bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Health of Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the Start of the Cadet Training Program
Authors: Carleton R. Nicholas , Jamshidi Laleh , Maguire Kirby Q. , Lix Lisa M. , Stewart Sherry H. , Afifi Tracie O. , Sareen Jitender , Andrews Katie L. , Jones Nicholas A. , Nisbet Jolan , Sauer-Zavala Shannon , Neary J. Patrick , Brunet Alain , Krätzig Gregory P. , Fletcher Amber J. , Teckchandani Taylor A. , Keane Terence M. , Asmundson Gordon J.G.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Serving Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have screened positive for one or more mental disorders based on self-reported symptoms with substantial prevalence (i.e., 50.2%). Mental health challenges for military and paramilitary populations have historically been attributed to insufficient recruit screening; however, cadet mental health when starting the Cadet Training Program (CTP) was unknown. Our objective was to estimate RCMP Cadet mental health when starting the CTP and test for sociodemographic differences.

Method

Cadets starting the CTP completed a survey assessing self-reported mental health symptoms ( n = 772, 72.0% male) and a clinical interview ( n = 736, 74.4% male) with a clinician or supervised trainee using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to assess current and past mental health.

Results

The percentage of participants screening positive for one or more current mental disorders based on self-reported symptoms (15.0%) was higher than the diagnostic prevalence for the general population (10.1%); however, based on clinical interviews, participants were less likely to screen positive for any current mental disorder (6.3%) than the general population. Participants were also less likely to screen positive for any past mental disorder based on self-report (3.9%) and clinical interviews (12.5%) than the general population (33.1%). Females were more likely to score higher than males (all ps<.01; Cohen's ds .23 to .32) on several self-report mental disorder symptom measures.

Conclusions

The current results are the first to describe RCMP cadet mental health when starting the CTP. The data evidenced a lower prevalence of anxiety, depressive, and trauma-related mental disorders than the general population based on clinical interviews, contrasting notions that more rigorous mental health screening would reduce the high prevalence of mental disorders among serving RCMP. Instead, protecting RCMP mental health may require ongoing efforts to mitigate operational and organizational stressors.
Comparison of different waste bin monitoring approaches: An exploratory study
Authors: Brouwer Yoeri , Barbosa-Póvoa Ana Paula , Antunes António Pais , Rodrigues Pereira Ramos Tânia
Published: May 2023

Waste bin monitoring solutions are an essential step towards smart cities. This study presents an exploratory analysis of two waste bin monitoring approaches: (1) ultrasonic sensors installed in the bins and (2) visual observations (VO) of the waste collection truck drivers. Bin fill level data was collected from a Portuguese waste management company. A comparative statistical analysis of the two datasets (VO and sensor observations) was performed and a predictive model based on Gaussian processes was applied to enable a trade-off analysis of the number of collections versus the number of overflows for each monitoring approach. The results demonstrate that the VO are valuable and reveal that significant improvements can be achieved for either of the monitoring approaches in relation to the current situation. A monitoring approach based on VO combined with a predictive model is shown to be viable and leads to a considerable reduction in the number of collections and overflows. This approach can enable waste collection companies to improve their collection operations with minimal investment costs during their transition to fully sensorized bins.
A National Study of Homelessness, Social Determinants of Health, and Treatment Engagement Among Outpatient Medication for Opioid Use Disorder-Seeking Individuals in the United States
Authors: Gaeta Gazzola Marina , Carmichael Iain D. , Christian Nicholaus J. , Zheng Xiaoying , Madden Lynn M. , Barry Declan T.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Homelessness is an important social determinant of health (SDOH), impacting health outcomes for many medical conditions. Although homelessness is common among people with opioid use disorder (OUD), few studies systematically evaluate homelessness and other SDOH among people enrolled in standard of care treatment for OUD, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), or examine whether homelessness affects treatment engagement.

Methods:

Using data from the 2016 to 2018 U.S. Treatment Episode Dataset Discharges (TEDS-D), patient demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were compared between episodes of outpatient MOUD where homelessness was reported at treatment enrollment versus independent housing using pairwise tests adjusted for multiple testing. A logistic regression model examined the relationship between homelessness and treatment length and treatment completion while accounting for covariates.

Results:

There were 188 238 eligible treatment episodes. Homelessness was reported in 17 158 episodes (8.7%). In pairwise analysis, episodes involving homelessness were significantly different from those involving independent living on most demographic, social, and clinical characteristics, with significantly greater social vulnerability in most SDOH variables ( P’s < .05). Homelessness was significantly and negatively associated with treatment completion (coefficient = −0.0853, P < 0.001, 95% CI = [−0.114, −0.056], OR = 0.918) and remaining in treatment for greater than 180 days (coefficient = −0.3435, P < 0.001, 95% CI = [−0.371, −0.316], OR = 0.709) after accounting for covariates.

Conclusions:

Patients reporting homelessness at treatment entry in outpatient MOUD in the U.S. represent a clinically distinct and socially vulnerable population from those not reporting homelessness. Homelessness independently predicts poorer engagement in MOUD confirming that homelessness may be an independent predictor for MOUD treatment discontinuation nationally.
Heterogeneous public attitudes toward high-voltage power transmission lines and willingness to pay for undergrounding projects
Authors: Shim Dongnyok , Choi Hyunhong , Kim Seung Wan
Published: May 2023

On the path to carbon neutrality by 2050, the expansion and improvement of high-voltage power transmission lines (HV-PTL) is a critical and unavoidable energy issue that may become a potential source of public conflict. However, the discussion on this issue in South Korea has been insufficient. In this study, we analyzed public attitudes toward HV-PTLs and classified people into subgroups based on their common characteristics using latent class models. In addition, we used the contingent valuation method to estimate the public's willingness to pay (WTP) for the conversion of overhead lines to underground cables, focusing on the differences among the identified subgroups. According to the empirical analysis, people in South Korea can be divided into four classes based on their perceived need for resident participation in the decision-making process, perceived health risk, and perceived property loss risk. According to the WTP analysis using the spike model, the estimated mean and median WTP values were KRW 4184 (USD 3.8) and KRW 2632 (USD 2.4) per household per month, respectively. In addition, we found a significant difference in WTP by class. Those who perceived HV-PTL as risky were less willing to pay for undergrounding projects compared with those whose perceived risk was relatively low. This study contributes to the understanding of academics and policymakers on the relationship between public attitudes toward HV-PTL and overhead to underground conversion.
An insight into the asymmetric effect of economic globalization on renewable energy in Australia: Evidence from the nonlinear ARDL approach and wavelet coherence
Authors: Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji , Rjoub Husam , Ağa Mehmet , Onyenegecha Ifeoma Prisca
Published: May 2023

Boosting energy consumption, ensuring energy supply security, and mitigating emissions are critical global concerns, especially during the surge in energy prices, continuous expansion in income level and persistent economic integration with other countries, and climate change. The existing evidence on the determinant of renewable energy is still in its early stages; however, there is currently limited empirical evidence regarding the determinant of renewable energy in Australia. Therefore, this study probed into the effect of the asymmetric effect of economic globalization on renewable energy usage in Australia, which prior studies in the literature have neglected. The study employed carbon emissions, economic growth, and oil price as other regressors. The dataset for the period spanning from 1970 to 2018 was analyzed using the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag. Evidence from the empirical analysis reported that the positive variation in economic globalization has a positive and significant effect on renewable energy, thus the rise in economic globalization promotes renewable energy. Meanwhile, the negative variation in economic globalization has a neutral impact on renewable energy. Furthermore, economic growth and oil price positively and significantly affect the usage of renewable energy in Australia. Moreover, carbon emissions have a negative and significant effect on renewable energy. Furthermore, the wavelets coherence was also for the robustness test, which reports positive co-movement between all regressors and renewable energy, except for CO2 emissions (negative co-movement). Economic globalization, economic growth, and CO2 emissions drive renewable energy, while renewable energy leads to oil prices in Australia. This study offers significant and crucial suggestions to policymakers in Australia, emphasizing the need to prioritize environmental sustainability and promote economic globalization to foster the growth of the clean and efficient energy sector.
Pooled mean group estimation of an energy-globalization-emissions nexus: Evidence from the selected South- and South-East Asian countries
Authors: Ahmed Khalid
Published: May 2023

Although globalization is widely credited for unprecedented global economic growth, it also bears responsibility for climate change. Today, the primary emphasis of contemporary research is to find ways that help to reduce climate change adversaries without compromising the globalization-led economic development agenda. Thus, this study takes the case of 12 emerging economies selected based on their emissions profile and vulnerability to climate change. Covering annual data from 1972 to 2018, this study accounts for globalization's economic, social, and political aspects and empirically tests their relationship with carbon footprints and energy demand in the panel countries. The results confirm the long-run equilibrium relationship among all the underlying variables and find that economic globalization significantly contributes to energy demand and carbon emissions. However, such an effect can be overcome through social globalization. Whereas political globalization reduces the energy demand but spurs carbon emissions. Our results rule out the ant-globalization narrative and support pro-globalization chronicles for sustainable development policy agenda in emerging economies. We suggest that the emerging countries that are mainly facing the decision dilemma to choose between sustainable economic growth and a sustainable environment, are better off if they equally integrate socially and politically with the global economy. Moreover, the model is checked for robustness using FMOLS and found validated. It warrants that the results are appropriate for policy control use.
Neurologic disease produced by Rathayibacter toxicus-derived corynetoxins
Authors: Finnie John
Published: May 2023

Corynetoxins, members of the tunicamycin group of antibiotics, are produced by the bacterium, Rathayibacter toxicus. They cause a severe neurologic disorder in domestic livestock, are hepatotoxins, and can damage retinal photoreceptors. For these toxins to be ingested by livestock, the bacterium must first be transported onto host plants by adhering to nematode larvae. In the infected seed heads, bacterial galls (gumma) then form. While corynetoxicity occurs most commonly in Australia, it has occurred sporadically in other countries and, due to the widespread global distribution of the bacterium, nematode, and host plants, there is great potential for further spread, particularly as the range of host plant species and nematode vectors identified for R. toxicus is increasing. Since many animal species are susceptible to corynetoxins poisoning, it is likely that humans would also be vulnerable if exposed to these potent, lethal toxins.
Science communication on Twitter: Measuring indicators of engagement and their links to user interaction in communication scholars’ Tweet content
Authors: Guenther Lars , Wilhelm Claudia , Oschatz Corinna , Brück Janise
Published: May 2023

Scientists increasingly use Twitter for communication about science. The microblogging service has been heralded for its potential to foster public engagement with science; thus, measuring how engaging, that is dialogue-oriented, tweet content is, has become a relevant research object. Tweet content designed in an engaging, dialogue-oriented way is also supposed to link to user interaction (e.g. liking, retweeting). The present study analyzed content-related and functional indicators of engagement in scientists’ tweet content, applying content analysis to original tweets ( n = 2884) of 212 communication scholars. Findings show that communication scholars tweet mostly about scientific topics, with, however, low levels of engagement. User interaction, nevertheless, correlated with content-related and functional indicators of engagement. The findings are discussed in light of their implications for public engagement with science.
Diagnostic Value of Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width for Early-Onset Neonatal Infection
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh , Truong Nguyen Ngoc Quynh , Pham Thi Ny
Published: May 2023

Objective

Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study aimed to contribute to the research on whether mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) can be used as diagnostic markers of early-onset neonatal infection (EONI).

Methods

This case-control study was conducted with 78 neonates diagnosed with EONI compared with 78 healthy controls in the neonatal care unit of the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Vietnam, from October 2021 to September 2022. All neonates were assessed for maternal risk factors and by clinical examination. The complete blood count including white blood cells, platelets, MPV, and PDW was performed before antibiotic treatment.

Results

A total of 156 neonates were included in the study. MPV and PDW were significantly higher in the EONI group (10.09 ± 0.65 fL and 10.66 ± 1.22%, respectively) compared to the control group (9.73 ± 0.75 fL and 10.19 ± 1.16%; P <.05). An MPV of 10.0 fL was determined as the predictive cut-off value for EONI (sensitivity 67.7%; specificity 69.2%; Area Under the Curve [AUC] 0.636; P =.003). A PDW of 11.2% was determined as the predictive cut-off value for EONI (sensitivity 63.3%; specificity 87.2%, AUC 0.603; P <.05).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that MPV and PDW can be considered adjuvant predictors along with WBC and PLT to establish the early diagnosis of EONI.
Virtual Mindfulness Workshops for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Curl Emily L. , Hampton Lauren H.
Published: May 2023

Mindfulness strategies can have a large impact on emotional regulation, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal relationships. Parents of children on the autism spectrum may experience greater stress, depression, and strained interpersonal relationships than those with typically developing children or those with children experiencing other developmental delays. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effects of a virtual Mindful Self-Compassion workshop for parents of children on the autism spectrum and the impact on stress, self-compassion, parenting self-efficacy, and mindfulness. This pilot study used a mixed-method approach to test this hypothesis. Participants completed surveys before and after the brief workshop and participated in a 1-hr focus group within 1 week of completing the surveys. The findings indicate that a short, 3-day virtual workshop may be effective toward improving parents’ mindfulness and self-compassion. Parents reported feeling more mindful in their day-to-day life, more self-compassionate during difficult times, and more patient with themselves and other people in their family. A brief, virtual workshop may be effective for short-term improvements in outcomes for parents of children on the autism spectrum.
Parent’s Use of Naturalistic Instruction Upon Receiving Technology-Enhanced Performance-Based Feedback
Authors: Coogle Christan Grygas , Majetich Emil , Storie Sloan O. , Wade Clarissa Bunch
Published: May 2023

We used a multiple baseline across strategies design to determine the effect of technology-enhanced performance-based feedback on parent’s use of preventive strategies to address children’s challenging behaviors for two parent–child dyads. A father, mother, and each of their young children participated. We also measured associated child outcomes and parent’s perceptions of the technology-enhanced performance-based feedback intervention. We observed a functional relation between our intervention and parent practice. Although variable, desired child behaviors increased, and challenging behaviors decreased. Finally, parents indicated that they perceived the intervention to be socially valid.
A Faith Community Nursing Intervention for Informal Caregiver–Older Adult Dyads
Authors: Pomeroy Sherry H. , Askew Yvonne , McDonald-Shanahan Kathleen , Yanagi Akie , Sessanna Loralee
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to test the impact of embedding trained Faith Community Nurse (FCN) interventionists in a Catholic Health System affiliated primary care practice as liaisons of care in the homes of older adult clients (OACs) and their informal caregiver (IC). Specific aims were to examine if a FCN intervention improved IC and OAC health, well-being, knowledge and understanding of chronic disease management, self-advocacy, and self-care. A non-random quasi-experimental design was used. Most ICs were spouses or adult children ( M age = 66) who lived with the older adult ( M age = 79). The ICs’ scores significantly increased after the intervention on the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale ( p = .002), Spirituality as Life, Meaning, and purpose ( p = .026), and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale ( p = .005). Future research is needed examining the FCN intervention with larger sample sizes in more diverse communities and acute care settings.
Home-Based Pilot Pulmonary Program for Dyspneic Patients Post-COVID-19
Authors: Morgan Sandra , Visovsky Constance , Thomas Bini , Klein Aimee B. , Ji Ming , Schwab Lauren , Coury Jillian
Published: May 2023

It is estimated that at least 10% of people who have had COVID-19 will experience ongoing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. Pulmonary exercise has demonstrated improved dyspnea outcomes in other respiratory conditions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in post-COVID-19 survivors who continue to experience dyspnea. This was a longitudinal, single group pilot study in which 19 patients received a home-based expiratory muscle strength training program over 12 weeks. Outcomes measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks included pulmonary symptoms, functional performance, thoracic expansion, forced expiratory volume, and expiratory resistance measures. Significant improvements were found in pulmonary symptoms ( p < .001), functional performance ( p = .014), and progressive expiratory resistance capabilities ( p < .001). A home-based pulmonary program may be an inexpensive strategy for post-COVID-19 survivors who continue to experience dyspnea.
Effect of strong dielectric substances on the damage characteristics of rocks exposed to microwave radiation: Insight from experiments and mechanisms
Authors: Gao Feng , He Yindong , Xiong Xin , Zhou Keping , Yang Chun
Published: May 2023

It has been demonstrated that microwave pretreatment can weaken rocks, reduce tool wear, and improve mechanical rock breaking efficiency. The dielectric properties of rock minerals are a major factor affecting the ability of rocks to absorb microwaves, so it is important to conduct experimental research on rock modification to improve the microwave absorption capacity of rocks. The concept of “microwave-assisted absorbing reagents” has been proposed to increase the microwave absorption capacity of rocks. Sandstone specimens are first pretreated with strong dielectric substances before being exposed to microwave radiation to increase their microwave absorption capacity, then they are exposed to microwave fields and finally conducted to uniaxial compression tests. Enhancement in microwave absorption capacity of sandstone specimens is showed by P-wave velocity, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mechanical tests before and after microwave treatment. The results showed that barium titanate suspension and water are both effective microwave-assisted absorbing agents. The specimens treated with barium titanate suspension exhibited better microwave absorption capacity; in 5 kW microwave power irradiation, its p-wave velocity falls by 14.04%, porosity rises by 25.43%, and uniaxial compressive strength falls by 24.98%. Additionally, the failure form of sandstone specimens changes from brittle to plastic once it has fully absorbed microwave energy.
Prevention of Skeletal-Related Events With Extended-Interval Denosumab: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Keisner Sidney Veach
Published: May 2023

Objective:

To review published clinical trial data related to efficacy and safety of administering denosumab at extended dosing intervals for prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) in cancer patients.

Data Sources:

A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2006 to February 2023) using the following search terms: denosumab, bone metastasis, bone lesions, and lytic lesions. Abstracts from conferences, article bibliographies, and product monographs were also reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Relevant English-language studies were considered.

Data Synthesis:

Early phase II denosumab trials included treatment arms that utilized extended-interval denosumab, and various retrospective reviews, meta-analyses, and prospective trials have included extended-interval regimens. Most recently, the ongoing randomized REDUSE trial is comparing the efficacy and safety of extended-interval denosumab to standard dosing. At this time, the best available data are restricted to small, randomized trials not designed to compare efficacy and safety of extended-interval denosumab to conventional dosing and did not use consistent endpoints. Furthermore, primary endpoints of available trials largely consisted of surrogate markers of efficacy that may not be reflective of clinical outcomes.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Historically, denosumab has been dosed at 4-week intervals for prevention of SREs. If efficacy is maintained, extending the dosing interval could potentially reduce toxicity, drug cost, and clinic visits compared to every 4-week dosing.

Conclusions:

At this time, data demonstrating efficacy and safety of extended-interval denosumab remain limited, and the results of the REDUSE trial are eagerly anticipated to help answer remaining questions.
The Prevalence of Prostate Cancer Among Young Men Below 55 Years of Age in Nigeria
Authors: Ntekim Atara , Folasire Ayorinde , Odukoya Oluwaponmile A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It was initially a disease of older men above the age of 55 years. Of recent, there has been reports of increase in the number of young men <55 years with prostate cancer (PCa). The disease in this age group has been reported to be more lethal because of aggressive characteristics and metastatic potential. Different populations have different proportions of young-onset PCa. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of young men aged <55 years with PCa in Nigeria.

Methods

Data on the prevalence of young men <55 years with PCa was extracted from the 2022 report of the prevalence of cancer in Nigeria from 2009 to 2016 based on the records of 15 major Cancer Registries in Nigeria. This was a publication of the Nigerian Ministry of Health and represents the most up to date data.

Results

In 4864 men diagnosed with malignancies before age 55, PCa was the second common, following liver cancer. Out of a total of 4091 cases of PCa in all age groups, 355 were diagnosed in men <55 years representing 8.86%. Furthermore, the proportion of young men with the disease in the Northern part of the country was 11.72%, whereas in the South, it was 7.77%.

Conclusions

PCa is the second most common cancer in young Nigerian men aged< 55 years preceded by liver cancer. The proportion of young men with PCa was 8.86%. It is therefore important to consider PCa in young men as a different entity and develop appropriate ways to control this disease to ensure survival and good quality of life.
Endovascular Therapies Using Catheter-Based Thrombectomy or Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Non-Cancer Associated Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gong Maofeng , Zhao Qing , Jiang Rui , Liu Zhengli , Zhao Boxiang , Kong Jie , He Xu , Gu Jianping
Published: May 2023

Objective:

To investigate the safety and effectiveness of catheter-based therapy (CBT) compared to conventional catheter-directed thrombosis (CDT) for non-oncological patients with inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT), as well to evaluate the differences between CBTs using AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy (ART) and large lumen catheter aspiration (LLCA).

Methods:

This retrospective single-center study included eligible patients with IVCT treated with CBTs coupled with/without CDT or CDT alone as the first-line treatment between January 3, 2015 and January 28, 2022. The baseline demographics, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, treatment details, course data were all reviewed.

Results:

A total of 106 patients (128 limbs) were included, with 42 cases were treated with ART, 30 with LLCA, and 34 with CDT alone. Technical success rates were 100% (128/128), and 95.5% (84/88) limbs treated with CBT subsequently underwent CDT. The mean duration of CDT time and total infusion agent dosage in patients with CBTs were lower than those who underwent CDT alone ( P < .05). Similarities were observed in ART compared to LLCA ( P < .05). At the end of CDT, clinical success was achieved in 85.2% (75/88) of limbs treated with CBTs and 77.5% (31/40) of limbs with CDT alone, and 88.5% (46/52) in ART and 80.6% (29/36) in LLCA. The 12-month follow-up showed slightly lower incidences of recurrent thrombosis (7.7% vs 15.2%) and post-thrombotic syndrome (14.1% vs 21.2%), which persisted in patients who underwent ART compared to LLCA (4.3% vs 12.9% and 8.5% vs 22.6%). Patients who underwent CBTs tended to have lower minor complications (5.6% vs 17.6%) but were at higher risk of transient macroscopic hemoglobinuria (58.3% vs 0%) and recoverable acute kidney injury (11.1% vs 2.9%) compared to CDT alone. These findings were similar in ART compared to LLCA (2.4% vs 10.0%, 100% vs 0%, and 16.7% vs 3.3%, respectively). LLCA seemed to have more hemoglobin losses (10.50 ± 9.20 vs 5.57 ± 10. 42 g/L, P < .05).

Conclusion:

CBTs coupled with/without CDT are safe and effective in patients with IVCT, reducing the clot burden in a moderate time, restoring blood flow rapidly, minimizing thrombolytic drug requirement and lowering minor bleeding complication compared to CDT alone. ART and LLCA have comparable outcomes but with different adverse event profiles.
Designing Cancer Warning Labels for Alcoholic Beverages: Examining the Impact of Visual Elements
Authors: Ma Zexin , Ma Rong
Published: May 2023

Alcohol is a known carcinogen. However, public awareness of cancer risk associated with alcohol use is low. A promising approach to raising awareness is to include cancer warning labels on alcohol-containing products, but there is limited knowledge of the design and effect of such warnings. The present study investigated the impact of visual elements on the effectiveness of cancer warning labels. In a randomized online experiment, alcohol consumers ( N = 1,190) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: exposure to (a) text-only warning labels, (b) pictorial warning labels showing graphic health effects (e.g., diseased organs), and (c) pictorial warning labels showing lived experience (e.g., cancer patients in a medical setting). The results showed that whereas the three warning types did not differ significantly in behavioral intentions, pictorial warnings featuring health effects led to greater disgust and anger than text-only warnings and pictorial warnings featuring lived experience. Moreover, anger predicted lower intentions to reduce alcohol use and was a significant mediator of the effects of warning type on behavioral intentions. The findings highlight the role of emotions in responses to health warning labels with different visual elements and suggest that text-only warnings and pictorial warnings with lived experience may be useful in preventing boomerang effects.
Chikomexochitl: an Indigenous research methodology rooted in the Masewal people’s worldview
Authors: Vazquez-Cordoba (Totonac) Hector , Flores Martínez (Masewal) Jesús Alberto
Published: May 2023

Masewal (Indigenous people who live in the Huasteca region, Mexico) associate Chikomexochitl (seven flower or corn-child) to a ritual practice and also with the five stages of the development of corn, from seed until the harvest is completed. Just as corn grows, the five stages of the development of corn provides us with a framework to centre the importance of building relationships of trust that grow over time when doing research with Indigenous communities. First, we provide a description of the Huasteca region. We then engage in a critical discussion to challenge the dominant western positivist approach in research, which has historically served to undermine Indigenous perspectives as less valid forms of knowledge. Masewal people’s narratives give meaningful insight into the Masewal worldview and the importance of corn and the corn plant. Finally, we propose the use of Chikomexochitl as an Indigenous research methodology rooted in the Masewal worldview.
Neoliberalism and neocolonialism in the mix: Evidence of glocalization in the globalization–localization dynamics of early childhood practices in Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Jennifer J
Published: May 2023

Since the 1990s, Hong Kong has been promoting globally-endorsed, Western-derived early childhood ideologies and approaches, such as the Project Approach ( *Chen et al., 2017 ). This orientation appears to be influenced by policies and practices linked to global neoliberalism and neocolonialism. To shed light on the state of knowledge concerning the implementability of the imported “foreign” practices by Hong Kong kindergarten teachers (teaching children ages 3–6), I conducted a research synthesis analyzing the 10 empirical articles that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis was guided by the two existing theoretical frameworks: (1) Tian Shi (timing/temporal), Di Li (context/spatial), Ren He (human capital) ( Chen and Li, 2023 ) and (2) the foreground-middle ground-background ( Chen, 2022 ) as well as the newly proposed globalization– localization interaction dynamics model. A content analysis revealed three salient findings. First, due to the lack of Tian Shi, Di Li, Ren He, Hong Kong kindergarten teachers’ implementation of the imported early childhood approaches with fidelity has been largely unsuccessful. Second, the evidence corroborates the foreground-middle ground-background theory, suggesting that a hybrid approach (combining both the local and global practices) represents the “best” implementable one. Third, the manner in which the teachers implemented the imported practices seemingly reflects a glocalization-dominant pattern. This pattern constitutes one of the four quadrants within my proposed globalization– localization interaction dynamics model. The four quadrants represent the specific degree of interactive dominance: (1) grobalization-dominant (high in globalization and low in localization); (2) glocalization-dominant (high in both localization and globalization); (3) non-committal (low in both globalization and localization); and (4) localization-dominant (low in globalization and high in localization).
The Sense-Creating Potential of Surrealist Poetry: A Case Study of a War Poem About Ukraine
Authors: Perzycka-Borowska Elzbieta
Published: May 2023

By creating and perversely analyzing a poem entitled “We scream and create so that the darkness does not prevail,” the author enters a personal journey as a “wordsmith” and observes her experience and understanding of the world affected by the war in Ukraine. The poem uses images and narrative techniques to trigger complex emotional states in the reader, encouraging them to confront violence, resistance, struggle, and conflict in the context of the war in Ukraine.
The First Case Report of 47,XXY/46,XX/46,XY Mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome Patient With Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder
Authors: Kalayci Yigin Aysel , Alay Mustafa Tarık , Uğurlu Serdal , Seven Mehmet
Published: May 2023

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) mosaicism 47,XXY/46,XX/46,XY is an extremely rare disorder. Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is a systemic rheumatological disease with overlapping characteristic features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It contains a higher titer level of U1-RNP and anti-RNP antibodies. A 50-year-old man was referred to our clinic with gynecomastia, lower extremity rash, persistent fever, arthralgia, muscle weakness, dry eye and mouth, Raynaud’s phenomenon abnormal, and hormone levels. He was a follow-up patient for MCTD. Chromosome analysis of the patient revealed an abnormal karyotype of mos47,XXY/46,XX/46,XY. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis indicated ish(SRYx1),(DZYx1)(DZX1x2)/ish (SRYx0),(DYZ1x0)(DZX1x2)/ish(SRYx1), (DZYx1)(DZX1x1). Although the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in Klinefelter syndrome is unknown, it is thought that the estimated frequency is higher than men, close levels to that of women. This might be explained by several genes that regulate the function of the immune system located on the X chromosome and the gene dosage mechanism that is the escape of X-inactivation in early embryogenesis for KS development. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to report a 47,XXY/46,XX/46,XY Klinefelter syndrome patient with MCTD.
Relationship Between Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype and Disposition Index in Chinese Men With Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Ma Chunpeng , Wang Rui , Lu Na , Ma Chunming , Yin Fuzai , Lu Qiang
Published: May 2023

The relationship between hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic β-cell function remains still unclear in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The objective is to detect whether the disposition index (DI) could be used as a predictive indicator of insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function in men with HTGW phenotype and NGT. A total of 180 men without diabetes were recruited in this study and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to calculate DI based on the OGTT. Subjects were put into Group A (normal waist circumference [WC] and triglyceride [TG] concentrations), B (enlarged WC or elevated TG concentrations), and C (HTGW phenotype, both enlarged WC and elevated TG concentrations) ( n = 60 for each group) according to WC and TG concentrations. The OGTT plasma glucose concentrations at 0.5 and 1 hr for patients in Groups B and C were higher than those in Group A (both p < .05). Group C patients had significantly lower 1/[fasting insulin] values and DI than those in Group A ( p < .05), and the 1/[fasting insulin] values in Group C were significantly lower than those in Group B ( p < .05). DI correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( p < .05), which was independently associated with WC ( p = .002) and TG ( p = .009). The HTGW phenotype is associated with decreased DI among men with NGT, indicating decreased DI is a strong predictor of future impaired glucose tolerance, which can provide guidance and reference for screening patients with potential impaired glucose tolerance in Chinese community population.
Design of a floating raft system by exploiting the nonlinear damping
Authors: Wang You , Zhu Xinghua , Guo Jianhua , Chen Bingbing , Zhou Xiqiao
Published: May 2023

In the present study, the optimization design of the cubic nonlinear damping is conducted for a floating raft isolation system, which can be simplified as a multiple degree-of-freedom system with double parallel freedom inputs. The direct relationship between the power transmissibility and cubic nonlinear damping parameters is derived by taking advantage of the output frequency response function (OFRF) approach. The design requirements are proposed in order to achieve low resonant peak values, low power transmissibility over the high frequency range. The detailed step-by-step design process of the floating raft isolation system applied in a practical vessel is provided. A polynomial function, in terms of the required frequency range, is developed and validated from the simulation data. The case application indicates that the design method determined by the OFRF approach can effectively realize the design requirements of a floating raft isolation system, which can deal with the relationship of the power transmissibility and nonlinear damping parameters.
Research on the influence of the baby schema effect on the cuteness and trustworthiness of social robot faces
Authors: Chen Chien-Hsiung , Jia Xiaoyu
Published: May 2023

Exploring people’s attitudes toward the appearance design of social robots in a low-cost and efficient way, and enhancing the experience of human–robot interaction have always been topics of concern for robot developers and interaction designers. This study aimed to explore the influence of the baby schema effect on users’ perceptions of cuteness and trustworthiness pertinent to social robot faces through two experiments. Experiment 1 used 100 uniformly processed pictures of robot faces in the real world to help explore the linear relationship among the degree of baby face, cuteness, and trustworthiness, and received a total of 98 valid questionnaires via the Internet. Experiment 2 was a 5 × 3 within-subjects factorial design. The research variables were robot type (i.e. MAKI, RoboThespian, Flobi, Pepper, and iCat) and baby schema (low schema, uncontrolled, and high schema); their impact on users’ perceptions of cuteness and trustworthiness was investigated. A total of 175 valid questionnaires were collected via the Internet. The generated results are as follows: (1) The degree of baby face and perceived emotion of social robot faces had a positive impact on trustworthiness for most real-world robots. (2) This study obtained the correlation formula of baby face, cuteness, and trustworthiness from a quantitative point of view, thus providing a reference for research on the related credibility of communication robots. (3) In general, baby schema effect also existed in the cuteness evaluation of most real-world robots. Faces with high schema were considered cuter and more trustworthy than uncontrolled or low schema faces. (4) Robot type and baby schema had a significant interaction with cuteness and trustworthiness. (5) However, for certain types of robots, baby schema effect may also have a counter-effect, that is, an overly high baby schema may reduce users’ perceptions of the cuteness and trustworthiness of social robots.
Chlamydia trachomatis: Management and screening
Authors: Podlasek Anna , Stewart Claire , Mackie Charley , Latham-Cork Harriett
Published: May 2023

C hlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. In up to 50% of men and 70% of women, infection is asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic and can easily be missed. Untreated infection can cause significant morbidity including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. These harmful consequences occur predominantly in women. The UK National Chlamydia Screening Programme recommends opportunistic chlamydia screening for sexually active women who are less than 25 years old. This article provides a contemporary overview of chlamydia. Within this article, references to ‘women’ includes cisgender women and other people with a uterus or ovaries – including transgender men, non-binary people (assigned female at birth) and intersex people with a uterus or ovaries who have not had a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy. ‘Men’ includes cisgender men as well as all other people with a penis and testes, including transgender women who have not had bilateral orchidectomy.
Changes in fecal metabolic and lipidomic features by anti-TNF treatment and prediction of clinical remission in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kim Seok-Young , Shin Seung Yong , Park Soo Jung , Im Jong Pil , Kim Hyo Jong , Lee Kang-Moon , Kim Ji Won , Jung Sung-Ae , Lee Jun , Kang Sang-Bum , Shin Sung Jae , Kim Eun Sun , Kim You Sun , Kim Tae Oh , Kim Hyun-Soo , Park Dong Il , Kim Hyung Kil , Kim Eun Soo , Kim Young-Ho , Teng Dennis , Kim Jong-Hwa , Kim Wonyong , Saeed Maham , Moon Jung Min , Kim Kisung , Choi Chang Hwan , Choi Hyung-Kyoon
Published: May 2023

Background:

Therapeutic targets for ulcerative colitis (UC) and prediction models of antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy outcomes have not been fully reported.

Objective:

Investigate the characteristic metabolite and lipid profiles of fecal samples of UC patients before and after adalimumab treatment and develop a prediction model of clinical remission following adalimumab treatment.

Design:

Prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted on moderate-to-severe UC patients ( n = 116).

Methods:

Fecal samples were collected from UC patients at 8 and 56 weeks of adalimumab treatment and from healthy controls (HC, n = 37). Clinical remission was assessed using the Mayo score. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses were performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and nano electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, respectively. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis was performed to establish a remission prediction model.

Results:

Fecal metabolites in UC patients markedly differed from those in HC at baseline and were changed similarly to those in HC during treatment; however, lipid profiles did not show these patterns. After treatment, the fecal characteristics of remitters (RM) were closer to those of HC than to those of non-remitters (NRM). At 8 and 56 weeks, amino acid levels in RM were lower than those in NRM and similar to those in HC. After 56 weeks, levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate, lysine, and phenethylamine decreased, and dodecanoate level increased in RM similarly to those in HC. The prediction model of long-term remission in male patients based on lipid biomarkers showed a higher performance than clinical markers.

Conclusion:

Fecal metabolites in UC patients markedly differ from those in HC, and the levels in RM are changed similarly to those in HC after anti-TNF therapy. Moreover, 3-hydroxybutyrate, lysine, phenethylamine, and dodecanoate are suggested as potential therapeutic targets for UC. A prediction model of long-term remission based on lipid biomarkers may help implement personalized treatment.
Developing Learning Leaders: How Modeling PLC Culture in Principal Preparation Can Shift the Leadership Views of Aspiring Administrators
Authors: Lash Cristina L. , Burton Amy S. , Usinger Janet
Published: May 2023

While scholars argue that school administrators should cultivate a culture of learning and efficacy among staff, little is known about how to develop learning leaders. This study investigated whether a principal preparation course that modeled a Professional Learning Community and utilized Powerful Learning Experiences (PLEs) could shift the mental models of aspiring leaders toward learning leadership. A qualitative analysis of weekly journal entries indicated that the course supported half of students in developing learning leadership values, one entered disequilibrium, and the others remained management oriented. We argue that developing learning leaders requires greater exposure to PLEs throughout their principal preparation.
Taurodontism in simultaneous existence with multiple supernumerary teeth: A case report
Authors: Yakoup Dena , Rodosthenous Efraim , Giannakopoulos Kostis
Published: May 2023

Supernumerary teeth and taurodontism are both common dental anomalies when found as isolated entities. However, simultaneous presence in the same individual without a syndrome is rarely reported in the literature. This case report describes a 20-year-old non-syndromic male with multiple supernumerary teeth in association with multiple molar and premolar taurodonts and no family history of genetic predisposing factors. Taurodontism was measured and confirmed through cone-beam computed tomography for accuracy of the classification. Early diagnosis with the aid of radiographic imaging and persistent follow-up are crucial to treatment.
Profitability of Agricultural Micro and Small-Scale Enterprise in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Endris Ebrahim , Kassegn Andualem
Published: May 2023

The contribution of micro and small enterprises is limited as the majority are financially constrained and half of them exit from business in 2014/15, Amhara Region. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the profitability of agricultural micro and small-scale enterprises in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Primary data was collected from 271 sample enterprises. The study employed descriptive and econometrics models for the data analysis. The financial ratio result shows that the return on asset, return on owner equity and net profit margin were 0.1601, 0.2768, and 0.1520 birr, respectively. The result of the probit model estimation shows that six variables, namely enterprise age, manager education level, credit use, input availability, owners’ aspiration, and frequency of extension contact significantly and positively influenced the probability of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) being profitable. The second hurdle model, the truncation model showed that enterprise age, manager education level, record keeping, access to input, and frequency of extension contact significantly affected the extent of agricultural MSEs’ profitability. Therefore, enhancing the knowledge, skill, and aspirations of enterprise owners, improving financial access and outreach, providing financial bookkeeping training and practice, creating reliable integration with input producers, and frequent extension support to enhance the profitability and sustainability of enterprises.