bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bioethical Dilemma of Gender-Affirming Therapy in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Robles Monique
Published: February 2021

Since the establishment of the first transgender clinic in the United States in 2007, over sixty clinics associated with children’s hospitals have opened across the nation and are seeing very young children and adolescents with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria (GD). Once known as gender identity disorder, GD has been redefined by the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition ( DSM-5) not as a mental illness but as the distress experienced by individuals related to their biological sex. The widely accepted practice of gender-affirming therapy (GAT) to treat a vulnerable population despite the associated health risks, the lack of supportive scientific evidence for the pharmacological and surgical interventions, along with the unqualified claim that these interventions will decrease the rate of suicide in these individuals presents a significant bioethical dilemma. The growing trend of GD not only impacts the individuals diagnosed but also society, culture, and the integrity of the profession of medicine. This article utilizes the five-box method, an ethical decision-making framework, to address the implications of the proposed treatment. Once applied, it becomes clear that the hormonal and surgical approaches used are not scientifically or ethically justified. The patient’s autonomy and preferences should be respected, yet constrained, if there exists a considerable risk to the well-being of the individual without proven benefits. The quality of life of those receiving this treatment has not been shown to be significantly improved long term, and the mental, physical, and spiritual health of individuals with GD is not thoroughly addressed in these clinics. The important social and contextual factors, on both microcosmic and macrocosmic scales, are minimized in favor of promoting an ideology. Ultimately, Catholic moral teaching reveals that this widely recommended treatment violates the body–soul union, disregards the principle of totality and integrity, and debases the dignity of humanity.

This article examines GAT, the paradigm used in treating individuals identifying as transgender, through the lens of an EDMF. Each stage of this widely proposed treatment - social affirmation, pubertal blockade, administration of cross-sex hormones, and sex reassignment surgery - poses harms and risks that are not fully disclosed to minors and families, creating a bioethical dilemma. Dialogue utilizing science and reasoning must be encouraged to assist individuals who experience a gender identity that rejects their biological sex. This approach would also contribute to the well-being of society.
Monozygotic twins: Identical or distinguishable for science and law?
Authors: Turrina Stefania , Bortoletto Elena , Giannini Giacomo , De Leo Domenico
Published: February 2021

Monozygotic twins, also known as monovular twins, share an identical genetic heritage because they are two individuals who derive from the same zygote. For this reason, they have been considered indistinguishable. They represent a limit for the application of markers and analytical methods that are routinely used in forensic science because analyses of DNA fragments (short tandem repeats analysed by capillary electrophoresis) are unable to distinguish monozygotic twins. The recent introduction of ultra-deep next generation sequencing in forensic genetics, also known as massively parallel sequencing, has made it possible to identify a number of genetic variations through genome sequencing (such as copy number variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms and DNA methylation) that make it possible to distinguish monozygotic twins. Here, we present a case of ascertaining biological paternity, in which the alleged father had a monozygotic twin brother. This case led to the examination of international law in similar cases in which the only available biological evidence derives from classical forensic genetic analysis, performed with short tandem repeat (autosomal and/or gonosomal) capillary electrophoresis and the probative value, if recognised, of the next generation sequencing technology in the courtroom.
Resizing reaction volumes for the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit library preparation
Authors: Turrina Stefania , De Leo Domenico
Published: February 2021

The introduction of next generation sequencing (NGS; also known as massively parallel sequencing) technology in the field of forensic genetics has been welcomed by the scientific community, above all because it complements the weaknesses of capillary electrophoresis (CE) in the analysis of genetic markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing. However, one of the main obstacles to its adoption does not seem to be the cost of the instrumentation, but rather the cost of the NGS library preparation kits. With the aim of reducing the cost of library preparation without compromising the quality of the results, we tried to scale down reaction volumes for the first two polymerase chain reactions in the amplification and enrichment phases of the targeted loci of library preparation using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit. We used 1 µL templated DNA input to a concentration of 1 ng/µL, instead of the 5 µL at 0.2 ng/µL recommended by the manufacturer. Our findings indicate that reduction of the library preparation volume using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit did not interfere with the quality and reproducibility of the DNA profiles obtained and can help lower the overall cost of NGS.
Diagnosing coronary thrombosis using multiphase post-mortem CT angiography (MPMCTA): A case study
Authors: Jessika Camatti , Anna Laura Santunione , Stefano Draisci , Giuliano Gangi Bruno , Marco Bisceglia , Riccardo Bini , Riccardo Renzi , Enrico Silingardi
Published: February 2021

While post-mortem angiography (PMA) is gradually establishing its role in Forensic Radiology, the available literature in Italy lacks a solid foundation, particularly regarding its use in criminal court proceedings. An illustrative example of multiphase post-mortem CT angiography (MPMCTA) is presented here to encourage the systematic implementation of PMA methods. To demonstrate concordance between MPMCTA and the reference standard (autopsy and histology) in a case of acute coronary thrombosis, we report a case where MPMCTA, autopsy, histological and toxicological analyses were performed on a previously healthy 51-year-old man. MPMCTA detected a right coronary artery filling defect that could be ascribed to coronary thrombosis, which was later confirmed by autopsy and histological examinations.
Alcohol-associated traffic injuries in Verona territory: A nine-year survey
Authors: Musile Giacomo , Pigaiani Nicola , Sorio Daniela , Colombari Michela , Bortolotti Federica , Tagliaro Franco
Published: February 2021

According to the World Health Organization, as many as 25% of traffic accidents are linked to alcohol abuse. This study describes the results of a nine-year study performed on injured drivers ( N = 12,806) in the Verona area of Northern Italy. Blood samples were mandatorily collected on injured drivers who were admitted to the Emergency Health Care Unit of Verona Hospital between 2009 and 2017, after they had been involved in a traffic accident. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) determination was then undertaken using a validated head space–gas chromatography–flame ionisation detector (HS-GC-FID) method. We found that 21% of drivers tested positive for alcohol (BAC ≥0.01 g/L), while 16.8% presented with BAC levels above the Italian legal limit (>0.5 g/L). Of those who had positive BACs, about 50% presented with very high BAC levels (>1.5 g/L). Daily time distribution analyses, involving 2031 alcohol-positive drivers, showed a surge between 18:00 hours and 06:00 hours (74.3%), with a specific rise during the weekend (58.9%). The percentage of alcohol-related road accidents was 20.6%, which is lower than results reported in other international studies performed over the last 20 years. However, evidence that around 50% of the positive subjects showed a BAC >1.5 g/L confirms the correlation between BAC and accident risk, which becomes even more significant at progressively increasing levels of BAC. The study highlights the need to implement further strategies to both prevent and deter the use of alcohol while driving.
Death following extreme temperature exposure: Histological, biochemical and immunohistochemical markers
Authors: Natanti Alice , Mazzanti Roberta , Palpacelli Marco , Turchi Chiara , Tagliabracci Adriano , Pesaresi Mauro
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Defining extreme temperatures as the cause of death remains challenging. It is mostly based on circumstantial, macroscopic and microscopic features.

Methods

We retrospectively compared groups of cases of fatal hypothermia, fatal hyperthermia and non-extreme temperature-related deaths. We analysed specific histological findings, focusing on samples from the liver, pancreas and kidney.

Results

Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016, 15 autopsies were performed for deaths related to extreme temperatures. They included 11 cases of fatal hypothermia (group A), four cases of fatal hyperthermia (group B) and eight controls (group C). Perinuclear hepatocyte vacuolisation was observed in seven cases of hypothermia, one case of hyperthermia and four controls. Pancreatic cytoarchitecture was well preserved in two cases of hypothermia, one case of hyperthermia and two controls. No particular microscopic feature was found in pancreatic samples. Renal epithelial tubular cell vacuolisation was observed in seven cases of hypothermia and one case of hyperthermia, while it was absent in all controls. Chromogranin A (CgA) was markedly positive in the pancreatic tissue of five cases of fatal hypothermia and one control, and mildly positive in one case of fatal hyperthermia. No significant p-values were observed for any comparisons ( p > 0.05), except when hypothermia cases group were compared to the control group for the Armanni–Ebstein phenomenon test ( p = 0.0078).

Conclusions

Although our study did not find a specific microscopic marker, hepatocyte vacuolisation, the Armanni–Ebstein phenomenon and pancreatic CgA positivity, taken together, may be useful tools to confirm hypo- and hyperthermia-related deaths, in addition to circumstantial and macroscopic findings.
Male victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence: A steadily increasing phenomenon
Authors: Margherita Manuela , Franceschetti Lorenzo , Maggioni Lidia , Vignali Giulia , Kustermann Alessandra , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: February 2021

Violence perpetrated on male victims is a phenomenon that is currently underestimated by both national and international scientific communities, since males are historically (and stereotypically) considered the perpetrators rather than the victims of violence. As a consequence, the available literature lacks data which would allow a better understanding of this issue and its presenting features. We undertook a retrospective analysis of 231 medical files of male victims of violence over a five-year-period (2014–2018) at the Soccorso Violenza Sessuale e Domestica Centre in Milan, Italy. The sample included 112 victims of sexual violence and 119 victims of domestic violence, most of whom were younger than 18 years of age. The main aim of this study was to describe the presentations of male victims of violence in order to understand the phenomenon better, increase awareness of the issue and enable improved health-care management. The need to pay more attention to this vulnerable part of the population is mandatory in health-care services, and it includes: the provision of management guidelines, training to attending physicians and a supportive service to male survivors. Understanding which risk factors are related to male abuse can help with the development of programmes that identify, prevent and minimise violence – this being especially useful for primary-care clinicians. This is the first Italian study to deal with domestic and sexual violence involving male victims.
Consultation between forensic and clinical pathologists for histopathology examination after forensic autopsy
Authors: Cirielli Vito , Bortolotti Federica , Cima Luca , De Battisti Zeno , Del Balzo Giovanna , De Salvia Alessandra , Laposata Chiara , Raniero Dario , Vermiglio Elisa , Portas Margherita , Rodegher Pamela , Ghimenton Claudio , Martignoni Guido , Eccher Albino , Narayanasamy Murali , Vergine Marco , Turrina Stefania , Tagliaro Franco , De Leo Domenico , Brunelli Matteo
Published: February 2021

The magnitude of the diagnostic benefit conferred by performing histopathological examinations after medico-legal/forensic autopsies remains debatable. We have tried to address this issue by reviewing a series of histopathology referrals concerning medico-legal autopsies in real-world routine practice. We present an audit of the consultations provided to forensics by clinical pathologists at our institute between 2015 and 2018. Over this period, 493 post-mortem examinations were performed by forensic pathologists. Of these cases, 52 (11%) were referred for histopathology. Gross assessment was requested in 22/52 (42%) cases. Histopathology examination was performed on single organs in 15/52 (29%) cases, primarily on the lung and heart, whereas parenchymatous multi-organ analysis was carried out in 14/52 (27%) cases. Bone-marrow sampling was studied in 4/52 (8%) cases. Immunohistochemistry was needed in 16/52 (31%) cases, special stains in 9/52 (21%) cases and molecular analysis in 4/52 (8%) cases. Focusing on technical processes, standard methodology on pre-analytical procedures was changed in 10/52 (19%) cases in order to answer specific diagnostic questions. We showed that although most of the time the diagnosis is clear by the end of dissection on the basis of the macroscopic findings, histopathology can provide, modify or confirm the cause of death in many medico-legal/forensic cases. Therefore, it is desirable that forensic pathologists and clinical pathologists establish robust working relationships in a cooperative environment. We conclude that it is important to implement guidelines based on real-world routine practice in order to identify cases where histopathology can provide useful contributions, which in our experience applied to 11% of forensic cases.
The Relationship Between Authenticity and Death Anxiety in Cancer Patients
Authors: Nazari Faezeh , Khoshnood Zohreh , Shahrbabaki Parvin Mangolian
Published: February 2021

One of the many problems cancer patients experience is death anxiety. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between authenticity and death anxiety in cancer patients. The participants were 172 cancer patients who referred to medical centers in southeast Iran. The data were collected using authenticity inventory, and death and dying anxiety scale. There was a negative correlation between authenticity and death anxiety, i.e. patients who indicated higher authenticity scores showed lower levels of death anxiety. It seems that developing a comprehensive care program for increasing awareness of authenticity in patients, may be effective in reducing patient death anxiety.
Gender Differences in Empathy During Adolescence: Does Emotional Self-Awareness Matter?
Authors: Trentini Cristina , Tambelli Renata , Maiorani Silvia , Lauriola Marco
Published: February 2021

Empathy refers to the capacity to experience emotions similar to those observed or imagined in another person, with the full knowledge that the other person is the source of these emotions. Awareness of one's own emotional states is a prerequisite for self-other differentiation to develop. This study investigated gender differences in empathy during adolescence and tested whether emotional self-awareness explained these differences. Two-hundred-eleven adolescents (108 girls and 103 boys) between 14 and 19 years completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) to assess empathy and emotional self-awareness, respectively. Overall, girls obtained higher scores than boys on IRI subscales like emotional concern, personal distress, and fantasy. Regarding emotional self-awareness, we found gender differences in TAS-20 scores, with girls reporting greater difficulty identifying feelings and less externally oriented thinking than boys. Difficulty identifying feelings explained the greatest personal distress experienced by girls. Lower externally oriented thinking accounted for girls’ greater emotional concern and fantasy. These findings offer an insight into the role of emotional self-awareness–which is essential for self-other differentiation–as an account for gender differences in empathic abilities during adolescence. In girls, difficulty identifying feelings can impair the ability to differentiate between ones’ and others’ emotions, leading them to experience self-focused and aversive responses when confronted with others’ suffering. Conversely, in boys, externally oriented thinking can mitigate personal distress when faced with others’ discomfort.
Participatory COVID-19 Surveillance Tool in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Runkle Jennifer D. , Sugg Maggie M. , Graham Garrett , Hodge Bryan , March Terri , Mullendore Jennifer , Tove Fletcher , Salyers Martha , Valeika Steve , Vaughan Ellis
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Few US studies have examined the usefulness of participatory surveillance during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic for enhancing local health response efforts, particularly in rural settings. We report on the development and implementation of an internet-based COVID-19 participatory surveillance tool in rural Appalachia.

Methods

A regional collaboration among public health partners culminated in the design and implementation of the COVID-19 Self-Checker, a local online symptom tracker. The tool collected data on participant demographic characteristics and health history. County residents were then invited to take part in an automated daily electronic follow-up to monitor symptom progression, assess barriers to care and testing, and collect data on COVID-19 test results and symptom resolution.

Results

Nearly 6500 county residents visited and 1755 residents completed the COVID-19 Self-Checker from April 30 through June 9, 2020. Of the 579 residents who reported severe or mild COVID-19 symptoms, COVID-19 symptoms were primarily reported among women (n = 408, 70.5%), adults with preexisting health conditions (n = 246, 70.5%), adults aged 18-44 (n = 301, 52.0%), and users who reported not having a health care provider (n = 131, 22.6%). Initial findings showed underrepresentation of some racial/ethnic and non–English-speaking groups.

Practical Implications

This low-cost internet-based platform provided a flexible means to collect participatory surveillance data on local changes in COVID-19 symptoms and adapt to guidance. Data from this tool can be used to monitor the efficacy of public health response measures at the local level in rural Appalachia.
Modeling of fibrous tow transmission considering residual strain and friction
Authors: Che Jinkai , Zhang Zengmeng , Hou Jiaoyi , Chen Yinglong , Gong Yongjun
Published: February 2021

This study established a mechanical model based on the mechanical properties of fibrous tows and their force of interaction with spools. The proposed model not only describes the hysteresis, nonlinear elastic, and viscoelastic stress components, but also analyzes the effect of residual strain on aramid fiber mechanical properties. Moreover, the effect of the interaction force between the fiber and spool on the transmission accuracy should be considered. Contrary to the conventional view, hysteresis is caused not only by internal sliding among molecules and molecular chains but also by friction between the fibers and spools. To assess this effect, several monotonous and cyclic tensile tests were conducted, with the results showing that the maximum relative error of the mechanical model did not exceed 5%. The proposed mechanical model can help designers determine effective carrying ranges and predict the fiber mechanical behavior, thereby laying a foundation for achieving nonlinear control of the fibrous tow transferring load.
Preparation and study of electromagnetic properties of graphene/graphite/bismuth oxide three-layer coated textile materials
Authors: Liu Yuanjun , Wang Yi , Wu Xiang , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: February 2021

Three-layer coated composites with good electromagnetic properties were prepared on a plain polyester–cotton blended fabric with PU2540 polyurethane resin as a matrix; graphene, graphite and bismuth oxide were used as coating functional particles; and the influences of types of surface-layer functional particles, middle-layer functional particles and bottom-layer functional particles on electromagnetic properties of three-layer composites were explored. Results showed that when graphite, graphene and graphene were respectively used as bottom-layer, middle-layer and surface-layer functional particles, within the range of 1–1000 MHz, the polarization, dissipation and absorption-attenuation ability of the coated composite to electromagnetic waves was the strongest, and within the range of 10–3000 MHz, the wave-absorbing properties and shielding properties to electromagnetic waves of the coated composite were the strongest. When the frequency was 1600.7 MHz, the value of the reflection loss of the sample was the minimum, which reached –7.15 dB.
Placing LGBTQ+ urban activisms
Authors: Bain Alison L , Podmore Julie A
Published: February 2021

This article introduces the special issue on placing LGBTQ+ urban activisms. It argues that place provides a vital framework for considering a more decentred and transversal representation of such activisms, creating potential for the consideration of smaller and more peripheral locations and alternative visions of the more familiar and iconic cities that have been centres of LGBTQ+ urban social movements in the global North. While inspired by the anti-colonial, subaltern and feminist ethos of what Derickson terms ‘Urbanisation 2’, the article makes the case for adopting a middle ground – Urbanisation 1.5 – based in material realities that shape both the practice and inquiry into contemporary LGBTQ+ urban activisms. It begins by reviewing and dismantling established histories and theories of LGBTQ+ urban activisms, queerly calling into question the employment of urban theories that emphasise spatial hierarchies and linear temporality. Next, the article proposes alternatives, suggesting a shift towards recognising the contingencies and multiplicities that come together in and across urban places. The third section emphasises the critical continuities and ordinary entanglements involved in remembering, being and doing urban LGBTQ+ activisms in place. It concludes by encouraging the employment of elsewhere and otherwise as a critical urban strategy for igniting further inquiry into the politics of LGBTQ+ activisms in urban studies.
Scrub typhus-related hepatotoxicity: The Indian scenario
Authors: Rathi Pravin , Siddiqui Khwaja A , Shah Parth
Published: February 2021

In Scrunb Typhus, hepatotoxicity is an important, yet understudied, manifestation. We reviewed studies on scrub typhus, published in the last five years (2014–2019), which evaluated its clinico-epidemiological factors in India, and concentrated on its hepatic involvement. Nine studies were found, and no Indian study exclusively evaluated hepatic dysfunction. Thus, comments from a few international studies were also included. We conclude that liver dysfunction in the form of elevated serum transaminase levels is a common manifestation of scrub typhus, which may herald progress to fulminant hepatic failure.
Narrative Politics in Policy Discourse: The Debate Over Safe Injection Sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Authors: Lofaro Ryan J. , Miller Hugh T.
Published: February 2021

Safe injection sites are spaces where people who inject drugs can do so under the supervision of staff at the sites who attempt to revive them if they overdose. Public officials in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have proposed the sites as a means to reduce opioid overdose deaths in the city, a policy proposal that has been politically and legally contested. This article uses the Narrative Politics model to elucidate the concerns, values, and aspirations of the competing narratives in the public discourse over safe injection sites in Philadelphia. Despite the aspirations expressed within the Harm Reduction narrative to open such a site, opposition from the Nimby (not in my backyard) narrative has, at the time of this research, successfully precluded such a step. Other narratives in the discourse include the Abstinence narrative opposing safe injection sites and the Social Justice narrative opposed to incarceration but also hesitant to wholeheartedly endorse the Harm Reduction narrative for its delayed advocacy of compassionate treatment of people who use drugs now that the face of the person who uses opioids is a white one. In addition to juxtaposing competing narratives against one another and considering their alignments, disagreements, and interactions, the authors consider absences and shared presuppositions. The social construction of the purported drug addict varies in some ways between and among the prevailing narratives; in other ways, all the narratives problematize “addiction” as an affliction that justifies techniques of discipline aimed at caring for and controlling the population.
Judging the Book by Its Cover: What Comprises a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program for Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence?
Authors: Wong Jennifer S. , Bouchard Jessica
Published: February 2021

Substantial literature has examined the effectiveness of intimate partner violence (IPV) interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is noted as the second most common approach used in group interventions for partner violent men. However, as little research has examined how CBT principles are operationalized across program curricula, there is currently insufficient information from which to make recommendations for model CBT approaches in IPV interventions. In the current study, we review the literature to determine a set of core elements for comprehensive CBT interventions and use session-level curriculum data from 10 community-based programs to examine the presence of 14 components reflecting 4 CBT factors. Results suggest heterogeneity in the emphasis on CBT elements across programs, despite almost all managers listing CBT as a theoretical approach. Implications are discussed with a call for evaluators and meta-analysts to code for actual curriculum content as opposed to stated program labels.
Managerialism and Its Consequences for Professional Identity: A Comparative Analysis of GPs and Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Hendrikx Wiljan (P.M.A.)
Published: February 2021

Literature on the consequences of managerial reform for professionals in public services has often taken the professions as universal phenomenon, unaffected by sectoral heterogeneity. However, focusing on professionals’ own perspectives, this study notes important similarities and variations between professionals from two domains—GPs and teachers. The findings are attributed to professional identity values of excellence, ethics, and engagement, against which reforms were directed, and to the capacity of different professional groups to develop strategies based on these values. Suggesting that the professional identity of specific professions is key creates different conditions and consequences for introducing new management practices.
Can Anyone Implement the Law? The Discourse and Practice of Externalizing Legal Authority
Authors: Mörth Ulrika , Pierre Jon
Published: February 2021

Allowing private companies to de facto exercise legal authority is becoming increasingly common in several countries. Externalizing legal authority is sustained by a discourse replacing a conventional institutional approach to law enforcement with a functional approach where the agent is less important than efficiency and expected outcomes. Drawing on two brief case studies in Sweden—automobile inspections and reviews of international financial transactions—we argue that legal authority is transferred to for-profit actors with only a minimum of safeguards and accountability. For-profit actors are legal authority insiders but outsiders in the democratic chain of accountability.
A combined sound field prediction method in small classrooms
Authors: Yang Da , Mak Cheuk Ming
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a new combination method for sound field prediction is proposed. An optimization approach based on the genetic algorithm is employed for optimizing the transition frequency of the combined sound field prediction method in classrooms. The selected optimization approach can identify the optimal transition frequency so that the combined sound field prediction can obtain more efficient and accurate prediction results. The proposed combined sound field prediction method consists of a wave-based method and geometric acoustic methods that are separated by the transition frequency. In low frequency domain (below the transition frequency), the sound field is calculated by the finite element method (FEM), while a hybrid geometric acoustic method is employed in the high frequency domain (above the transition frequency). The proposed combined prediction models are validated by comparing them with previous results and experimental measurements. The optimization approach is illustrated by several examples and compared with traditional combination results. Compared to existed sound field prediction simulations in classrooms, the proposed combination methods take the sound field in low frequencies into account. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.

Practical applications: This study proposes a combined sound field prediction method separated by transition frequency. A genetic algorithm optimization method is employed for searching the optimal transition frequency. The outcomes of this paper are essential for acoustical designs and acoustical environmental assessments.
Not so exceptional? Prosocial influences on union support among US workers
Authors: Fiorito Jack , Padavic Irene
Published: February 2021

US unions have often been characterized as ‘exceptional’ in their weakness and conservatism compared to their Western European counterparts. American organized labor is associated with a ‘business unionism’ philosophy that assumes American workers are only pragmatic and materialistic, seeing their unions as vehicles for improving the terms and conditions of employment at their workplaces. Such an analysis omits the potential power of a belief that unions work to improve society. Applying an experimental vignette design based on a survey of over 1000 employed persons, this article examines whether ‘workplace instrumentality’ is the only motivation for workers to support unions. The authors consider the likelihood of voting yes in a union representation election to test the efficacy of two less studied predictors – perceiving unions as positively influencing society and perceiving them as facilitating workers’ voice in union policies and practices. Logistic regression shows that the most influential beliefs associated with union support were that unions improve terms and conditions of employment for represented workers (‘union instrumentality’), that unions positively influence society (‘prosocial unionism’), and that unions offer workers substantial influence on union policies and practices (‘worker say’). Researchers and union organizing campaigns should consider devoting greater attention to the social benefits of unionism and to union democracy.
Long-Term Follow-Up After Maxillary Sinus Balloon Sinuplasty and ESS
Authors: Koskinen Anni , Lundberg Marie , Lilja Markus , Myller Jyri , Penttilä Matti , Huhtala Heini , Lee John M. , Blomgren Karin , Toppila-Salmi Sanna
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this controlled follow-up study was to compare the need for revision surgery, long-term efficacy, and satisfaction in chronic rhinosinusitis patients who had undergone maxillary sinus operation with either balloon sinuplasty or traditional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) technique.

Methods:

Thirty-nine ESS patients and 36 balloon patients of our previously described cohort, who had been primarily operated in 2008 to 2010, were contacted by phone. Symptoms, satisfaction, and need for revision surgery were asked. In addition, we collected data of patients who had undergone primary maxillary sinus balloon sinuplasty in the Helsinki University Hospital during the years 2005 to 2019. As a control group, we collected data of patients who had undergone primary maxillary sinus ESS at 3 Finnish University Hospitals, and 1 Central Hospital in years 2005, 2008, and 2011.

Results:

Altogether, 77 balloon patients and 82 ESS patients were included. The mean follow-up time was 5.3 years in balloon group and 9.8 years in ESS group. Revision surgery was performed on 17 balloon patients and 6 ESS patients. In the survival analysis, the balloon sinuplasty associated significantly with a higher risk of revision surgery compared to ESS. According to the phone interviews, 82% of ESS patients and 75% of balloon patients were very satisfied with the primary operation.

Conclusion:

Although the patient groups expressed equal satisfaction and change in symptoms after the operations, the need for revision surgery was higher after balloon sinuplasty than after ESS. This should be emphasized when counselling patients regarding surgical options.
The Role of Men During Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study of Perceptions and Beliefs of Primary Caregivers in Tanzania
Authors: Niedfeldt Heidi J. , Sever Trent E. , Smith Rilee , Davis Elizabeth A. , Mulokozi Generose , Torres Scott , Linehan Mary , Dobies Kerry Ann , Hoj Taylor , West Joshua H. , Hall P. Cougar , Crookston Benjamin T.
Published: February 2021

This study examined the relationship between men’s involvement and primary caregivers’ antenatal visits, acquiring antenatal tablets, and working less during pregnancy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 5,000 Tanzanian primary caregivers living in households with one or more children under the age of 2 years. Results indicated that primary caregivers who received help from their husband/partner, or perceived that men in their community helped their pregnant spouses, were more likely to practice healthy antenatal care behaviors, including attending antenatal visits, acquiring antenatal tablets, and working less during pregnancy. Similarly, women who thought that all their friends receive help from their husbands/partners were twice as likely to reduce their workload during their pregnancy. These findings suggest the importance of male involvement and support during pregnancy in order to improve antenatal care, reduce workload, and increase tablet consumption among primary caregivers.
A Decision-making Approach for Choosing a Reliable Product under the Hesitant Fuzzy Environment via a Novel Distance Measure
Authors: Dutta Palash , Saikia Rupjit
Published: February 2021

Executive Summary

In the contemporary time, the reliability of any product has become a big issue from the customer’s perspective due to exponentially mushrooming markets of electronics and digital gadgets. Since the use of digital equipment is tremendously increasing, as a consequence, the production and availability of products are also increasing rampantly. Due to the flooding of digital products, customers often end up in a dilemma regarding the abundant choice and subsequently, become very much dependent upon the reviews of experts and fellow customers as well. In many cases, unfortunately, it is encountered that the products are not reliable enough as suggested by the reviewers. Besides, it is often seen that the manufacturing companies provide almost similar types of features and facilities for products and customers usually end up in a dilemma The confusion gets triggered when varieties of commodities are manufactured and supplied by different manufacturers bearing almost the same features nearly at the same price. In such situations, the reviews of experts and customers already using the product become essential. The reliability of a product relies upon the reviews of the previous customers of the same product. In this article, fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methodology has been employed to find the reliability of a product considering different features of the product based on the reviews of customers and experts. This paper presents a neo distance measure on hesitant fuzzy set which is found on the notion of score function and mean deviation. Explanatory instances are provided to reveal the distinctiveness and merit of our proposed idea on distance measure over existing distance measures. After that, the proposed distance measure is applied in the decision-making approach for taking up the best electronic products. It is evidenced that the proposed distance measure is beneficial to measure distance degree between two unequal Hesitant Fuzzy Elements (HFEs) without putting extra elements in the shorter HFE. The proposed distance measures can be utilized in the decision-making field in the near future under diverse conditions to display undetermined particulars in a much-clarified manner.
Gender Differences in Earnings Rewards to Personality Traits in Wage-employment and Self-employment Labour Markets
Authors: Mohammed Ibrahim , Baffour Priscilla Twumasi , Rahaman Wassiuw Abdul
Published: February 2021

In an extensive review of wage determination papers, it is concluded that the standard demographic and human capital factors explain little of earning differentials. Consequently, there is a growing interest among economists to include non-cognitive skills measured by personality traits in recent empirical literature to explain variations in earnings. In a bid to contribute empirical evidence to this strand of literature, this study examines the associations between the Big-Five personality traits (i.e., agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, extraversion and neuroticism) and earnings, using the World Bank’s Skills towards Employment and Productivity (STEP) data on Ghana. The study employed regression techniques to estimate a series of semi-logarithmic wage equations that include demographic and human capital factors and the Big-Five personality traits to determine how important these factors are in explaining wage and self-employment earnings. Furthermore, the estimations of the wage equations are done separately for males and females to highlight any gender differences in the way personality traits contribute to earnings. Findings are largely consistent with the literature but uniquely demonstrate that in a power-distant culture like Ghana, where, traditionally, girl-child education has been relegated to the background, agreeable females, and not males, are rewarded in the formal wage employment labour market. However, in the informal self-employment labour market, conscientious males, and not females, are positively rewarded with higher earnings. These unique findings contribute to our understanding of the gender differences in the relative importance of non-cognitive skills in the formal and informal labour markets.

JEL Codes: J31, J24
The challenges of digital divide and the use of web 2.0 platforms as knowledge sharing tools among Nigerian academics
Authors: Gamji Musa Bara’u , Kara Nurten , Nasidi Qaribu Yahaya , Abdul Aisha Ibrahim
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the challenges affecting knowledge sharing among lecturers using web 2.0 platforms to meet the requirements of the digital age of the 21st century. Knowledge sharing is an exchange of skills, ideas, experience, and understanding among people. The study is base on the digital divide theory, which focuses on discrepancies or inequality of access to the Internet and technological devices. The survey method is adopted, involving 1,287 respondents sampled conveniently from the 13 faculties of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. Data was successfully retrieved from 1047 respondents, representing 81.9% and was presented and analyzed through descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the most significant challenges facing users of web 2.0 platforms are the high cost of data, and an unstable power supply. The result indicates that the most used social media by the academic lecturers of Ahmadu Bello University is WhatsApp, while the most used educational resource site is ResearchGate. The study recommends that the challenge of the high cost of data should be solved by providing uninterrupted broadband and free Internet facilities. The qualitative method should be used to further this study to have users of these platforms from more than one institution.
Cannabis based medicines and cannabis dependence: A critical review of issues and evidence
Authors: Schlag Anne K , Hindocha Chandni , Zafar Rayyan , Nutt David J , Curran H Valerie
Published: February 2021

Cannabis has been legalised for medical use in an ever-increasing number of countries. A growing body of scientific evidence supports the use of medical cannabis for a range of therapeutic indications. In parallel with these developments, concerns have been expressed by many prescribers that increased use will lead to patients developing cannabis use disorder. Cannabis use disorder has been widely studied in recreational users, and these findings have often been projected onto patients using medical cannabis. However, studies exploring medical cannabis dependence are scarce and the appropriate methodology to measure this construct is uncertain. This article provides a narrative review of the current research to discern if, how and to what extent, concerns about problems of dependence in recreational cannabis users apply to prescribed medical users. We focus on the main issues related to medical cannabis and dependence, including the importance of dose, potency, cannabinoid content, pharmacokinetics and route of administration, frequency of use, as well as set and setting. Medical and recreational cannabis use differs in significant ways, highlighting the challenges of extrapolating findings from the recreational cannabis literature. There are many questions about the potential for medical cannabis use to lead to dependence. It is therefore imperative to address these questions in order to be able to minimise harms of medical cannabis use. We draw out seven recommendations for increasing the safety of medical cannabis prescribing. We hope that the present review contributes to answering some of the key questions surrounding medical cannabis dependence.
First study of safety and tolerability of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Sessa Ben , Higbed Laurie , O’Brien Steve , Durant Claire , Sakal Chloe , Titheradge Daniel , Williams Tim M , Rose-Morris Anna , Brew-Girard Elsa , Burrows Sam , Wiseman Chantelle , Wilson Sue , Rickard James , Nutt David J
Published: February 2021

Background:

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) therapy has qualities that make it potentially well suited for patients with addictions, but this has never been explored in a research study. We present data from the Bristol Imperial MDMA in Alcoholism (BIMA) study. This is the first MDMA addiction study, an open-label safety and tolerability proof-of-concept study investigating the potential role for MDMA therapy in treating patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Aims:

This study aimed to assess if MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can be delivered safely and can be tolerated by patients with AUD post detoxification. Outcomes regarding drinking behaviour, quality of life and psychosocial functioning were evaluated.

Methods:

Fourteen patients with AUD completed a community alcohol detoxification and received an eight-week course of recovery-based therapy. Participants received two sessions with MDMA (187.5 mg each session). Psychological support was provided before, during and after each session. Safety and tolerability were assessed alongside psychological and physiological outcome measures. Alcohol use behaviour, mental well-being and functioning data were collected for nine months after alcohol detoxification.

Results:

MDMA treatment was well tolerated by all participants. No unexpected adverse events were observed. Psychosocial functioning improved across the cohort. Regarding alcohol use, at nine months post detox, the average units of alcohol consumption by participants was 18.7 units per week compared to 130.6 units per week before the detox. This compares favourably to a previous observational study (the ‘Outcomes’ study) by the same team with a similar population of people with AUD.

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary support for the safety and tolerability of a novel intervention for AUD post detox. Further trials to examine better the therapeutic potential of this approach are now indicated.
Optimal dosing for psilocybin pharmacotherapy: Considering weight-adjusted and fixed dosing approaches
Authors: Garcia-Romeu Albert , Barrett Frederick S , Carbonaro Theresa M , Johnson Matthew W , Griffiths Roland R
Published: February 2021

Background:

Growing evidence suggests psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic, is a safe and promising pharmacotherapy for treatment of mood and substance use disorders when administered as part of a structured intervention. In most trials to date, psilocybin dose has been administered on a weight-adjusted basis rather than the more convenient procedure of administering a fixed dose.

Aims:

The present post hoc analyses sought to determine whether the subjective effects of psilocybin are affected by body weight when psilocybin is administered on a weight-adjusted basis and when psilocybin is administered as a fixed dose.

Methods:

We analyzed acute subjective drug effects (mystical, challenging, and intensity) associated with therapeutic outcomes from ten previous studies (total N = 288) in which psilocybin was administered in the range 20 to 30 mg/70 kg (inclusive). Separate multivariate regression analyses examined the relationships between demographic variables including body weight and subjective effects in participants receiving 20 mg/70 kg ( n  = 120), participants receiving 30 mg/70 kg ( n = 182), and participants whose weight-adjusted dose was about 25 mg (to approximate the fixed dose that is currently being evaluated in registration trials for major depressive disorder) ( n = 103).

Results:

In the 20 mg/70 kg and 30 mg/70 kg weight-adjusted groups, and in the fixed dose group, no significant associations were found between subjective effects and demographic variables including body weight or sex. Across a wide range of body weights (49 to 113 kg) the present results showed no evidence that body weight affected subjective effects of psilocybin.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the convenience and lower cost of administering psilocybin as a fixed dose outweigh any potential advantage of weight-adjusted dosing.