncovering the Nephroprotective Mechanism of Caffeic Acid in Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis through Network Pharmacology Analysis
Authors: Sun Wenbo , Liu Haojie , Wu Baoqiao , Dai Limiao , Ren Yan , Zheng Danna
Published: March 2024

Background: Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (RTF) is a progressive kidney condition characterized by the formation of fibrotic tissue. Caffeic acid (CA), a key component of the medicinal plant Antirhea borbonica, shows promise as a potential treatment for renal fibrosis. Here, we investigated the nephroprotective effect of CA in RTF and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: RTF was induced in rats through unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), followed by intraperitoneal administration of CA for 5 days. We assessed kidney weight/body weight (KW/BW) ratio, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-h urine protein (UP), and performed histological examinations. We also analyzed the expression of fibrosis-related proteins. Genes associated with RTF and CA were identified using public databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and molecular docking studies were conducted. Results: CA treatment significantly reduced the KW/BW ratio, levels of Scr, BUN, and 24-h UP, indicating improved kidney function in UUO-induced RTF rats. Histological examination revealed reduced fibrotic changes. CA administration also led to decreased collagen deposition and downregulation of fibrosis-related protein expression. CA administration also led to decreased collagen deposition and downregulation of fibrosis-related protein expression. The PPI network analysis showed significant differential expression of 13 genes between the fibrosis and normal groups. Notably, EGFR and MAPK14 were strongly associated with CA, and CA treatment downregulated EGFR and MAPK14 protein expression in UUO rats. Conclusion: CA exhibits substantial nephroprotective effects in UUO-induced RTF rats by modulating key genes EGFR and MAPK14, and MAPK signaling pathway.
After Deception: How Falling for a Deepfake Affects the Way We See, Hear, and Experience Media
Authors: Weikmann Teresa , Greber Hannah , Nikolaou Alina
Published: March 2024

With the emergence of artificial intelligence, deepfakes have rendered it possible to manipulate anyone’s and anything’s audio-visual representation, adding fuel to the discussion about the believability of what we hear and see in the news. However, we do not know yet whether deepfakes can actually impact (1) the credibility attributed to audio-visual media in general, as well as (2) the perceived self-efficacy to discern between real and fake media. Furthermore, it remains unclear if different deepfake formats can affect citizens to differing degrees. This study employs a 3 × 2 × 2 between-within-subjects experiment ( N = 951) with the between-subjects factor format (audio vs. video vs. 360°-video) and facticity (real vs. fake) and the within-subjects factor reveal (pre vs. post-reveal). We explore what happens after revealing to a sample of German participants that they have been deceived by a deepfake. Our findings show that credibility of media drops across all formats after revealing the stimulus was fake, whereas the control group is not affected. On the other hand, self-efficacy is impacted even for people who were exposed to authentic news media. This shows that deepfakes may have far-reaching societal implications that go beyond deception, whereas modality seems to matter little for such effects.
Optimizing the E-learning experience: The importance of personalization and essential design elements
Authors: Almusfar Latifa Abdullah
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to investigate the fundamental elements necessary for effective e-learning course design, and to explore the impact of personalization on learner engagement, motivation, satisfaction, and performance. Using a mixed-method approach, the study collects data from both an online survey and qualitative interviews to identify the key elements, including clear learning objectives, engaging multimedia, assessment and feedback, personalization, and accessible design. The data is analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and regression analysis to determine the effects of personalization on learner outcomes. The findings suggest that personalization significantly enhances learner engagement, motivation, satisfaction, and performance, offering valuable insights into how e-learning courses can be designed to improve the overall learning experience. The article provides practical guidance for educators and instructional designers to create effective e-learning courses, underscoring the importance of personalization in optimizing the benefits of technology for learning. The study’s originality lies in its comprehensive examination of the essential elements of e-learning course design and the impact of personalization on learner outcomes, making a significant contribution to the field of e-learning research.
The self-reinforcing effect of device and usage digital divides: A longitudinal panel study from China
Authors: Wang Lian , Liu Chun
Published: March 2024

There is a growing body of literature on the demographic and socioeconomic distinctions between mobile-only and hybrid Internet users and how the two groups use the Internet differently. However, little is known about why people change their type of Internet access and the impact of this change. Relying on data from two waves of a nationally representative survey conducted in China, this study demonstrates that capital-enhancing Internet activities are positively correlated with the likelihood of switching from mobile-only access to hybrid access and negatively correlated with the likelihood of switching from hybrid access to mobile-only access. In addition, those who switch from mobile to hybrid access subsequently strengthen their capital-enhancing uses, thereby not only amplifying the divide between them and others who remain mobile-only but also creating a positive feedback loop. However, non-capital-enhancing uses, such as gaming, are irrelevant to changes in the type of access. It appears that mobile-only access has become a comparable substitute for computer-based Internet in terms of casual activities. However, for “serious” uses, a device divide still exists.
Generational differences in health information behaviors during the COVID-19 crisis: A Hong Kong study
Authors: Chang Leanne , Fung Timothy KF , Leung Ho Man , Lai Po Yan
Published: March 2024

The literature has explored age differences in health information seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a noticeable gap in research regarding generational variations in the underlying factors of health information scanning and sharing, as well as generational differences in the interplay of health information seeking, scanning, and sharing. This study examined: (1) differences in risk- and channel-related motivators of online health information seeking, online health information scanning, and COVID-19 information sharing among three generational cohorts: Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials; and (2) generational differences in the relationship between information seeking, scanning, and sharing. The focus on generational differences took into consideration both biological and social differences in age cohorts when comparing their information behaviors. The data came from an online survey of 1,004 Hong Kong residents. Results showed generational similarities in individuals’ more frequent information scanning than seeking and the positive relationship between information seeking and sharing. Generational differences emerged in several aspects, including the frequency of information seeking and scanning; the relationship between health status and information seeking; associations of income, health status, channel characteristics, and channel utility with information scanning; and associations of information seeking and scanning with information sharing. These findings offer insights into how risk- and channel-related factors may differ among generations or transcend generational differences in shaping individuals’ information behaviors in the historical and cultural context of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Results of our study inform communication strategies for different generational groups in future public health crises.
Testing Criterion Validity in Hierarchical Models of Psychopathology: Comparison of Latent-Variable and Factor-Score Approaches
Authors: Williams Alexander L. , Conway Christopher C. , Olino Thomas M. , Revelle William , Zinbarg Richard E. ,   HiTOP Utility Workgroup
Published: March 2024

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology is a quantitative diagnostic system that is gaining traction as a framework for studying the correlates of mental-health problems. However, it remains unknown how best to operationalize hierarchically related psychopathology dimensions during criterion validity tests. In a series of simulations, we evaluated the performance of latent-variable (i.e., structural equation modeling [SEM]) and factor-score representations of hierarchical psychopathology constructs in criterion validity analyses. In models based on continuously distributed psychopathology indicators (e.g., symptom composites), SEM and factor-score methods both tended to yield unbiased estimates of criterion validity coefficients. In contrast, for models based on dichotomous indicators (e.g., categorical diagnoses), SEM led to more accurate estimates than factor scores in most cases. We offer recommendations for psychopathology researchers based on these results and provide an R function ( https://osf.io/u3j5d/ ) that investigators can use to apply the approaches studied here in real-world data sets.
Repetitive Negative Thinking Mediates the Relationship Between Sleep Disturbance and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorders in Adolescence: Findings From a 5-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Richardson Cele , Magson Natasha R. , Oar Ella , Fardouly Jasmine , Johnco Carly , Freeman Justin , Rapee Ron M.
Published: March 2024

Sleep problems commonly co-occur alongside generalized and social anxiety, depression, and eating disorders in young people. Yet it is unclear if sleep disturbance conveys risk for these social-emotional disorders across early to middle adolescence and whether repetitive negative thinking (RNT) mediates this association. In this study, we examined longitudinal relationships between sleep (morning/eveningness, school-night sleep duration, and sleepiness), general and presleep RNT, and symptoms of generalized and social anxiety, depression, and eating disorders across 5 years. As part of the wider Risks to Adolescent Wellbeing Project, these constructs were assessed in a cohort of 528 youths over six annual waves of data collection, spanning ages 11 to 16. Cross-lagged panel models that examined direct, indirect, and bidirectional associations showed that worse adolescent sleep predicted increases in symptoms of generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and eating disorders across each wave directly and indirectly through general and presleep RNT. Symptoms of social-emotional disorders did not predict worsening in sleep. Results suggest that sleep disturbance and RNT should be targeted simultaneously in the prevention and treatment of social-emotional disorders in adolescence, although limitations around the use of self-report and nondiagnostic symptom measures are noted.
A Case Report of Quinine-Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy Successfully Treated With Eculizumab
Authors: Ng Jun Yen , Lenton Douglas , Kerridge Ian , Wong Charmaine
Published: March 2024

Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (DITMA) is a life-threatening condition which may be immune or nonimmune mediated. Quinine is the most implicated drug in immune-mediated DITMA. However, the optimal treatment is unclear. Complement inhibition by eculizumab has demonstrated success in many DITMA (e.g., carfilzomib, gemcitabine, and tacrolimus), but there are limited data in DITMA, including quinine-associated cases. A 55-year-old female was diagnosed with quinine-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), as confirmed by a positive quinine-dependent platelet-associated antibody. This was successfully treated with eculizumab with complete resolution of thrombocytopenia and anemia by 1 and 6 weeks. She required hemodialysis for a month and gained full recovery of renal function. We discuss various challenges with the diagnosis and management of DITMA. We also review published data on the use of eculizumab in various DITMA. Our case demonstrates successful treatment of quinine-induced TMA with eculizumab. We recommend further studies to assess the efficacy of complement inhibition in quinine and other DITMA.
Predictors of Preterm Neonatal Mortality in India and Pakistan: A Secondary Analysis of Data from PURPOSe Study
Authors: Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Saleem Sarah , Sadia Afreen , M. Bann Carla , Bozdar Muhammad Hayat , Raza Jamal , Dhaded Sangappa M. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Gowdar Guruparasad , Yasmin Haleema , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L.
Published: March 2024

Objective. To create a prediction model for preterm neonatal mortality. Methods. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a prospective cohort study, the Project to Understand and Research Preterm Pregnancy Outcome South Asia. The Cox proportional hazard model was used and adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported. Results. Overall, 3446 preterm neonates were included. The mean age of preterm neonates was 0.65 (1.25) hours and 52% were female. The preterm neonatal mortality rate was 23.3%. The maternal factors predicting preterm neonatal death was any antepartum hemorrhage, AHR 1.99 (1.60-2.47), while neonatal predictors were preterm who received positive pressure ventilation AHR 1.30 (1.08-1.57), temperature <35.5°C AHR 1.18 (1.00-1.39), and congenital malformations AHR 3.31 (2.64-4.16). Conclusion. This study identified key maternal and neonatal predictors of preterm neonatal mortality, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and collaborative public health efforts to address disparities and regional variations.
Labor market regulation and the cyclicality of involuntary part-time work
Authors: Markefke Theresa , Müller-Rehm Rebekka
Published: March 2024

In times of economic crisis, many employers in liberal labor markets reduce their employees’ working hours, which leads to an increase in the incidence of involuntary part-time work. We analyze the effectiveness of working time regulation in preventing such an increase during downswings. For this we look at the case of Germany, where hours adjustments are highly restricted by law. Using a state-level panel regression approach, we find that the incidence of involuntary part-time work is positively associated with the unemployment rate but that the association is much weaker than in the US and in the UK. Transition probabilities between employment states over the cycle suggest two particular underlying mechanisms: First, already employed workers are more likely to want a full-time position in economic downturns (“added hours effect”). Second, job seekers make concessions with regards to their desired hours when labor market conditions are bad (“reservation hours effect”). We are the first to document these margins of cyclical hours adjustments which are fundamentally different from those in less regulated labor markets, where the cyclicality of involuntary part-time work is predominantly driven by hours changes at the same employer.
xCAPT5: protein–protein interaction prediction using deep and wide multi-kernel pooling convolutional neural networks with protein language model
Authors: Dang Thanh Hai , Vu Tien Anh
Published: March 2024

Background

Predicting protein–protein interactions (PPIs) from sequence data is a key challenge in computational biology. While various computational methods have been proposed, the utilization of sequence embeddings from protein language models, which contain diverse information, including structural, evolutionary, and functional aspects, has not been fully exploited. Additionally, there is a significant need for a comprehensive neural network capable of efficiently extracting these multifaceted representations.

Results

Addressing this gap, we propose xCAPT5, a novel hybrid classifier that uniquely leverages the T5-XL-UniRef50 protein large language model for generating rich amino acid embeddings from protein sequences. The core of xCAPT5 is a multi-kernel deep convolutional siamese neural network, which effectively captures intricate interaction features at both micro and macro levels, integrated with the XGBoost algorithm, enhancing PPIs classification performance. By concatenating max and average pooling features in a depth-wise manner, xCAPT5 effectively learns crucial features with low computational cost.

Conclusion

This study represents one of the initial efforts to extract informative amino acid embeddings from a large protein language model using a deep and wide convolutional network. Experimental results show that xCAPT5 outperforms recent state-of-the-art methods in binary PPI prediction, excelling in cross-validation on several benchmark datasets and demonstrating robust generalization across intra-species, cross-species, inter-species, and stringent similarity contexts.
Predictive value of the serum uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio for culprit plaques in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Deng Fuxue , Jia Fang , Sun Yang , Zhang Lisha , Han Jie , Li Danni , Yang Qiang , Hou Rongrong , Jiang Wei
Published: March 2024

Background

Hyperuricemia and low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are both risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). The uric acid to HDL-C ratio (UHR) has recently been identified as a new inflammatory and metabolic biomarker. However, the relationship between the UHR and coronary culprit plaques has not been fully investigated in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

A total of 346 patients with ACS were enrolled in this study. Culprit lesion characteristics were assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Logistic regression and linear correlation analyses were performed to assess the association between the UHR and culprit plaques. The predictive value of the UHR was investigated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The percentages of typical culprit plaques, including ruptures, erosions and thrombi, were greater in the high-UHR subgroup than those in the low-UHR subgroup. A positive relationship was also found between the UHR and diameter stenosis (r = 0.160, P = 0.003) and between the UHR and area stenosis (r = 0.145, P = 0.007). The UHR was found to be independently associated with plaque rupture, erosion and thrombus. Furthermore, ROC analysis suggested that the UHR had a better predictive value than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusions

An elevated UHR level was independently related to the occurrence rate of culprit plaques. The UHR is a simple and easily acquired parameter for detecting culprit plaques in patients with ACS.
Association between sleep problems and functional disability in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Idalino Stefany Cristina Claudino , Cândido Letícia Martins , Wagner Katia Jakovljevic Pudla , de Souza Moreira Bruno , de Carvalho Bastone Alessandra , Danielewicz Ana Lúcia , de Avelar Núbia Carelli Pereira
Published: March 2024

Background

Sleep problems are frequently observed in older adults. They can lead to changes in the individual’s physical, occupational, cognitive, and social functioning, compromising the performance of activities of daily living and contributing to the occurrence of functional disability. This study evaluated the association between sleep problems and functional disability in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with data from 10,507 Brazilian community-dwelling older adults participating in the 2013 National Health Survey. The exposure variable was self-reported sleep problems in the last two weeks. The outcome measure was functional disability assessed from self-reported questionnaires, categorized into basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and defined as not being able to perform or having little or a lot of difficulty in at least one of the activities investigated in the domain of interest.

Results

Older adults who reported sleep problems had 1.53 (95%CI: 1.34; 1.75) and 1.42 (95%CI: 1.26; 1.59) greater odds of having a disability in BADL and IADL when compared to individuals who reported having no sleep problems.

Conclusions

Older adults with sleep problems were more likely to have a functional disability, both in BADL and IADL. Thus, it is important to implement strategies to screen for sleep problems in older adults in primary health care as a preventive strategy for functional disability.