bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Human Disturbance on the Endangered Preuss’s Monkey (Allochrocebus preussi) in the Ebo Forest, Cameroon: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Nkengbeza Standly Nkemnyi , Mesame Ngome Laura , Ngansop Eric T. , Makak Rose Ngo , Rosa Jennifer (Jenn) da , Tumenta Precilia F. , Abwe Ekwoge Enang , Nana Eric Djomo , Fokam Eric Bertrand
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim: Knowledge of population size is crucial for efficient conservation planning. Limited population survey data exist for the Endangered Preuss’s monkey in Cameroon’s Ebo forest, a stronghold for this species and several other IUCN RedList species. In this study, we assessed the population size of Preuss’s monkey in the Ebo forest. Methods: Ecological data on Preuss’s monkey and evidence of anthropogenic disturbances were collected based on recce surveys. Encounter Rate was used to assess abundance and distribution, and for comparing relative abundance among four survey sites. We employed ANOVA to test for significant differences in encounters with Preuss’s monkey across sites in the Ebo forest. We used regression analysis to identify possible relationships between encounters with Preuss’s monkey and anthropogenic activities recorded. Results: Based on direct sightings, we observed 66 individuals residing in 11 groups. This resulted in an encounter rate of 0.15_individuals/km, a sighting frequency of 0.024_groups/km, and an encounter frequency of 0.062_groups/km of Preuss’s monkeys. On average, an encounter rate of 2.4_signs of anthropogenic activities/km was documented. Our results revealed a negative and significant correlation between encounters of Preuss’s monkey and human activities such as hunting signs, logging signs, evidence of planted crops, collection of Non-Timber Forest Products, and fishing activity. Conclusion: Our investigation indicates that the population of Preuss’s monkey in the Ebo forest totals approximately 481 individuals, which is consistent with their Endangered status. Implications for Conservation: We recommend continued monitoring and research on this population to better determine the specific drivers of their population decline. We also advocate a community conservation approach to incentivize local communities to take a more active role in preserving the forest and protecting Preuss’s monkey. Equally important, are programs of conservation education and awareness, in an attempt to inspire local people to become involved in this species conservation.
Drowning Out Dissent: The Thai Military’s Quest to Fabricate Popular Support on Twitter
Authors: Sirikupt Chonlawit
Published: September 2024

Why and how do autocracies discursively conduct digital astroturfing against their populations? As these regimes increasingly co-opt social media to manipulate online political discourse, the current political disinformation literature continues to privilege a Cold War paradigm, focusing on countries that dominate Western foreign policy priorities and concerns. Its normative underpinnings overshadow other understudied cases that have also been weaponizing social media to manipulate domestic online discourses. Concurrently, findings from ethnographic interviews and big data approaches remain theoretically disconnected from the long-held logics of regime stabilization. I argue that regime digital astroturfing follows offline events that spark online discourses with collective action potential. In countering these discourses, regime-linked digital astroturfers exploit social media affordances to discursively cheerlead the regime and devalue regime challengers to create a semblance of popular support for the former. I adopt a mixed-methods approach informed by Contextual Text Coding to examine 14,430 tweets linked to the Royal Thai Army in February 2020 to subject my central propositions to empirical scrutiny. My findings demonstrated that astroturfing efforts on Twitter throughout this period, which discursively cheerleaded the military/autocratic regime of General Prayut Chan-o-cha and devalued their pro-democratic opposition with negative frames, were spurred by a mass shooting incident in the city of Korat that exposed the ruling elites to widespread online backlash. This contribution deepens case-specific knowledge about an understudied case in the literature and also strengthens our understanding about the adaptations of authoritarian legitimation strategies in the digital era and the militarization of social media communication.
Principal Preparation in the Arabian Gulf Region: A Comparative Study of Three Countries
Authors: Hammad Waheed , Scott Shelleyann , Chaaban Youmen , Alazmi Ayeshah
Published: September 2024

This research is an Arabian Gulf contribution to the International Study of Principal Preparation (ISPP). It compares the perspectives of Arabian school principals regarding their leadership preparation, drawing on three sets of data collected from Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. Data were collected using the Arabic version of the ISPP survey. The investigation included adequacy of leadership preparation, problematic aspects of leadership, and prior leadership learning experiences. Quantitative analyses (descriptive statistics) were conducted to calculate percentages of agreement related to these aspects. Findings revealed interesting commonalities and differences between the three samples. The study concludes with suggestions for improving future leadership preparation provision.
Capitalist roaders or socialist reformers? A critical review of Marxist literature on China since 1976
Authors: Mehra Mrig Sanjay
Published: September 2024

Marx identified a transitional phase between capitalism and communism in which society is transformed under a Revolutionary Dictatorship, but still retains aspects of the capitalist society from which it was born. Socialist construction then, is not only the process of developing the productive forces and transforming the relations of production. It is also a process of continued ideological and class struggle against remaining capitalist elements within society. This is both a struggle against the resurgence of capitalist relations within the economic base, as well as a project of societal transformation. Much of the debate over China's economy rests on the nature of the 1978 Reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping. Marxists debate whether these Reforms represent a break with the project of socialist construction in China or a development of this process. This paper will critically review the scholarship on the question of socialist construction in China before and after the Reforms, reviewing works by Deng Xiaoping, Domenico Losurdo, Charles Bettelheim , William Hinton, Pao-Yu Ching, Minqi Li, and Zhun Xu.
Antimicrobial Prescription Patterns for Acute Sinusitis 2015–2022: A Comparison to Published Guidelines
Authors: Dhar Sarit , Kothari Dhruv S. , Tomescu Ana L. , D’Anza Brian , Rodriguez Kenneth , Sheyn Anthony , Rangarajan Sanjeet V.
Published: September 2024

Background

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is one of the most encountered conditions in primary care and otolaryngology clinics. However, little is known about how antibiotic prescription practices following a diagnosis of ARS compare to guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Otolaryngology in 2015.

Objective

To investigate the epidemiology of ARS and the corresponding antibiotic prescribing practices by physicians and compare to published guidelines.

Methods

Using the TriNetX Live database, we identified all patients diagnosed with ARS using the ICD10 code J01 between April 2015 and December 2022 across the state of Tennessee. After investigating the demographics of this cohort, we compared the first prescribed antibiotic within one day of ARS diagnosis to published guidelines. Antibiotics were grouped into their respective classes.

Results

Of 81 310 patients diagnosed with ARS identified in the specified time frame, 66% were Female, 49% were African American, 44% were White, and the mean age was 47 ± 20 years. The six most common initial antibiotics prescribed for ARS were erythromycins/macrolides [14 609 (25.8%)], amoxicillin/clavulanate [14 322 (25.3%)], amoxicillin [9300 (16.4%)], third generation cephalosporins [7733 (13.6%)], quinolones [3648 (6.4%)] and tetracyclines [2235 (3.9%)]. Of this cohort, 56 719 patients (69.8%) of patients were prescribed an antibiotic within one day of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Despite published guidelines recommending amoxicillin with or without clavulanic acid as first-line treatment for ARS, only 42.2% of prescribed antibiotics followed this guideline in our cohort. While accounting for patients with penicillin allergy, the second-most represented antibiotics were erythromycins/macrolides, which are specifically recommended against due to high rates of S. Pneumoniae resistance. Our results suggest that further investigation into the causes of erythromycin/macrolide prescriptions as first line treatment for ARS and practices at other institutions should be conducted. In addition, building awareness around published ARS guidelines for physicians may be useful in improving antibiotic stewardship in treatment of ARS.
Perceived Naturalness Biases Objective Behavior in Both Trivial and Meaningful Contexts
Authors: Meier Brian P. , Noreen Eric E. , Ji Li-Jun , Fellman Michael B. , Lappas Courtney M.
Published: September 2024

Research shows that perceived naturalness can bias beliefs about the positivity of items such as food, human talent, and vaccines. Yet, this research focuses on self-reports, which leaves open the implications it has for behavior. In four studies ( N = 492), we tested if perceived naturalness impacts trivial and meaningful behaviors. Participants were asked to consume a purported natural/synthetic performance drink (Study 1), test a purported natural/synthetic drug that would be injected (Study 2), eat chocolate containing a purported natural/synthetic cocoa described as causing stomach discomfort (Study 3), or choose a sticker purportedly made with natural/synthetic ink (Study 4). A significant majority of participants (66%–84%) chose and followed through with the natural versus synthetic option. Perceived naturalness guided behavior in contexts involving little (sticker choice) to substantial (drug injection) potential consequences. Self-reports can weakly predict behaviors, but the results revealed that perceived naturalness biases self-reports and behaviors in a similar fashion.
Anti-discrimination cases decided by the Court of Justice of the EU in 2023
Authors: Martinović Adrijana
Published: September 2024

This case law update summarises the cases decided by the Court of Justice of the EU in 2023 in the field of EU anti-discrimination law.
Large subserous uterine leiomyoma presenting as intraabdominal tumor: A case report
Authors: Ashindoitiang John A , Canice Nwagbara Victor I , Edet Ekpo E , Ugbem Theophilus Ipeh , Ukam Joseph S , Asuquo Maurice E
Published: September 2024

Uterine leiomyomas are common benign gynecological tumors due to the overgrowth of uterine smooth muscle. Pedunculated uterine leiomyoma occurs when the mass is in continuity with the uterus with a stalk and may grow either within the uterine cavity or outside of the uterus and may mimic ovarian neoplasms or intraabdominal tumors. Presented is a 28-year-old woman with a progressive abdominal swelling in the past 9 months seen at the surgical outpatient of our facility. Preoperative CT suggested a diagnosis of an intrabdominal cystic. She had laparotomy and was offered myomectomies on account of a large subserous uterine mass arising from the right side of the uterine fundus, small subserous fundal mass, intramural mass in the left side of the fundus and a cervical mass. Histology confirmed multiple uterine leiomyomas with extensive cystic degenerative changes of the large subserous uterine myoma and adenomyosis of the left fundal mass. Detecting the continuity of an abdominal mass even with extensive degenerative changes mimicking a cyst in continuity with the uterus by a pedicle sign on imaging in the absence of ascites should arouse the diagnosis of pedunculated subserosal leiomyoma. This should be further heightened when it is found in association with cervical myoma. Subserous uterine leiomyoma should be considered in a patient of childbearing age with a grossly distended abdomen without obvious evidence of pregnancy or malignancy. Large subserous uterine leiomyoma in an intraabdominal location may present with diagnostic and surgical challenges that require interdisciplinary cooperation.
Cure, mechanical and swelling characteristics of composites of neoprene rubber and starch from non-edible variety of dioscorea tuber
Authors: Paduppingal Sajna , Kalathil Thodi Ramlath , Pookuth Nusrath , Cherumadathil Rajesh
Published: September 2024

Composites of Polychloroprene rubber (CR, Neoprene rubber) reinforced with starch from non-edible variety of dioscorea tuber were prepared using three different vulcanizing systems. The cure, mechanical, solvent resistance and biodegradable characteristics of the composites were studied. The addition of starch from dioscorea tuber was found to improve CR’s tensile strength. The maximum torque value increases with the loading of filler and it was found to be the highest at 20 phr. The addition of starch from dioscorea tuber was found to improve CR’s tensile strength and highest value observed at 20 phr. Among the different curing systems studied, the modified DCP system shows maximum mechanical properties, optimum properties of the composites are at 20 phr. The values of the swelling coefficients were determined by examining the intake of the solvents N, N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide and water by the composites. The soil burial test indicated that biodegradability of CR enhanced with the addition of starch. The findings of mechanical properties are supported by studies using scanning electron microscopy. Since starch is a naturally occurring biopolymer, adding it encourages microbial activity, which breaks down the composite components. This quality is essential for resolving plastic waste-related environmental issues. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will aid in the development of materials for specific product applications like gasoline hoses, tire sidewalls, seals, and so on.
Comparative analysis of blast prediction software for far-field shock wave effects behind a blast wall
Authors: Chester Alastair , Hazael Rachael , Critchley Richard
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates a selection of current and emerging software used in the prediction of overpressure generated through the detonation of a high explosive in the far field behind a blast wall. In particular, this paper compares the software Autodyn, blastFoam, ProSAir, Viper::Blast and WALAIR++. These packages are compared by simulating a 100 kg TNT explosive charge at a stand-off distance of 25 m from a complex structure, then reviewing the performance in terms of the overpressure results, speed of each modelling package, the degree of effect from mesh, and domain sizes and ease of use. A live experimental trial representing the simulation was also performed, although it used a similar but different explosive, for a high-level comparison. The live-trial instrumentation design details are reviewed and compared with best practice. The choice of software is found to lead to variations in peak pressure predictions of 28%, specific impulse by 10% and the simulation speed can vary by a factor of up to 1600 for this type of study. This shows that the choice of blast software package can have a significant impact on the accuracy and attainability of blast predictions.
Fetal exposure to isotretinoin in Saudi Arabia: a multicenter real-world data analysis from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Albogami Yasser , Almadani Ohoud , Almohareb Sumaya N. , Alshehri Sultan , Alkhaibari Abdullah , Anzan Mona , Alsharif Alaa , Alhossan Abdulaziz , Alrwisan Adel
Published: September 2024

Background:

Despite its high efficacy in treating severe acne, isotretinoin is associated with serious side effects, including teratogenicity. However, the extent of isotretinoin exposure during pregnancy in Saudi Arabia remains unknown.

Objectives:

This study aims to quantify the extent of fetal exposure to isotretinoin in Saudi Arabia and to evaluate adherence to risk minimization measures approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This multicenter retrospective study included a cohort of 6233 women of childbearing ages (WCBAs) who had received isotretinoin therapy between 2015 and 2020. Exposure to isotretinoin use was ascertained from patients’ electronic health records and was defined as any positive pregnancy test (urine or serum) or any diagnosis or procedure related to pregnancy occurring during the risk period. We defined the risk period starting from isotretinoin initiation until up to 30 days after the last prescription. We quantified the overall incidence proportion of fetal exposure to isotretinoin by dividing the number of pregnancy cases during the risk period by the total study sample of WCBAs.

Results:

The cohort predominantly included young females (20–29 years), with a mean age of 24 years. Only 5% of the WCBAs used contraceptives, and 10% have a record of pregnancy testing. During the risk period, 34 pregnancies were identified, yielding a cumulative pregnancy incidence of 5.6 per 1000 WCBAs. Pregnancy outcomes for exposed women were about 5% of births had defects, while abortions accounted for 14.3% of pregnancies.

Conclusion:

Our investigation shows an alarming incidence of fetal exposure to isotretinoin in Saudi Arabia, substantially surpassing global estimates. These results underscore a critical need for enhanced interventions and robust risk minimization strategies tailored to the distinct challenges faced by the Saudi Arabian population.
Clinical and diagnostic features of central nervous system tuberculosis in Indian children – a descriptive study
Authors: Daniel Bella Devaleenal , Selladurai Elilarasi , Balaji Sarath , Venkatesan Arunagirinathan , Venkatesan Mythily , Giridharan Prathiksha , Shanmugam Sivakumar , Natrajan Saravanan , Karunaianantham Ramesh , Kandasamy Devika , Subramani Rajakumar , Muthuramalingam Kannan , Pramila Snegha K. , Hissar Syed , Dooley Kelly E. , Thakur Kiran T.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) present with diagnostic challenges as they often have atypical clinical features.

Objective:

To describe the baseline characteristic features of children diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) TB (TBM and tuberculoma).

Design:

Retrospective descriptive study.

Methods:

Children less than 12 years presenting with neurological signs and symptoms were assessed for a therapeutic TBM trial eligibility. The results of their clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid evaluations were analysed for TBM diagnosis.

Results:

Of 600 children evaluated, 61(10%) had CNS tuberculosis; TBM 47, tuberculoma 14. 20(33%) had definite TBM. Mean age of children with TBM was 5 ± 3.4 years. Of 47, 13(28%), 21(45%) and 13(28%) had grade I, II, and III disease respectively. Abnormalities suggestive of TBM in MRI and computed tomography brain were observed in 76% (26/34) and 77% (24/31) respectively. Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count, protein and glucose were observed in 56% (24/43), 49% (22/45), 47% (21/45) respectively. Among 41 patients with TBM followed up until discharge, five died.

Conclusion:

Younger children with TBM have severe forms. Confirmatory results may not be available in all. A holistic approach to care including addressing complications of hydrocephalus and strokes is needed.
Babaylan feminist multiplicity: Reclaiming Filipino women’s history and agency
Authors: Tapia Lizette Pearl Galima
Published: September 2024

The article proposes “Babaylan feminist multiplicity,” as a theoretical concept, towards the honoring of the multiplicity of identities, bodies, and agency. It reflects on the history and struggles of the Babaylan, pre-colonial priestesses, contemporary Filipino females, and a queer transgender woman, Jennifer Laude, which are paralleled with Biblical characters and narratives reinterpreted from a post-colonial, gender, and queer perspective. The work exposes how popular readings of such passages perpetuate gender violence and disempowerment while reflecting on the theological issues of incarnation, desire, and body. “ Babaylan feminist multiplicity” is argued to allow space for queering and even the reimagining of the meaning of God’s love, Christ’s body, and human eros.
Influenza A infection as a potential trigger of giant cell arteritis: A case report
Authors: Kosteska Misajlevska Dragana , Pavol Peter , Ziaka Mairi
Published: September 2024

Presenting as a large vessel vasculitis, giant cell arteritis (GCA) manifests with various symptoms, including fever, myalgias, headache, and jaw claudication. Although the precise pathogenesis of GCA remains incompletely elucidated, there is speculation about the involvement of environmental factors and infectious agents like bacteria and viruses in its development. Nevertheless, data on the potential link between influenza infection and GCA are limited. In this report, we present the case of an 88-year-old patient diagnosed with GCA following a severe influenza A infection.
A novel variant of ATRX gene is potentially associated with alpha-thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome: Case report and literature review
Authors: Sarah Berrada , Amal Tazzite , Bouchaib Gazzaz , Hind Dehbi
Published: September 2024

ATRX gene (alpha-thalassemia mental retardation X-linked) encodes for a chromatin remodeler and regular transcription protein, part of the SNF2 family of chromatin remodeling proteins. Mutations in this gene have been associated with severe syndromes, including intellectual disability, typical facial dysmorphia, urogenital anomalies, and atypical alpha thalassemia. In this report, we present a 7-year-old Moroccan boy with severe intellectual disability, autistic features, typical facial dysmorphia, bilateral cryptorchidism, and scoliosis. Whole exome sequencing identified a missense variant of uncertain significance in the ATRX gene (NM_000489.3: c.745G>A). In silico tools strongly predict the pathogenicity of this variant. Moreover, this variant occurs in a highly conserved domain, potentially affecting the function of the encoded protein, and the glycine at position 249 is well conserved across different species. Further studies are needed to confirm the pathogenicity of this novel variant to establish adequate genetic counseling.
A rare clinical presentation of pedunculated superficial angiomyxoma in the anal canal: A case report
Authors: Podrimaj-Bytyqi Arjeta , Hashani Merita
Published: September 2024

Superficial angiomyxoma is an infrequent benign soft tissue tumor, clinically presented as slow-growing, painless cutaneous, or subcutaneous mass. It is mostly described in middle aged population with preference location in trunk, head, neck, and genitalia. Herein, we report a rare growth variant of a solitary superficial angiomyxoma with uncommon site of occurrence in a 39-year-old female. Pedunculated superficial angiomyxoma originating in anal canal is extremely rare. Histological features of the lesion comprising of spindle-shaped and stellate cells dispersed in myxoid stroma and prominent thin-walled blood vessels defined the diagnosis of superficial angiomyxoma. Tumor cells with immunohistochemistry analysis showed positivity for vimentin and CD34 and negativity for S100, while Ki-67 showed a low proliferation index. The recurrence of superficial angiomyxoma is previously described, but in our case no signs of recurrence were seen in follow-up for a period of 6 months. Superficial angiomyxoma should be considered as differential diagnosis with other polypoid or nodular masses in anal canal.
Do we have time for democracy? Climate action and the problem of time in the Anthropocene
Authors: Ejsing Mads , Tønder Lars , Jensen Ingrid Helene Brandt , Hansen Janus
Published: September 2024

The urgency of climate change has brought democracy to a critical juncture. Existing democratic systems struggle to address the pressing time frames required for effective climate action. This article explores a fundamental shift in temporal orientation caused by climate change. Democracy’s linear and progressive image of time clashes with the expanding scales of temporality, encompassing both planetary and microscopic processes. More specifically, the article examines the theoretical links between democracy, climate change, and time in the Anthropocene through empirical engagements with the climate politics associated with deliberative assemblies, community organizing, and activist movements. The core argument is that within these democratic innovations, new future-oriented responses to the crises are beginning to emerge. These innovations experiment with extending democracy’s temporal image beyond its conventional boundaries, paving the way for a multi-trajectory democratic politics. The article concludes by discussing the tensions and potential consequences of these democratic practices, ultimately arguing in favor of a multiple and layered understanding of democratic time that extends beyond distinctly human temporalities.
Data communism: Constructing a national data ecosystem
Authors: Aho Brett
Published: September 2024

Over the past decade, China has gradually begun to take a more proactive approach to digital development, passing a range of policies that aim to restructure how data is treated within its national economic system. These policies reflect the construction of a new data ecology in which data is gradually reconceptualized as a quasi-public good, rather than a private good. Strategic interventions aim to increase data circulation and supply, with the goal of promoting high-quality economic growth. Central to these reforms is the designation of data as a factor of production, which accelerates the authority of the communist party to shape the allocation of data within the national economic system. Viewed holistically, these policies reflect an intentional effort to construct a more communal data ecosystem that facilitates increased data circulation in support of a state-led centralized approach to social and economic development. What emerges is a variety of data communism, in which data resources are increasingly conceptualized to serve collective interests rather than the interests of capital.
Exploring small stories of older adults elicited by virtual nature videos with a randomized online survey
Authors: Otten Kars , van Rompay Thomas JL , van ‘t Klooster Jan-Willem JR , Gerritsen Debby L , Westerhof Gerben J
Published: September 2024

Objective

Counteracting feelings of loneliness among older adults underscores the need to improve social well-being, for example, by sharing small stories. Interestingly, virtual representation of nature (VN) can stimulate social aspirations and trigger associations, which could be used as conversational material. Especially nature's characteristics of mystery and spaciousness seem promising. Therefore, it was investigated whether VN can elicit small stories in older adults using a randomized 2 (mystery: low vs. high) × 2 (spaciousness: low vs. high) design.

Methods

In total 118 participants (60 years and older) were recruited. Small stories, nature-relatedness, available nature opportunities and demographics were measured. The small stories were analysed with respect to story elements (sum range: 0–4) and storytelling characteristics (ease of storytelling, valence, social intention).

Results

The VN were able to elicited small stories: 97% ( N = 115) contained at least one story element. Moreover, when participants felt more related to nature and assigned more positive valence to their story, they also had stronger intentions to use their story for social interaction. The VN characteristics of mystery and spaciousness showed no effects.

Conclusion

Not so much the characteristics of nature (mystery and spaciousness) as the characteristics of the participants (nature-relatedness) played an important role in eliciting and sharing small stories.
Identification of required capabilities of digital health ecosystems when preventing and managing non-communicable diseases
Authors: Pikkarainen Minna , Iivari Marika , Gomes Julius F , Kaartinen Jouni , Xu Yueqiang , Hong-Gu He , Gazerani Parisa
Published: September 2024

Objective

Non-communicable diseases cause annual mortality for 41 million people worldwide. These diseases include coronary heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and musculoskeletal as well as mental disorders. Innovation ecosystems in healthcare are multifactor networks in which different stakeholders interact together to create socio-economic (patient and cost) value via research, co-creation, and traditional market activities. Although there is much evidence about the impact of digital health interventions and the capabilities needed to support individual actors and specific diseases in non-communicable disease prevention and management, the current understanding of the concept of innovation ecosystems associated with theories is not well understood. There is also a lack of research about innovation ecosystems in the healthcare context. Or understanding of the holistic perspective of the capabilities needed in innovation ecosystems to support future digital health. The objective of this study was to answer this research gap by identifying what capabilities are needed in future digital health ecosystems related to people with non-communicable diseases or at risk of non-communicable diseases. By doing this, the study will help different organisations and policies address this very challenging situation.

Methods

To answer this objective, a qualitative interview-based study including 34 semi-structured interviews was conducted in Finland. Complex adaptive systems theory was used as a theoretical lens to analyse empirical data.

Results and conclusion

Several new capabilities were identified for digital health innovation ecosystems to make organisation managers and policymakers aware of how to deal with future health system demands. From the organisational perspective, capabilities are needed to use non-medical and heterogeneous data to support better treatments and clinical decision-making and provide better and safer data access. From the management perspective, hospitals need capabilities to allow critical experts to participate in innovation work, and overall, all ecosystem actors need capabilities to orchestrate research and innovation actions in the area of digital health.
Exploring the potential of digital therapeutics: An assessment of progress and promise
Authors: Armeni Patrizio , Polat Irem , De Rossi Leonardo Maria , Diaferia Lorenzo , Meregalli Severino , Gatti Anna
Published: September 2024

Digital therapeutics (DTx), a burgeoning subset of digital health solutions, has garnered considerable attention in recent times. These cutting-edge therapeutic interventions employ diverse technologies, powered by software algorithms, to treat, manage, and prevent a wide array of diseases and disorders. Although DTx shows significant promise as an integral component of medical care, its widespread integration is still in the preliminary stages. This limited adoption can be largely attributed to the scarcity of comprehensive research that delves into DTx's scope, including its technological underpinnings, potential application areas, and challenges—namely, regulatory hurdles and modest physician uptake. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by offering an in-depth overview of DTx products’ value to both patients and clinicians. It evaluates the current state of maturity of DTx applications driven by digital technologies and investigates the obstacles that developers and regulators encounter in the market introduction phase.
Community-based, inclusive design of a 3D tactile map to enable playground navigation for children who are visually impaired and blind
Authors: Alturaifi Abdullah , Colbert Jamekia , Doakes LaRhonda , Dupont Kenzie , Faulk Blanche , Gatune Eva , Gaudet Jennifer , Gayle Anna , Jena Stacy , Kennard Gracie , Le Tiffany , Lima Marybeth , Maxwell Isabelle , Matherne Cameron , Robinson J Fischer , Tramontana Bri , Tran Thomas , Vallery Shane
Published: September 2024

The LSU Community Playground Project (LSUCPP) collaborates with communities (especially the true experts at play, the children) to design and build playgrounds that reflect “the soul of the community.” One member of the LSUCPP undertook a research project in an effort to design better playgrounds for use by children who are visually impaired or blind. A recommendation from this research was to provide a 3D-printed tactile map of each play area, such that children who were visually impaired or blind could feel the location and type of equipment and ground surfaces prior to entering a playground, which would enable them to play independently. In this paper, we tell the story of how engineering students and faculty collaborated with children with visual impairments or blindness and their teachers and professional staff to co-design and build a 3D printed tactile map at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI). Specifically, we detail how we co-designed this artifact, the ways in which the artifact developed due to this inclusive approach, briefly present the design, and discuss how engineers engaged in the design of assistive technologies can put inclusive design principles and community-based design processes into action.
“The Future Is Bright! Is It?”: Investigating Effects of Hopeful Mental Health Content and Endorsement Cues on Social Media
Authors: Beelen Elien , Karsay Kathrin
Published: September 2024

Mental health content on social media usually highlights positive emotions, especially hope. This article presents an experimental study on the effects of hopeful social media posts on Instagram. Drawing on appraisal theory and the phenomenon of spillover effects, we developed a 2 × 2 between-subjects post-test experiment, where we manipulated the message type (i.e., hope message vs. control condition) and the level of endorsement (i.e., high vs. low number of likes) of Instagram posts. Following exposure to our media stimuli, we studied the effects on subsequent levels of hope, life satisfaction, mental health stigma, willingness to disclose about mental health, and willingness to provide support on social media among a sample of n = 479 young adults ( Mage = 20.97 years, SD = 2.10). Our pre-registered analysis revealed no significant main or interaction effects in the predicted direction. We discuss the findings in the context of health communication, reflect the study’s limitations, and provide suggestions for future research.
Empowered or Constrained in Platform Governance? An Analysis of Twitter Users’ Responses to Elon Musk’s Takeover
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Yini , Suk Jiyoun , Holland Levin Sara
Published: September 2024

Centering on social media’s public- and profit-oriented nature, this study theorizes how social media users are empowered and constrained when participating in platform governance through user-initiated expressions on platforms. The empirical analysis focuses on user responses before and after Elon Musk’s official acquisition of Twitter, utilizing cluster analysis and topic modeling to examine the volume and content of related discourses among different Twitter user groups. Our results point to user constraint in platform governance. Although a diverse set of users, such as partisans, bots, and cryptocurrency enthusiasts, spoke up, they had diverging and sometimes conflicting objectives; and partisans dominated the conversations. There was an upsurge in user volume and activity level post-acquisition among liberal users, whose critical voices on platform governance might have bolstered platform business. Potential bots also increased in volume and amplified political topics. Our findings shed light on the challenges of user-driven platform governance, underscoring the complex interplay between platform users, economy, and governance.
Infantile Cardiac Hemangioma: A Rare Case Presentation
Authors: Gohain Debabrata , Baruah Amarjyoti Rai , Thiek James , Marbaniang Evanisha , Agarwal Sushant , Rahman Hafizur
Published: September 2024

Cardiac hemangiomas are rare tumors of the heart which account for less than one-twentieth of all primary cardiac tumors. They can be seen in all age groups but are mostly diagnosed in neonates and children. Although cardiac hemangiomas are benign in nature they can present with features of congestive heart failure and occasionally be life-threatening. We present such a case in a two-month-old child who underwent successful surgical excision of the mass.
School Counselors’ Reflections on Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
Authors: Guest Jessie D. , Toomey Thomas M. , Garrison Palmer , Buell Ryan
Published: September 2024

Background: Suicide attempts and suicide completion are on the rise for children and adolescents and even more so for LGBTQ+ youth. Despite some social progress, LGBTQ+ individuals still face oppression socially and legally. With much of the restrictive LGBTQ+ legislation occurring within educational settings, school counselors have an important role supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth; however, many school counselors do not feel equipped to do so. Objectives: School counselors often exit their graduate programs and enter the profession with little to no knowledge of or experience working with LGBTQ+ students. The current study sought to better understand school counselors’ experiences supporting LGBTQ+ youth in their school by discussing results of two focus groups with school counselors working with LGBTQ+ students in a southeastern school district. Research Question: What are the experiences of elementary, middle, and high school counselors supporting LGBTQ+ students in a southeastern school district? Methods: Using thematic analysis of two focus group interviews, we gained greater insight into school counselors’ experiences of supporting LGBTQ+ students in their schools. Results: Through the thematic analysis, five themes and two subthemes emerged in the data. Conclusions: Although school counselors often lack time or resources to work with LGBTQ+ youth ( Gonzalez, 2016 ), the current study’s findings reveal additional barriers given less attention in the literature: navigating tension and pressure from legal policies and nonaffirming parents.
Empowering Education: Unraveling the Factors and Paths to Enhance Project-Based Learning Among Chinese College Students
Authors: Shi Yuanyuan , Li Weimin
Published: September 2024

Project-based learning (PBL) is a transformative approach to college education with the potential to develop comprehensive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. This study explores factors influencing the effectiveness of PBL and proposes strategies for its enhancement among Chinese college students. Utilizing the Input-Environment-Output (IEO) model as a theoretical framework, we conducted an empirical analysis of PBL outcomes and their determinants. The study employed advanced data analysis techniques, including structural equation modeling (SEM), to demonstrate the positive impact of PBL on knowledge integration, project skills, and self-efficacy. The effectiveness of PBL, however, is influenced by various factors, including instructional design, teacher guidance, student participation, and the disciplinary and institutional contexts. Based on a survey of 553 Chinese college students, the findings suggest that targeted improvements in these areas can optimize PBL to better meet students’ educational needs. The results provide actionable insights for educators and policymakers on enhancing PBL strategies to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment.
Factors Contribution to Differences of Green Innovation in China
Authors: Li Meng , Tian Zengrui , Liu Qian , Li Xinru
Published: September 2024

Green innovation has become one of the most effective ways to deal with ecological problems such as environmental pollution, global warming and resource depletion. A comprehensive and accurate understanding of regional differences and influencing factors of green innovation level is of great significance further to promote green innovation and to realize the harmonious coexistence between man and nature. This paper analyzes the regional differences of green innovation level in China from 2011 to 2020 by using GDI, Moran’s I, Getis-Ord Gi*, and other indices at provincial, urban agglomeration and prefecture-level city scales, and identifies with geographical detectors, the leading factors influencing the spatial differentiation of green innovation level as well as their interactions. The results show that from 2011 to 2020, the overall level of green innovation in China gradually improves and the regional differences gradually decrease, and that the smaller the scale, the greater the regional differences. Green innovation level increases with the increase of urban agglomeration level and the expansion of city scale. There are differences in the spatial structure features of green innovation level at different scales, the degree of spatial agglomeration decreases as the scale reduces. At provincial and prefecture-level city scale, areas of higher green innovation level are mainly located at the east side of Hu Line, while at the urban agglomeration scale, they are mainly national urban agglomerations such as Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, and regional urban agglomerations such as Ha Chang and Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration. The leading factors influencing the spatial differentiation of green innovation level and their interactions vary with the different scales. At provincial and prefecture-level city scales, the core factors are venture capital level, quality of faculty and education level. On the scale of urban agglomeration, the core factors are venture capital level and economic level.

JEL Classification: M10, O32, R12.
Opening the Black Box: The Underlying Working Mechanisms in Virtual-Reality Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Scheveneels Sara , Engelhard Iris , Meyerbröker Katharina
Published: September 2024

Although research on virtual-reality (VR) exposure therapy (VRET) in anxiety disorders has primarily focused on effectiveness and acceptability, the underlying working mechanisms have received scant attention. To fill this knowledge gap, we discuss potential theoretical underpinnings of VRET based on three dominant theoretical accounts on exposure: inhibitory-learning theory (expectancy violation), emotional-processing theory (habituation), and self-efficacy theory. Whereas theoretically speaking, habituation and self-efficacy seem plausible candidate mechanisms to explain the effects of VRET, the role of expectancy violation is less straightforward. Because of the simulated nature of VR, some feared outcomes cannot occur, and therefore, possibilities to violate expectancies about their occurrence may be compromised. Empirical evidence on the working mechanisms of VRET is scarce and has important limitations. Avenues for future research are provided. Insights into the mechanisms of VRET not only are of theoretical importance but also can provide theory-based directions to optimize the application of VRET.
Bias in the Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder Among Sexual- and Gender-Minority Persons: Results From a Vignette-Based Experiment
Authors: Rodriguez-Seijas Craig , Warren Marley , Vupputuri Preetam , Hawthorne Skylar
Published: September 2024

Sexual- and gender-minority (SGM) individuals are diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) more than cisgender heterosexuals. Using a large sample of mental-health practitioners in the United States and Canada ( N = 426), we examined bias in the diagnosis of BPD. Mental-health practitioners were randomly assigned to receive one of three clinical vignettes (cisgender heterosexual man, cisgender gay man, or transgender woman) and asked to provide psychiatric diagnoses based on the vignette. Mental-health practitioners demonstrated a predilection to diagnose BPD when presented with the transgender vignette (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.99, p = .01) but not the cisgender-gay vignette ( OR = 1.34, p = .29) compared with practitioners presented the cisgender-heterosexual vignette. Psychiatrists, mental-health counselors, and clinical social workers were significantly more inclined to diagnose BPD than psychologists, although reasons for underdiagnosis differed across groups. These findings bear important implications for future training given the nature of the mental-health workforce in the United States.
Testing a Reward-Processing Model of Negative Urgency in Women With and Without Binge Eating
Authors: Racine Sarah E. , Trolio Vittoria , Miller Alexia E. , Mehak Adrienne , Bicaker Ege , Wilson Samantha , Benning Stephen D.
Published: September 2024

Negative urgency (i.e., the tendency to act impulsively when experiencing negative affect) is robustly associated with psychopathology, but the mechanisms underlying negative urgency and its relation to mental health are not well understood. In addition to interfering with cognitive control, negative emotions may lead to impulsive behavior by enhancing reward processing of desired stimuli. In this study, we tested an emotion-enhanced reward-processing model of negative urgency in 153 women who spanned the spectrum of binge-eating severity. Participants completed two experimental tasks under both stressful- and relaxed-mood conditions while physiological, behavioral, and self-report indices of reward processing of palatable food were assessed. Contrary to hypotheses, reward processing of food was not heightened when stressed versus relaxed either in the full sample or in participants with greater negative urgency or binge-eating frequency/severity. Findings are discussed considering study limitations and previous mechanistic work on negative urgency.
A New Method for Scoliosis Screening Incorporating Deep Learning With Back Images
Authors: Zhang Le , Pei Baoqing , Zhang Shijia , Lu Da , Xu Yangyang , Huang Xin , Wu Xueqing
Published: September 2024

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Objectives

Scoliosis is commonly observed in adolescents, with a world0wide prevalence of 0.5%. It is prone to be overlooked by parents during its early stages, as it often lacks overt characteristics. As a result, many individuals are not aware that they may have scoliosis until the symptoms become quite severe, significantly affecting the physical and mental well-being of patients. Traditional screening methods for scoliosis demand significant physician effort and require unnecessary radiography exposure; thus, implementing large-scale screening is challenging. The application of deep learning algorithms has the potential to reduce unnecessary radiation risks as well as the costs of scoliosis screening.

Methods

The data of 247 scoliosis patients observed between 2008 and 2021 were used for training. The dataset included frontal, lateral, and back upright images as well as X-ray images obtained during the same period. We proposed and validated deep learning algorithms for automated scoliosis screening using upright back images. The overall process involved the localization of the back region of interest (ROI), spinal region segmentation, and Cobb angle measurements.

Results

The results indicated that the accuracy of the Cobb angle measurement was superior to that of the traditional human visual recognition method, providing a concise and convenient scoliosis screening capability without causing any harm to the human body.

Conclusions

The method was automated, accurate, concise, and convenient. It is potentially applicable to a wide range of screening methods for the detection of early scoliosis.