bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Delusions and Hallucinations on Clinical Insight Dimensions in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Triola Maria , Cobo Jesus , González-Rodríguez Alexandre , Nieto Lourdes , Ochoa Susana , Usall Judith , García-Ribera Carles , Baños Iris , González Beatriz , Solanilla Ariadna , Massons Carmina , Ruiz Isabel , Ruiz Ada I. , Oliva Joan Carles , Pousa Esther
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Insight in psychosis has been conceptualized as a continuous, dynamic, and multidimensional phenomenon. This study aims to determine the impact of delusions and hallucinations in different dimensions of clinical insight in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methods: Cross-sectional multicenter study including 516 patients (336 men) diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Based on dichotomized scores of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) items P1 (delusions) and P3 (hallucinations), patients were assigned to four groups according to current clear presence of delusions (scores 4 or above 4 in PANSS item P1) and/or hallucinations (scores 4 or above 4 in PANNS item P3). Insight was assessed using the three main dimensions of the Scale of Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD). Results: Around 40% of patients showed unawareness of illness; 30% unawareness of the need for treatment; and 45% unawareness of the social consequences of the disorder. Patients with current clear presence of delusions had higher overall lack of awareness, regardless of current clear presence of hallucinations. Similarly, the clear presence of delusions showed a greater predictive value on insight than the presence of hallucinations, although the implication of both in the prediction was modest. Conclusions: Our results confirm that lack of insight is highly prevalent in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, particularly when patients experience delusions. This study adds insight-related data to the growing symptom-based research, where specific types of psychotic experiences such as hallucinations and delusions could form different psychopathological patterns, linking the phenomenology of delusions to a lack of clinical insight.
The Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Late-Onset Sepsis during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Palleri Elena , Svenningsson Anna , Markasz Laszlo , Engstrand Lilja Helene
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The effect of the pandemic restrictions in the NICUs is not well studied. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by intestinal inflammation and bacterial invasion. This study aimed to investigate whether the incidence of NEC has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden and whether it was associated with a change in the frequency of extremely preterm births. Methods: Data were retrieved from the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register (SNQ) for infants registered between January 2017 and December 2021 born below a gestational age of 35 weeks. The registry completeness is 98–99%. The diagnosis of NEC was the primary outcome. Generalized linear model analysis was used to calculate the risk ratio for NEC. Results: Totally 13,239 infants were included. 235 (1.8%) infants developed NEC, out of which 91 required surgical treatment. 8,967 infants were born before COVID-19 pandemic and 4,272 during. Median gestational age at birth was 32.8 weeks in both periods. The incidence of NEC was significantly lower during COVID-19 pandemic compared to the prior period (1.43 vs. 1.94%, p 0.037), but not the incidence of surgical NEC. The crude risk ratio of developing NEC during COVID-19 pandemic was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55–0.98). The incidence of late-onset sepsis with positive culture was also declined during COVID-19 (3.21 vs. 4.15%, p value 0.008). Conclusion: While we found significant reduction in the incidence of NEC and culture-positive late-onset sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of extremely preterm births was unchanged.
Tantangan Dalam Penilaian Klinis Gejala Depresi pada Usia Lanjut
Authors: Fatma Siti , Sunarti Sri , Mardhiyah Fairuz , Wirabhatari Astika , Winstonly Brian
Published: March 2024

Depresi adalah salah satu gangguan suasana hati yang umum terjadi pada lansia, yang dapat mengurangi kemampuan untuk merehabilitasi diri dan meningkatkan kemungkinan kematian akibat penyakit fisik. Lansia yang mengalami depresi cenderung tidak menunjukkan gejala afektif dan lebih cenderung menunjukkan perubahan kognitif, gejala somatik, dan kehilangan minat dibandingkan lansia yang lebih muda. Hal ini juga sering disalahartikan sebagai efek dari penyakit multipel dan obat-obatan yang digunakan untuk mengobatinya. Faktor risiko yang menyebabkan depresi pada usia lanjut adalah kerentanan genetik, penurunan kognitif, perubahan neurobiologis yang berkaitan dengan usia, insomnia, dan peristiwa yang membuat stres. Terapi kombinasi yaitu terapi perilaku kognitif atau terapi penerimaan dan komitmen dengan obat antidepresan.
What Is a Meaningful Difference When Using Infarct Volume as the Primary Outcome?: Results From the HERMES Database
Authors: Rinkel Leon A. , Ospel Johanna M. , Brown Scott B. , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Dippel Diederik W.J. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , Mitchell Peter J. , Bracard Serge , Guillemin Francis , Jovin Tudor G. , Muir Keith W. , White Philip , Saver Jeffrey L. , Hill Michael D. , Goyal Mayank ,   on behalf of the HERMES Collaborators
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ischemic stroke lesion volume at follow-up is an important surrogate outcome for acute stroke trials. We aimed to assess which differences in 48-hour lesion volume translate into meaningful clinical differences.

METHODS:

We used pooled data from 7 trials investigating the efficacy of endovascular treatment for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke. We assessed 48-hour lesion volume follow-up computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The primary outcome was a good functional outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 0 to 2. We performed multivariable logistic regression to predict the probability of achieving mRS scores of 0 to 2 and determined the differences in 48-hour lesion volume that correspond to a change of 1%, 5%, and 10% in the adjusted probability of achieving mRS scores of 0 to 2.

RESULTS:

In total, 1665/1766 (94.2%) patients (median age, 68 [interquartile range, 57–76] years, 781 [46.9%] female) had information on follow-up ischemic lesion volume. Computed tomography was used for follow-up imaging in 83% of patients. The median 48-hour lesion volume was 41 (interquartile range, 14–120) mL. We observed a linear relationship between 48-hour lesion volume and mRS scores of 0 to 2 for adjusted probabilities between 65% and 20%/volumes <80 mL, although the curve sloped off for lower mRS scores of 0–2 probabilities/higher volumes. The median differences in 48-hour lesion volume associated with a 1%, 5%, and 10% increase in the probability of mRS scores of 0 to 2 for volumes <80 mL were 2 (interquartile range, 2–3), 10 (9–11), and 20 (18–23) mL, respectively. We found comparable associations when assessing computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging separately.

CONCLUSIONS:

A difference of 2, 10, and 20 mL in 48-hour lesion volume, respectively, is associated with a 1%, 5%, and 10% absolute increase in the probability of achieving good functional outcome. These results can inform the design of future stroke trials that use 48-hour lesion volume as the primary outcome.
The Politics within the Histories We Write
Authors: Albrecht Jessica A.
Published: March 2024

This article is a case study of Musaeus College, Colombo, especially its colonial past and the postcolonial histories written about it and its founder, Marie Musaeus Higgins. Marie Higgins, the founder of the school, is not only celebrated within the school, but also throughout the country as the mother of girls’ education. Strikingly, being a white woman coming from ‘the West’ to establish this school as well as some vernacular village schools and a teachers’ training college, is not criticised within postcolonial Sri Lanka as other imperial remains are. This article will look at exactly this opposition between the memory of Higgins today and the historical sources to illuminate the ways in which a present-day narration of the past is used to construct a postcolonial Buddhist-Sri Lankan identity within which contemporary issues of racialised religion are obscured by Buddhist nationalism.
Gli eph’hemin e l’unidirezionalità degli abiti – una conciliazione possibile tra le Etiche di AristoteleThe eph’hemin and the Unidirectionality of Habits – One Possible Reconciliation between the Ethics of Aristotle
Authors: Farina Flavia
Published: March 2024

In the Eudemian Ethics Aristotle states that human beings are starting points of things that could be otherwise and that the eph’hemin are this kind of things. Famously, in the Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle endorses the thesis of habits’ unidirectionality, according to which the agent who already possesses moral habits, hexeis, will perform only actions consistent with the habits she possesses. Despite this apparent inconsistency, I aim to show that the two texts can be harmonized and that the Eudemian Ethics can actually provide a theoretical background for habits’ unidirectionality.
The Way We Divide Forms ’in Our Soul’: Conceived Parthood at Plato’s Sophist 250b8
Authors: Sabrier Pauline
Published: March 2024

What does Plato mean when he declares at Soph. 250b8 that Theaetetus is positing Being in his soul (ἐν τῇ ψυχῇ τιθείς) as a third something encompassing Change and Rest? Is he merely clarifying that the act of positing is a mental act? Or is he making a further point? This paper argues that the locution ‘in the soul’ plays a significant role in the passage in alerting to a contrast between the way Being and its relation to Change and Rest are intelligible to Theaetetus and the way Being really is and relates to those two other kinds. This interpretation is set against another interpretation, defended by Leigh, according to which the phrase should be understood as drawing a contrast between what is done by the agency of the soul and what is done by the agency of the body. The paper then explores the consequences of the proposed interpretation for our understanding of the broader context of the passage. In particular, it argues that the claim that Being is a third something encompassing Change and Rest is more problematic than critics have usually assumed. To account for Theaetetus’ depiction, it develops the notion of ‘conceived parthood’, which are part-whole relations posited by the mind for the needs of a philosophical enquiry.
Symbolic and Interpretive Meaning of the ‘Church’ of Jacobites in Kerala and its Role in the Construction of Identity
Authors: Varghese Eldhose , Devarapalli Jesurathnam
Published: March 2024

Symbolic and interpretive anthropology is a paradigm shift in the theoretical advancement of studies about cultures. The theory focuses on the meanings and interpretations of the symbols in a particular culture. The symbols are encoded by the origin, historical incidents, myths, metaphysical perceptions of the community, indigenous knowledge, faith system, power distribution, among others. The church of the Jacobites of Kerala functioned as a symbol. The church also shapes the habitus and practices of its members, constructing the identity and boundaries of the community. This paper analyses how the church becomes a symbol and explores the meanings it embodies. It also delves into how the church constructs the identity and boundaries of the community.
2. Teacher of Tradition
Authors: Myers Kathleen Ann
Published: March 2024

In this chapter, we meet the ganadero Pepe Millán, who first took up shepherding in the 1960s out of economic necessity and is now a landowner and teacher. His story showcases how an integrated landscape, people, and animals can lead to a successful livelihood, even in a region not well suited to agriculture. The chapter explores the complexities of moving different livestock, as well as the difficulty in securing bank loans for a livestock farmer with no guaranteed income or equity. The author depicts the importance and impact of teaching in ensuring the knowledge of shepherds is passed down to younger generations and in raising awareness of the environmental and nutritional impact of land use, animals, and food sources. The chapter also includes insight into Pepe’s daughter, Rita’s, cheesemaking business, and the harshness of growing up a shepherd’s daughter.
3. Transhumance, Diversification, and New Collaborations
Authors: Myers Kathleen Ann
Published: March 2024

This chapter highlights two key issues in pastoralism today: land usage and generational turnover; examined through the case study of Fortunato Guerrero Lara, a shepherd and land-rights leader who straddles tradition and innovation. Our author talks with three generations of shepherds, as well as “one of the few conscientious landowners” in Andalusia. We see two men who have distinctly different lifestyles and personalities united by a shared passion for their cultural and ecological heritage, evidenced by the way they care for the natural landscapes where they work. Through Fortunato, the chapter explores relationships between families of different socio-economic classes and the systems that support or restrict them, as well as glimpse what biodiversity on a multifunctional dehesa means.
5. New Initiatives within Tradition
Authors: Myers Kathleen Ann
Published: March 2024

This chapter focuses on the story of Ernestine Lüdeke, whose efforts lie in conserving and reviving pastoralism, and promoting the viability of western Andalusia’s valuable natural resource, the dehesa. She works actively to integrate quality food production, biodiversity, and social change at local, regional, national, and trans-European levels. Ernestine understands the need to develop rural life and how this need connects with farming, and is equal parts teacher, organizer, farmer, cultural interpreter, environmentalist, and spokesperson. She works with farmers to combine tradition with innovative ideas, and with government bodies and NGOs to help them understand farmers’ issues.
Visualization of Recrystallization Induced by Ultraviolet Degradation of a Polypropylene Film Using Raman Imaging
Authors: Kaizuka Mizuki , Sato Harumi , Ozaki Yukihiro , Sato Hidetoshi
Published: March 2024

Raman images were constructed for polypropylene (PP) films before and after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (100 mW, 248–436 nm) for 10 h using several intensity ratios of Raman bands that are sensitive to crystallization of PP. In the images of PP films before the irradiation the intensity ratios are nearly uniform for the films but for those of the PP films after the irradiation, the ratios become large with a mottled pattern, indicating that recrystallization occurs in the PP films upon the irradiation of the UV light. The UV-irradiated PP films show worm-like shaped structures in few micrometer order representing the recrystallization of PP. The temperature gradient of PP is low (273 K), and thus, it is very likely that due to UV energy and polymer fragmentation, PP molecules become more mobile and some parts of molecular chains in amorphous parts of PP molecules lead to their rearrangement and recrystallization. In this study, we demonstrate that Raman imaging clearly detects subtle changes in the crystallinity with a micrometer order structure which morphological images cannot observe.
Enterovirus and Paraechovirus Meningitis in Neonates: Which Is the Difference?
Authors: Picone Simonetta , Mondì Vito , Di Palma Federico , Valli Maria Beatrice , Rueca Martina , Bedetta Manuela , Paolillo Piermichele
Published: March 2024

Enterovirus (EV) and parechovirus (HPeV) are common viruses in the neonatal period, with similar seasonality and symptomatology. They also are the main causes of aseptic meningitis in newborns and children under 1 year of age. We compared the clinical signs, laboratory data, brain, and neurodevelopmental outcome of 10 infants with HPeV and 8 with EV meningitis. In patients with EV meningitis, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) values were significantly higher than those of patients with HPeV infection. Procalcitonin values were low in both groups. White blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte values were significantly higher in EV patients. None of the infants had a brain lesion on cerebral ultrasound neither negative neurological outcome. Based solely on symptoms, it is not possible to distinguish HPeV from EV infection. C-reactive protein, WBC, and lymphocyte values might allow the physician to assume EV infection. The gold standard test for diagnosis remains real-time polymerase chain reaction on cerebral spinal fluid.
Significant Published Articles in 2023 for Pharmacy Nutrition Support Practice
Authors: Dickerson Roland N. , Bingham Angela L. , Canada Todd W. , Chan Lingtak Neander , Cober M. Petrea , Cogle Sarah V. , Tucker Anne M. , Kumpf Vanessa J.
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to assist the pharmacist engaged in nutrition support therapy in staying current with pertinent literature. Methods: Several board-certified nutrition support pharmacists aggregated a list of articles relevant to pharmacy nutrition support published in 2023. The list was compiled into a spreadsheet whereby the authors were asked to assess whether the article was considered important. A culled list of publications was then identified whereby at least 5 out of the 8 author participants considered the article to be important for pharmacists practicing in nutrition support. Guideline and consensus papers, important to practice but not ranked, were also included. Results: A total of 133 articles were identified; 9 from the primary literature were voted by the group to be of high importance. Fourteen guidelines, position, recommendation, or consensus papers were also identified. The top-ranked articles from the primary literature were summarized and a narrative regarding its implications to pharmacy nutrition support practice were provided. Conclusion: We recommend that pharmacists engaged in nutrition support therapy be familiar with these articles as it pertains to their practice.
Investigating gender differences in quality of life and social support in patients with severe mental illnesses
Authors: Shokrgozar Somayeh , Abdollahi Elahe , Abedrad Morvarid , Asadi Parham , Rouzbehan Vida , Nazari Zahra , Zare Roghayeh
Published: March 2024

Background:

Severe mental illnesses (SMIs), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect patients significantly. Gender has been identified as a key factor influencing the experience of SMIs with notable disparities in prevalence, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the quality of life (QoL) and social support for patients with SMIs can vary based on gender.

Aims:

This study examined gender differences in QoL and social support of patients with SMIs.

Method:

Participants include 170 outpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at Shafa Hospital (2021). QoL and social support were assessed using World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), respectively. Group differences were analyzed using t-test or Mann–Whitney U test, and two-way multivariate analyses of variance explored the effect of gender and disease type.

Results:

It was indicated that females with schizophrenia reported higher QoL than males, but the opposite was observed for bipolar disorder. Gender differences in social support were not significant among schizophrenia patients, nor between the two patient groups. However, women with bipolar disorder and multiple hospitalizations experienced lower social support and QoL compared to men. Additionally, more hospitalizations were associated with decreased QoL in both genders with schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest the need for gender- specific interventions and support policies to enhance QoL and social support in patients with SMI.
Nurse Life-and-Death Education From the Perspective of Chinese Traditional Culture
Authors: Zhang Huilin , Lv Tingting , Li Lezhi , Chen Fengzhi , He Shijia , Ding Daoqun
Published: March 2024

This quasi-experimental study investigated the impact of traditional Chinese culture-based life-and-death education on 38 ICU nurses. Participants underwent 14 hours of training, and data were collected before and after the intervention using various questionnaires. Frequency and percentage were used for categorical data; mean and standard deviation for measurement data; and paired-sample t test for comparison of teaching effects before and after the intervention of life-and-death education programs. Results indicated significant improvements in understanding of death, reduced death anxiety, enhanced death coping abilities, and increased search for meaning ( p < .05). However, there was no statistically significant change in attitude toward death ( p > .05). Life-and-death education rooted in traditional Chinese culture positively influenced ICU nurses, fostering improved death cognition, reduced death anxiety, enhanced coping skills, and a heightened sense of meaning in life. Subsequent research will explore the relationship and distinctions between explicit and implicit death attitudes.
What a study of educator evaluation taught us about professional learning
Authors: Wayne Andrew J. , Rickles Jordan , Song Mengli , Brown Seth , Garet Michael S.
Published: March 2024

After years evaluating teacher professional learning programs, researchers Andrew J. Wayne, Jordan Rickles, Mengli Song, Seth Brown, and Michael S. Garet describe a study that changed their perspective. The study’s takeaways about the design of teacher professional learning are important for everyone who seeks to create systems to support teaching and learning. The findings call attention to the value of streamlined, high-quality programs for improving performance outcomes for teachers and students.
Moving beyond the ‘budget dance’
Authors: Yan Bo , Aberli Thomas
Published: March 2024

The annual budgeting process is a valuable opportunity for districts to systematically examine both resource use and programming. They can then use the findings to optimize resource use and improve program efficacy in ways that will lead to increased student achievement. Bo Yan and Thomas Aberli discuss three root causes for districts’ inability to accomplish the goals (reliance on problem-driven needs as the dominant factor of budgetary decisions, disconnect between financial management and performance management, as well as human nature). They propose a cycle-based approach to district budgeting that rests on differentiating investment from operation expenditures.
Policy Solutions: We need a school board election holiday
Authors: Collins Jonathan E.
Published: March 2024

Voter turnout for school board elections is historically low, with tiny percentages deciding who governs schools. Columnist Jonathan E. Collins proposes a new federal holiday, School Board Election Day, to increase voter turnout and public involvement and interest in public schools. School board elections would be held on the same day nationally, and voters would be encouraged to visit schools not only to vote but to participate in forums and projects to benefit schools.
A fault diagnosis method of battery internal short circuit based on multi-feature recognition
Authors: Chen Siwen , Sun Jinlei , Tang Yong , Zhang Fangting
Published: March 2024

The internal short circuit (ISC) fault has been considered as one of the most serious problems, which may pose a threat to the operation safety of the battery system. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an ISC fault diagnosis method based on multi-feature recognition to distinguish aging and ISC fault. The ISC equivalent circuit model is established first. In addition, three characteristic parameters, including the slope of the “rebound” voltage curve, the “valley” ordinate in the differential voltage (DV) curve, and the electric quantity, namely high segment charging capacity (HSCC) between the valley point of the DV curve and the end of charging position, are extracted to distinguish the ISC battery from aging battery. The results show that the proposed method can effectively distinguish between ISC batteries, aging batteries, and normal batteries. Moreover, the ISC resistance is able to be estimated accurately, with an error of less than 5.44%.
Primary Nasopharyngeal Melanoma without invasive and Metastasis: A Rare Case Reports and Literature Reviews
Authors: Wang Jian-Jun , Huan Yao-Dong , Liu Hua
Published: March 2024

Objective: Nasopharyngeal melanoma is a rare mucosal malignant melanoma with high recurrence rate, metastasis rate and vascular invasion rate. In this paper, we report a case of primary nasopharyngeal mucosal melanoma. Methods: A case of primary nasopharyngeal mucosal melanoma was reported, and its clinical symptoms, pathological characteristics, treatment and follow-up were described in detail. Results: This report describes a 59-year-old male patient with persistent nasal congestion and suspected malignant nasopharyngeal neoplasm. Patients receive surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy after complete resection. Imaging studies showed no tissue invasion or lymph node metastases. The results of immunohistochemistry were Melan-A(+), HMB45(+), and S100(+). The final diagnosis was malignant nasopharyngeal melanoma. After 2 years of follow-up, the prognosis was good, and there was no metastasis or recurrence. Discussion: Nasopharyngeal melanoma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis, and surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment. Postoperative adjuvant therapy can improve the rate of local control of lesions. Early diagnosis and thorough examination are extremely important for the patient’s prognosis.
Following Prejudiced Behavior, Confrontation Restores Local Anti-Bias Social Norms
Authors: Li Anna Haoyang , Noland Elisabeth S. , Monteith Margo J.
Published: March 2024

Does confronting, or calling out prejudiced statements or behaviors, signal anti-bias norms? The current studies ( N = 1,308) examined this question by assessing observers’ perceptions of descriptive and injunctive anti-bias local norms after a prejudiced comment was confronted. Studies 1 and 2 revealed a restorative function of confrontation: Confrontation of bias expressed toward Mexican people strengthened non-Mexican participants’ perceptions of descriptive anti-bias local norms compared to leaving bias unconfronted and restored the perception of injunctive anti-bias local norms to baseline level (i.e., when no bias had occurred). Study 3 demonstrated that the norm-signaling function of confrontation is applicable to anti-Black bias among both Black and White participants. Moreover, observing confrontation of anti-Black bias boosted participants’ sense that their identity would be safe in the environment, mediated by their perceptions of anti-bias descriptive and injunctive norms. Together, these findings indicate that confrontation effectively transforms norms in the face of bias.
The role of institutional policies in the sustainability of institutional repositories in Africa: A reflection from Ghana
Authors: Imoro Osman , Saurombe Nampombe
Published: March 2024

Institutional repositories (IRs) are increasingly gaining prominence among African academic institutions, and Ghana is no exception. This can largely be attributed to the enduring value of hosting research outputs from institutional and individual depositors. Despite its increasing adoption, there is a growing concern about the sustainability of open access IRs, particularly in Africa. However, most of these factors that threaten the sustainability of IRs on the continent can be mitigated by enacting comprehensive institutional policies. Thus, this study sought to examine the role of institutional policies in the sustainability of IRs in Ghana. A total of 830 respondents comprised of IR managers, library staff, postgraduate students, lecturers and university librarians (management) from five public universities in Ghana took part in this study. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and document analysis were the main instruments used for data collection. The study yielded an overall response rate of 92.8%. The study findings revealed that public universities in Ghana have institutional IR policies that guide the operation, usage and management of their IRs. However, these policies were persuasive in nature and mainly focused on content submission and generation issues. The study underscored the IR policy’s importance in addressing content generation, awareness, advocacy and copyright restriction challenges. The study recommends the necessity of IR policies to focus on other factors such as technical requirements, expertise and others to ensure the sustainability of these repositories.
Psychological effects of the pandemic on vision impairment patients
Authors: Tran Edward , Shah Nirmit , Aly Mohamed , Phu Vivian , Malvankar-Mehta Monali S
Published: March 2024

Our study aims to understand the impact of the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on mental health of individuals with vision impairment and to highlight the unique challenges faced due to social isolation and disruption in healthcare services. The study design is a systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. A total of 363 articles were screened, 18 studies were included for qualitative analysis and 12 were used for quantitative analysis. After screening, a risk of bias assessment was carried out. Data were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were computed based on heterogeneity. Our meta-analysis encompassed 16 studies investigating the psychological impact of COVID-19 in 2317 vision loss patients. The meta-analysis indicated significant levels of loneliness (44%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.24 to 0.64]); anxiety (45%, 95% CI = [–0.31 to 1.21]); depression (48% CI = [–0.05 to 1.01]); fear of vision loss (42% mild, 95% CI = [0.24 to 0.61]); fear of contracting COVID-19 (61%, 95% CI = [0.45 to 0.77]); and psychiatric disorders (28%, 95% CI = [0.07 to 0.50]) for patients with vision impairment. Vision loss patients experienced significant levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression, fear of vision loss, fear of contracting COVID-19, and psychiatric disorders during the pandemic. This psychological distress is attributable to poor access to health care, a lack of social support, and difficulties adhering to pandemic-related precautions such as physical distancing and avoiding contaminated surfaces.
Social media marketing and hospital brand equity: An empirical investigation
Authors: Al-Hasan Abrar
Published: March 2024

Despite the continuous upsurge in the use of social media, the empirical research investigating their economic value in the healthcare industry still lags. This study explores the impact of hospitals’ social media marketing efforts on their brand equity and, ultimately, hospital's financial performance. Using social media data from Instagram, online/offline survey methodology, and financial data obtained from hospitals, data is analyzed using a structural equation model. The study uses a random sample of (728) residents of the Kuwaiti population. Social media marketing efforts regarding use and engagement lead to higher hospital brand equity and financial performance. Particularly, the study finds that posts that are based on educational posts, patient stories, and sharing the latest news and research led to the highest form of brand awareness, perceived brand quality, brand association, and brand loyalty, thereby leading to higher perceived brand equity. The study also finds that brand equity leads to a positive and significant impact on hospitals’ financial performance. The study highlights the importance of creating engaging content, content that is personal and particularly educational. Healthcare organizations should guide their marketing efforts to manage this new marketing method better and communicate with patients to enhance consumer loyalty and financial performance.
Effect of continuous dynamic-recrystallisation on high-property multilayer Cu foils joint by friction-stir-welding
Authors: Li Zihang , Deng Yongfang , Zeng Jincheng , Hu Liang , Zhou Yutao , Qiu Zherui
Published: March 2024

In this experiment, friction-stir-welding was proposed to research the flexible connection of multilayer Cu foils. It studies the correlation between hardness, conductivity, and continuous dynamic-recrystallisation. New grains of continuous dynamic-recrystallisation have a correlation between the dislocation density and the grain size, such that a lower dislocation density corresponds to a higher grain size and vice versa. It is shown that after friction-stir-welding of multilayer Cu foils, the hardness increases and the conductivity decreases due to the combined effect of fine grain strengthening and dislocation strengthening for new grains of continuous dynamic-recrystallisation of the weld zone. However, the hardness gradually decreases and conductivity gradually increases within the weld zone with continuous dynamic-recrystallisation degree.
Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of cerium-doped manganese – cobalt ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Joshi Chandra Shekhar , Srivastava R. C. , Joshi Amit
Published: March 2024

Co0.50Mn0.50Ce xFe2− xO4 (with x = 0.000, 0.025, 0.050 and 0.100) nanoparticles were synthesised through sol–gel method. The crystallite size and lattice constant are increased from 30 to 50 nm and 8.375 to 8.384 Å, respectively, with increasing Ce content. It was found that Fe3+ cations migrate towards octahedral sites with Ce doping. The optical band gap was decreased from 1.79 to 1.50 eV whereas saturation magnetisation was decreased from 57 to 49 emu/g with increase in Ce substitution. Maximum dielectric constant and minimum dielectric loss, maximum AC conductivity along with moderate magnetic properties were observed for x = 0.050. So, x = 0.050 may be a potential candidate for electromagnetic interference shielding applications.
Pro-environmental enterprise support: Developing a framework to unlock the potential of SMEs in sustainability transitions
Authors: Gallotta Bruno , Baranova Polina , Paterson Fred
Published: March 2024

Although entrepreneurship is well recognised as a crucial element in fostering economic development and growth, it is yet to be viewed as a significant force in sustainability transitions. Public policy related to the performance and growth of small businesses has, to date, paid little attention to the support mechanisms that help SMEs build capacity towards sustainable development. This paper offers a framework of pro-environmental enterprise support developed through a two-round e-Delphi study, followed by a 2.5-h virtual focus group involving 21 experts across the spectrum of business support agencies, local authorities, and EU-funded projects delivering pro-environmental enterprise support in England. The findings indicate that support for pro-environmental SME capacity building includes attention to eco-innovation, environmental strategy, environmental capability development, responsible leadership, sustainable value proposition, greening of supply chains, and clean growth skills. The study also concludes that support programmes and interventions need to be more attuned to the specifics of entrepreneurial learning; the challenges small business face in accessing, capturing, and utilising resources; and that broadening the scope and reach of pro-environmental support programmes needs to be matched by the competences of business support professionals.
Lower GLUT1 and unchanged MCT1 in Alzheimer’s disease cerebrovasculature
Authors: Leclerc Manon , Tremblay Cyntia , Bourassa Philippe , Schneider Julie A , Bennett David A , Calon Frédéric
Published: March 2024

The brain is a highly demanding organ, utilizing mainly glucose but also ketone bodies as sources of energy. Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) and monocarboxylates transporter-1 (MCT1) respectively transport glucose and ketone bodies across the blood-brain barrier. While reduced glucose uptake by the brain is one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), no change in the uptake of ketone bodies has been evidenced yet. To probe for changes in GLUT1 and MCT1, we performed Western immunoblotting in microvessel extracts from the parietal cortex of 60 participants of the Religious Orders Study. Participants clinically diagnosed with AD had lower cerebrovascular levels of GLUT1, whereas MCT1 remained unchanged. GLUT1 reduction was associated with lower cognitive scores. No such association was found for MCT1. GLUT1 was inversely correlated with neuritic plaques and cerebrovascular β-secretase-derived fragment levels. No other significant associations were found between both transporters, markers of Aβ and tau pathologies, sex, age at death or apolipoprotein-ε4 genotype. These results suggest that, while a deficit of GLUT1 may underlie the reduced transport of glucose to the brain in AD, no such impairment occurs for MCT1. This study thus supports the exploration of ketone bodies as an alternative energy source for the aging brain.
The importance of integrating diagnostic modalities in patient selection for CRS-HIPEC in colorectal peritoneal metastases
Authors: de Boer Nadine L , Bakkers Checca , Brandt-Kerkhof Alexandra RM , de Vries Marianne , Nederend Joost , Verhoef Cornelis , de Hingh Ignace HJT , Burger Jacobus WA
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite thorough preoperative work-up for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC), so called open-close (OC) procedures as a result of irresectable disease remain common. Currently, diagnostic laparoscopy (DLS) is considered the gold standard, and consequently overrules the results of computed tomography (CT) scans; however, certain regions of the abdomen are difficult to assess and postoperative adhesion formation may further compromise staging during DLS.

Purpose

To determine whether better clinical assessment could be achieved by combining the results of DLS and preoperative CT scans during a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting.

Material and Methods

All patients who were eligible for CRS-HIPEC after DLS, but eventually underwent an OC procedure between 2010 and 2018 were selected. Radiological reassessment of CT scans was performed and combined with assessment of the DLS during a MDT meeting. The MDT was blinded for the outcome of the procedure (OC vs. CRS-HIPEC).

Results

The majority of the OC procedures (69%) was correctly predicted by the MDT. In most patients (88%), this conclusion was based on the combination of the radiological and surgical peritoneal cancer index (PCI). CT was particularly accurate for detection of larger tumor deposits in the abdominal regions, as 84%–86% was detected. Assessment of lesions in the small bowel regions is troublesome; 72% of lesions are missed on the preoperative CT scan.

Conclusions

A combination of radiological and surgical assessment of the PCI may lead to improved preoperative patient selection for CRS-HIPEC.
The scope and limits of implicit bias training: An experimental study with Swedish social workers
Authors: Bursell Moa
Published: March 2024

Implicit bias reduction has become an increasingly popular feature of so-called ‘diversity training’ in both public and private organizations. It remains popular, despite a lack of robust evidence suggesting that it is possible to accomplish lasting changes to individual implicit bias. In addition, previous research relies almost entirely on laboratory experiments; almost nothing is known about the scope of these findings. The present study aims to engage theoretically and empirically in this debate. An implicit bias reduction intervention developed by psychologist Patricia Devine will be tested and approached from a sociological perspective. The study is based on an experiment setting with social workers at 13 Swedish social assistance units. Beyond testing the scope of this particular intervention, the study highlights some of the methodological problems that come with the unrealistic standards of exact replication within the social sciences. The results show that the intervention increased the participants’ awareness of prejudice and implicit bias, but it did not reduce the participants’ implicit biases. The scientific and social policy consequences of these findings are discussed.
Charting the future of patient care: A strategic leadership guide to harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence
Authors: Ennis-O’Connor Marie , O’Connor William T.
Published: March 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications have the potential to revolutionize conventional healthcare practices, creating a more efficient and patient-centred approach with improved outcomes. This guide discuses eighteen AI-based applications in clinical decision-making, precision medicine, operational efficiency, and predictive analytics, including a real-world example of AI’s role in public health during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we address ethical questions, transparency, data privacy, bias, consent, accountability, and liability, and the strategic measures that must be taken to align AI with ethical principles, legal frameworks, legacy information technology systems, and employee skills and knowledge. We emphasize the importance of informed and strategic approaches to harness AI’s potential and manage its challenges. Moreover, this guide underscores the importance of evaluating and integrating new skills and competencies to navigate and use AI-based technologies in healthcare management, such as technological literacy, long-term strategic vision, change management skills, ethical decision-making, and alignment with patient needs.
Effects of Social Acknowledgment and Interpersonal Shame on Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms of Sexual Violence Survivors in South Korea
Authors: Lee Ahyeon , Choi Hyunjung
Published: March 2024

Sexual violence (SV) survivors face negative social reactions, which can affect their recovery. Based on the socio-interpersonal model of trauma, understanding how societal circumstances impact SV survivors’ mental health is important. This study examined conditional indirect effects of interpersonal shame and social acknowledgment on the relationship between perceived SV event severity and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms. Cross-sectional data from 157 community-based adults who had previously experienced SV were collected from an online panel. Exploratory factor analysis of the Social Acknowledgment Questionnaire was conducted, followed by conditional indirect analyses using Models 1, 4, and 7 of PROCESS macro. First, results showed that a two-factor model of social acknowledgment consisting of “social disapproval” and “social recognition” was more suitable for this study than a three-factor model predominantly used by Western societies. Second, interpersonal shame partially mediated the relationship between perceived SV event severity and CPTSD symptoms. Third, the conditional indirect effect of social disapproval on the mediating effect of interpersonal shame was significant when the social disapproval level was high. This indicates that the indirect effect of interpersonal shame on CPTSD increases when the social disapproval level is high. This study supported the socio-interpersonal perspective of trauma and suggested that increasing social acknowledgment beyond personal-level intervention would be a critical step for recovery of SV survivors to decrease their interpersonal shame and CPTSD.
Human Capital Strategies to Foster Employee Engagement Within Post Pandemic Layoffs
Authors: Davis Everod , Robertson Melva , Reynolds Stacey
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to highlight productivity and engagement issues being experienced across industries, subsequent to strategic human capital realignment, in response to changes in the business environment. The linkages among employee engagement as related to leadership communication, work-life balance, and professional development are explored as the discussion draws on previous research examining employee’s organizational behavior to leadership response within the midst of exceptional events. Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors draw upon 15+ years in general management, communications consultant, and research in organizational behavior. Findings: Research shows that the restoration of trust and a path to creating an organizational culture which invites job engagement through organizational commitment are paramount. The combination of specific strategies coupled with organizational resource management during crises such as rapid and massive layoffs, change, and uncertainty indicates the necessity for tenacity with adaptability facilitated by strategic leadership communication of a shared vision. It will be important for organizational leaders to consider human capital investment strategies that can boost engagement. Practical Implications: Within the context of uncertainty organizational leaders must communicate empathy with employees and examine how much of a role an individual’s perceived career mobility and skill competence plays in strengthening their work engagement. Employees with positive work-life balance can exercise resilience, creativity, and tenacity. As organizations tackle the varying factors related to employee retention and engagement, they should implement strategies that not only retain employees but equip them with the characteristics that define psychological capital within the future of work. Post-pandemic organizational behavioral practices must empower employees to obtain a work lifestyle that allows them to feel in control of their personal and professional trajectories. Originality/value: The current study contributes to the stream of literature on layoff anxiety, productivity issues, and the role leadership communication and human capital strategies play in bolstering employee engagement. Furthermore, the current study highlights the importance of strategic leadership communication as organizations grapple with the challenges of a post layoff exercise, such as, how to increase productivity, engagement, retention, adaptability to the future of work, and profitability for long term growth.
Understanding Florida’s HB7: A Policy of Intimidation by Confusion
Authors: Schoorman Dilys , Gatens Rosanna
Published: March 2024

“Divisive Concepts” laws have sprung up around the nation as a backlash to the widespread commitments to anti-racist education that emerged in summer 2020. This critical policy analysis examines the concepts central to Florida’s “Individual Freedom Act” [HB7] of 2022, to determine its intent and impact in ameliorating or exacerbating persistent educational inequities. Through an analysis of the language of the law for what is and is not banned as well as the discrepancies between language of the legal text juxtaposed with the “Anti-Woke” political rhetoric accompanying HB7, this study reveals the law’s ideological underpinnings and political intent. The law’s concepts serve as a manufactured pretext to villainize teachers, misrepresent Critical Race Theory, cause confusion and fear, thereby chilling educator practice. The analysis also reveals how, despite the law’s intent, the concepts can be reframed to support educational equity. Implications for equity-minded practitioners within K-20 education contexts are explored.