bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking the future otherwise: Queer futures and queer utopias
Authors: Blanco-Fernández Vítor
Published: June 2024

Discussions within queer time studies often hinge upon a simplistic binary division between Lee Edelman's anti-futurism and José Esteban Muñoz's queer utopianism. This article aims to reframe this discourse, acknowledging its limitations and proposing alternative approaches to conceptualizing the future through a queer lens. Beginning with a brief overview of both the queer anti-social thesis and future-oriented utopias, this article explores alternative, critical frameworks for future-making praxis such as Jussi Parikka's ‘counter-futuring’ and Bahar Noorizadeh's ‘weird-futuring’. Leveraging these frameworks and Muñoz's suggestion to investigate novel queer epistemologies within queer art, the article then examines Zach Blas’ ‘xeno-telos’ and micha cárdenas’ ‘queer prototyping’, as paradigmatic examples of queer future-making beyond the referred dichotomy. In conclusion, this article argues for a diversification of queer time/future politics, advocating for partial, precarious and open-ended approaches to future-oriented thinking; approaches that embrace the unknown, trial and error and unexpected possibilities, thus fostering, new, diversified and radically engaged queer temporal politics.
The Unappreciated Significance and Source of Meaning in Wild Landscapes: An Arctic Case
Authors: Dunn Chris
Published: June 2024

Wild places are rich with meaning. This runs contrary to accounts of vast undeveloped regions like the Arctic as being devoid of meaning (and thus open for—or even in need of—resource exploitation) and to accounts that dismiss conceptualizations of the Arctic as containing substantial wilderness landscapes as an invalid colonial concept. There is rather an unappreciated commonality between Indigenous conceptions of place and conceptualizations of wilderness: both recognize undeveloped landscapes as substantial founts of meaning that are not the product of their own projections. Their senses of these meanings are not equivalent but overlap in important respects and are shared by many cultures across the globe, thus challenging premises of relativism and of meaning as merely locally produced. Furthermore, meaning is a topic often overlooked or marginalized in the context of climate change adaptation and nature preservation. The Arctic is considered as a specific case study to illustrate these points as it is one of the world's largest undeveloped areas and is particularly affected by climate change. The Arctic is rich with meaning for the Inuit and other residents who depend on it for sustenance. It also contains some of the most extensive and least developed or otherwise impacted and manipulated landscapes on the planet—a relatively small portion of which is protected as parks and wilderness, though substantial in comparison to temperate or tropical regions. Climate change threatens not only the traditional subsistence livelihoods of Arctic residents, but also the emergent meanings that inhere in these landscapes. Simultaneously, the meaning and value of protected Arctic landscapes, particularly those designated as wilderness, is also under duress. Climate change is impacting the Arctic more than many other areas, posing a threat to its meanings as a home and as a wilderness. Acknowledging the centrality of meaning, while rejecting the “received idea” inherited from constructivist thought that meaning is overlaid on a passive landscape open for—or even in need of—human created meanings, can lead to new approaches to nature preservation and to human adaptation in the era of climate change.
Development of thermally responsive composite bone plates for maxillofacial trauma treatment
Authors: Cengiz Ilker , Caglar Zeynep , Aydin Halil Murat
Published: June 2024

Facial bone fractures in facial injuries resulting from severe trauma can be treated using plate and screw systems. Depending on the location of the fracture, the fracture lines are brought end to end and fixed with plates and screws. Metallic implants are at risk of endogenous infection and there are inherent problems associated with their use, such as stress shielding phenomena, pain, and local irritation. After the bone has healed, a second surgery is needed to remove the metallic fixation. Considering these problems, it is important to use biodegradable plates instead of metal plates. Biodegradable fracture fixation plates degrade slowly in the human body, causing less pain and stress, and there is no need for a second procedure to remove the synthetic material. As these plates decompose, the load will also decrease. There are no toxic and mutagenic effects in an absorbable implant. However, there are some problems with the use of these implants, such as inflammatory response, rapid loss of initial implant strength, higher fracture rates, insufficient hardness of the implants, and weakness compared to metallic implants. In this study, biodegradable plates were designed for use in maxillofacial bone injuries, and treatment plates were prepared using extrusion and injection molding. Different proportions of trimethylene carbonate (TMC), poly-L-lactate (LPLA), poly(D,L-lactate) (DLPLA), polyglycolate (PGA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) are mixed by extrusion to produce composites by injection molding. Plates were obtained. The degradation, morphological, thermal, and mechanical behaviors of the obtained products were examined.
Conceptual Framework of Factors Enhancing Sustainability-oriented Innovations
Authors: Taneja Alpana , Goyal Vinay , Malik Kunjana
Published: June 2024

Sustainable innovations offer opportunities to address environment and social concerns along with ensuring economic gains. To harness this opportunity, organisations require relevant organisational and strategic skills. This study uses a semi-systematic literature review combined with content analysis to identify and synthesise 87 peer-reviewed research papers and create a comprehensive conceptual framework of internal firm factors that enhance sustainability-oriented product and process innovations in an organisation. It identifies 10 variables that incorporate the four broad factors required for successful sustainable innovation performance, namely, requisite resources and capabilities, conducive organisational structures and processes, a culture that promotes sustainable innovations and leadership that is committed to sustainability goals. The framework provides a comprehensive and structured perspective on the internal factors promoting sustainable innovations, and, therefore, gives practical insights to organisations in their sustainability journey.
An Environmental Scan of Online Generalized Anxiety Resources for Canadian Youth
Authors: Pohl Megan , Bialy Liza , Scott Shannon D , Hartling Lisa , Elliott Sarah A
Published: June 2024

Background:

A recent priority-setting exercise reported that youth are interested in understanding what the early signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety are, and when they should seek help. This environmental scan aimed to understand what information is currently available online for Canadian youth about the signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, what resources are available for self-assessment, and what are youth’s behaviors, experiences, and information needs around seeking help.

Method:

We conducted an environmental scan of Internet resources and academic literature in August 2020. Information Sources were categorized relating to the research concepts regarding signs and symptoms, self-assessments, information needs, and experiences. We complimented our environmental scan with youth consultations to understand how generalized anxiety resources are perceived by youth, and what if anything could be improved about the information they are receiving. Consultations were conducted over Zoom with three Canadian Youth Advisory Groups (2 local, 1 national) and took a semistructured focus group format.

Results:

Of the 12874 identified Information Sources inclusion criteria were met by 98. The majority of Information Sources on signs and symptoms ( n = 62) were webpage-based articles ( n = 53, 85%), and 38 (61%) specifically stated that they were targeting youth. Seventy-one percent ( n = 12) of the 17 self-assessment resources were provided by private organizations. The resources varied markedly in the post-assessment support provided to youth according to their source (i.e., private, academic, and governmental). The key considerations highlighted by youth across the consultations suggested resources needed to be; youth friendly; align with a credible institute (e.g., University and Health Institution); and provide tangible action items post-online assessment.

Conclusions:

Awareness of the information and resources available to youth, coupled with an understanding of their help-seeking behaviors and information needs regarding generalized anxiety can help support the development and dissemination of appropriate knowledge translation tools targeting youth.
Modeling and dynamic characteristics analysis of bearing pedestal early looseness in dual-rotor system
Authors: Wang Cai , Tian Jing , Zhang Feng-ling , Ai Yan-ting , Wang Zhi , Chen Ren-zhen
Published: June 2024

In order to study the dynamics in a dual-rotor system in the presence of a bearing pedestal early looseness fault, a 12-degree-of-freedom dual-rotor system bearing pedestal looseness fault dynamic model considering gyroscopic moments is developed. The Newmark-β method is used to solve the developed model. The dynamic response characteristics of the dual-rotor system when the bearing pedestal is loosened are analyzed. A dual-rotor fault simulation test bench is built to carry out bearing pedestal looseness fault simulation experiments. The comparative results show that the fault frequency distribution pattern in the simulation analysis envelope spectrum is consistent with the experimental results, which proves the validity of the proposed dynamics model. It is found that there is clippings in the rotor vibration signal when there is a bearing pedestal early looseness fault in the dual-rotor system. In the envelope spectrum there are high and low pressure rotor rotation frequency, the sum of frequencies and 2-fold the characteristic frequency of rotor rotation frequency. With the increase of rotational speed ratio, the amplitude of envelope spectrum characteristic frequency increases. When the bearing pedestal is loose, the loose rotor axis trajectory is elliptical-like, and the rotor axis trajectory has a tendency to be more chaotic. Capturing the vibration signal characteristics of a dual-rotor system at very small loosening angles is necessary for preventing larger looseness, which is crucial for fault prediction.
MAGMA: Enabling exascale performance with accelerated BLAS and LAPACK for diverse GPU architectures
Authors: Abdelfattah Ahmad , Beams Natalie , Carson Robert , Ghysels Pieter , Kolev Tzanio , Stitt Thomas , Vargas Arturo , Tomov Stanimire , Dongarra Jack
Published: June 2024

MAGMA (Matrix Algebra for GPU and Multicore Architectures) is a pivotal open-source library in the landscape of GPU-enabled dense and sparse linear algebra computations. With a repertoire of approximately 750 numerical routines across four precisions, MAGMA is deeply ingrained in the DOE software stack, playing a crucial role in high-performance computing. Notable projects such as ExaConstit, HiOP, MARBL, and STRUMPACK, among others, directly harness the capabilities of MAGMA. In addition, the MAGMA development team has been acknowledged multiple times for contributing to the vendors’ numerical software stacks. Looking back over the time of the Exascale Computing Project (ECP), we highlight how MAGMA has adapted to recent changes in modern HPC systems, especially the growing gap between CPU and GPU compute capabilities, as well as the introduction of low precision arithmetic in modern GPUs. We also describe MAGMA’s direct impact on several ECP projects. Maintaining portable performance across NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, and with current efforts toward supporting Intel GPUs, MAGMA ensures its adaptability and relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of GPU architectures.
Factors Influencing Environmental Awareness and Solid Waste Management Practices in Bogotá: An Analysis Using Machine Learning
Authors: Henao-Rodríguez Carolina , Lis-Gutiérrez Jenny Paola , Sierra Andrés Santiago Guzmán-
Published: June 2024

The effective management of solid waste presents a pressing challenge within the environmental sector, given its adverse impacts on health and the environment (water, soil, air). This global concern is particularly relevant for cities striving to implement efficient waste management strategies. This study explores the factors that impact environmental awareness and solid waste management practices in Bogota, offering valuable insights for designing and implementing effective public policies and environmental management strategies. By understanding the drivers of environmental behavior among city residents, local authorities can devise more precise interventions and implement environmental education and awareness programs aimed at fostering sustainable waste management practices. The city of Bogota faces unique challenges in waste management, considering that the amount of waste generated per capita has increased fivefold in recent years, coupled with being a densely populated city. Data from the 2021 Environmental Culture Survey conducted by Bogota’s Mayor’s Office, consisting of 266,994 entries, was analyzed using LASSO regularized logistic regression. LASSO offers advantages such as automatic feature selection, multicollinearity reduction, regularization to prevent overfitting, computational efficiency, and flexibility in a variety of modeling problems. The study provides significant insights into waste separation behaviors in Bogota, Colombia. The algorithm, with a 70% accuracy coefficient, indicates a direct correlation with the number of years individuals have resided in the city, demonstrating a 3.2% increase in the probability of consistently separating waste. Residents of Usaquén, Chapinero, Barrios Unidos, Bosa, and Teusaquillo exhibit higher probabilities of consistent waste separation, while those in San Cristóbal, Usme, Suba, Antonio Nariño, Rafael Uribe Uribe, and Ciudad Bolívar tend to have lower probabilities. Confidence in the recycling process significantly impacts behavior, with a 62.7% increase in the probability of consistently separating waste among those assured of the process. The study also highlights the importance of recycling bin availability, as individuals with only one bin in the kitchen show an 81.2% likelihood of almost never separating waste. The discoveries from this study regarding the factors influencing household waste separation and recycling practices offer valuable insights for enhancing environmental education and promotion strategies. By delving into the intricate dynamics of sociodemographic, geographical, and attitudinal elements, this research sheds light on the complexities of waste separation behaviors. These insights are pivotal for crafting tailored policies that can yield greater effectiveness in promoting sustainable practices and facilitating environmental conservation.
The business of pornography: Contributions from organization studies—Introduction to the special section
Authors: Fleming Peter , Muhr Sara Louise , Shadnam Masoud
Published: June 2024

Organization and management research has largely ignored the pornography industry. In many ways this is understandable; production often takes place under disturbing conditions, and the dissemination and consumption of porn is considered taboo. Nonetheless, we cannot neglect the fact that it is a multi-billion-dollar industry with significant economic, social and cultural impact. We believe scholars have an obligation to study and understand not only the talk-of-the-town organizations, but the shush-and-move-on ones too, drawing out their ethical and cultural significance. The collection of papers in this special section aptly demonstrates that pornography can be studied as an organizational phenomenon. The section includes an editorial as well as three individual papers.
Addressing LGBTQ+ health equity and disparities in multiple sclerosis: A call for research and action
Authors: Conte William L
Published: June 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) research has largely overlooked the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, leaving significant gaps in understanding and addressing their unique health equity challenges. Despite widespread recognition of LGBTQ+ health disparities, particularly in neurology, research at the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity, and MS remains limited. LGBTQ+ individuals encounter systemic barriers such as discrimination and lack of culturally competent care, exacerbating disparities in MS management and outcomes. Existing studies are scarce, highlighting the urgent need for increased funding and support for research initiatives. By prioritizing LGBTQ+ inclusivity in research, healthcare, and advocacy, we can strive for a more equitable future in MS care.
Improving kidney care for people with severe mental health difficulties: A thematic analysis of personal and family members’ perspectives
Authors: Cogley Clodagh , Bramham Jessica , Bramham Kate , Judge Rebekah Cheung , Lynch Julie , MacHale Siobhan , Holian John , Smith Aoife , Carswell Claire , Conlon Peter , D’Alton Paul
Published: June 2024

People with severe mental health difficulties (SMHDs) often have poorer access to kidney healthcare. To better understand the barriers and facilitators to kidney healthcare for this population, we conducted interviews with nine individuals with SMHDs and four family members. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we generated three themes: (1) ‘ One size doesn’t fit all’ describes the need for individualised kidney healthcare, adapted to meet the specific needs of each person with a SMHD. (2) ‘ You just can’t say, “I’m only dealing with your kidney here”’ describes how fragmentation of physical and mental healthcare services can lead to poorer outcomes for people with SMHDs, underscoring the need for coordinated care. (3) ‘ Just treat me with respect’ describes the impact of healthcare provider attitudes. Overall, participants praised the dedication and kindness of renal clinicians. However, some participants also described experiences of stigma and discrimination, and called for additional education for healthcare providers regarding SMHDs.
Municipality-level differences in disability retirement in Finland: The contribution of local social characteristics
Authors: Laaksonen Mikko , Perhoniemi Riku , Blomgren Jenni
Published: June 2024

Aims:

Large differences exist in the risk of disability retirement between Finnish municipalities. This study examined whether individual-level and municipality-level characteristics explain these differences and which municipality-level characteristics are particularly important for the risk of disability retirement.

Methods:

Individual-level register data were supplemented with 10 municipality-level characteristics from various databases. A 20% sample of the Finnish population ( N=626,391) was followed for transition to disability retirement from 2016 to 2019 using multilevel Weibull models.

Results:

Of the total variation in the risk of disability retirement, 4.3% was attributed to the municipal-level and decreased to 1.8% when individual-level characteristics (gender, age, education level and entitlement to special reimbursement for medical expenses, reflecting morbidity) were controlled for. Further adjustment for municipality-level characteristics fully erased the differences between municipalities. The proportion of municipality-level variation was larger for disability retirement due to somatic illnesses than mental disorders. Of the municipality-level characteristics, socioeconomic structure, unemployment rate, poverty, net migration between municipalities, dependency ratio, the amount of tax revenue per capita and morbidity were associated with the risk of disability retirement.

Conclusions:

The municipality-level variation in the risk of disability retirement is largely explained by the individual characteristics of the inhabitants. However, various characteristics of the municipalities show associations with the risk of disability retirement. Recognizing such factors is essential for shaping policies that mitigate disability retirement risk.
Attitudes of patients and mental health professionals towards hypothetical use of serious games in psychotherapy
Authors: Spies Georgina , Huss Jessica , Motswage Oscar , Seedat Soraya , Eichenberg Christiane
Published: June 2024

Serious games are increasingly being applied within healthcare, but their integration in psychotherapeutic settings is less documented. Objectives: The present study sought to identify the attitudes of psychotherapists and patients towards the hypothetical use of serious games in psychotherapy in the South African context. Methods: Online surveys assessed acceptance, experience, and requirements for the utilisation of serious games in therapeutic contexts. Clients utilising mental health services ( n = 209) and psychotherapists delivering mental health services ( n = 156) in South Africa completed the online survey. Results: Knowledge about serious games is limited with only 15% of clients and 16% of therapists reporting knowledge of the existence and application of serious games. Use of serious games is even more infrequent with only 1% of therapists and 6% of clients currently using serious games as an intervention. Despite this, our findings highlight an apparent demand for their use, with 71% of therapists indicating that serious games would be a suitable adjunct treatment modality for their patients. Our results show a general openness toward the use of serious games in psychotherapy. Conclusion: The use of serious games as an e-mental health treatment modality is conceivable for both patients and therapists, particularly as a complementary strategy to traditional face-to-face psychotherapy.
Digital home-based post-treatment exercise interventions for female cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hoa Nguyen Huyen Thi , Huyen Nguyen Thi Khanh , Bui Linh Khanh , Dinh Ha Thi Thuy , Taylor-Robinson Andrew W
Published: June 2024

Background: Although exercise benefits female cancer survivors, clinical decision-making regarding timing, frequency, duration, and intensity is lacking. Optimizing exercise interventions in this population is necessary. This study aimed to describe existing digital home-based exercises and to assess their effectiveness at improving physical health in female cancer survivors upon completion of therapy. Design: We conducted a systematic review using articles from Web of Science, Embase and Medline (Ovid). We included intervention studies examining the effects of digital home-based exercise programs on post-treatment recovery in female cancer survivors. Rob2 and ROBIN I were used to assess quality of studies. Quality-of-life, fatigue score, and physical performance were assessed using meta-analysis. Results: This study involved 1578 female cancer survivors in 21 interventions. Following guidelines and supervised exercise with coaches led to better outcomes than interventions without guidelines, programs without coaches, or lower intensity exercise. Exercise led to significant improvement in some physical performance outcomes. Significant improvements were seen in physical performance outcomes, including the 6-min walk test, metabolic equivalent task, and number of steps per day. Conclusion: Providing cancer survivors with standard guidelines for home-based, coach-supervised, vigorous exercise on digital platforms could improve their physical function, health, and quality-of-life.
Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: Insights From a Single-Center Retrospective Experience Over 12 Years
Authors: Azoulay Alexandre , Serrand Chris , Belarbi Amine , Branchereau Pascal , Prouse Giorgio , Hireche Kheira , Canaud Ludovic , Alric Pierre
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

The treatment of acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) is currently a challenge for vascular surgeons, because of the early morbidity and mortality rates and the high risk of late aortic events up to 50% at 5 years. This study presents the initial outcomes of ATBAD treatment using optimal medical therapy alone or combined with proximal entry tear stent-graft coverage. Additionally, it provides an analysis of the evolution of the aortic diameter and its clinical consequences during the chronic phase in each group.

Materials and Methods:

Conducted as a retrospective, single-center study, we enrolled all consecutive ATBAD patients (n=130) treated between 2008 and 2020. The primary analysis studies the entire patient cohort based on their initial management approach, namely, medical treatment alone for uncomplicated ATBAD (n=67) or combined with stent-graft entry tear coverage (n=63). We also conducted a subgroup analysis to investigate factors associated with disease progression in the medical management group.

Results:

Median follow-up was 29.5 months. During this time aneurysmal evolution was observed in: 42.4% of cases in the medical group compared with 21.8% in the stent-graft group, primarily affecting the thoracic aorta. The stent-graft group exhibited significant aortic remodeling, with a decrease in false lumen (FL) and thoracic aortic diameters. Initial aortic diameter ≥40 mm and FL ≥22 mm were independent risk factors for aneurysmal degeneration. Five-year survival was consistent at 76.1% in both groups.

Conclusion:

This study confirms the safety and efficacy of stent-graft entry tear coverage for ATBAD. Initial thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) appears to reduce late aortic events by promoting aortic remodeling. Considering TEVAR’s safety and potential to prevent late aortic complications, it may be considered for uncomplicated ATBAD patients with an initial aortic diameter ≥40 mm or an FL ≥22 mm.

Clinical Impact

This study validates the efficacy and safety of using endovascular stent grafts to seal the proximal entry tear in cases of acute type B aortic dissections, compared to optimal medical therapy. Aortic remodelling significantly benefits from endovascular stent graft coverage of the proximal entry tear. Given the heightened risk of late aortic events observed in the medical therapy cohort, there appears to be a necessity for including endovascular interventions in the management of uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissections, particularly when aortic diameter is ≥40 mm and false lumen diameter is ≥22 mm.
Reimagining Scholarly Impact Through Transformative Learning: An Arts-Based Collaborative Autoethnography
Authors: Li Beixi , Bhattarai Ajit
Published: June 2024

In this collaborative autoethnography, we, two early career academics used arts-based methods to explore and transform our understanding of scholarly impact. We began by narrating the disorienting dilemma we experienced while preparing our review, tenure, and promotion portfolios. After a brief review of Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, we described our failed attempt to engage in collaborative autoethnography and our turn to transformative learning scholarship that prioritizes artistic ways of knowing. We resituated our collaborative autoethnography as an arts-based inquiry and described our collaborative process facilitated by poetic inquiry and narrative métissage. We then discussed how this arts-based collaborative autoethnography project afforded opportunities for us to engage in perspective transformation. Finally, we concluded with the theoretical, methodological, and pedagogical contributions this project makes to transformative learning scholarship.
Punicalagin Restricts Growth, Promotes Apoptosis, and Reduces Invasion in Human Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Sun Ding-Ping , Uen Yih-Huei , Kang Nai-Wen , Chang Chun-Chao , Tian Yu-Feng , Fang Chia-Lang , Lin Kai-Yuan
Published: June 2024

This research investigated the anticancer properties of punicalagin, a prominent bioactive polyphenol extracted from Punica granatum L, in human gastric cancer cell lines. Normal and gastric cancer cells were exposed to different doses of punicalagin for various durations. Punicalagin exhibited cytotoxic effects on gastric cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, while sparing normal gastric epithelial cells. It is noteworthy that among the 3 gastric cancer cells, HGC-27 cells were more resistant to punicalagin than 23,132/87 and AGS cells. Furthermore, punicalagin triggered apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, evidenced by a rise in both early and late apoptotic cell percentages. Western blot analysis further revealed that punicalagin elevated the levels of activated caspase-3. Conversely, punicalagin curtailed cell invasion and reduced the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail, and Slug. From a mechanistic standpoint, Western blotting indicated that punicalagin might inhibit the Erk and NF-κB pathways, leading to apoptosis induction and the inhibition of cell invasion in gastric cancer cells. These results indicate that punicalagin promotes apoptosis and inhibits cell invasion in gastric cancer cells by activating caspase-3 and suppressing MMP-2, MMP-9, Snail, and Slug through the inhibition of the Erk and NF-κB pathways.
Typologies for Insider/Outsider Positionalities of Migrant Researchers: Conceptual Tools for Studying Migrant Populations
Authors: Tewolde Amanuel Isak
Published: June 2024

Regarding debates over researcher insider/outsider positionalities in the field of migration studies, many scholars have proposed various explanations. Some scholars studying migrant populations note that migrant scholars who share identities such as nationality, language, religion, race, ethnicity etc. with their study participants are usually perceived as insiders. Other scholars, however, contend that dynamics of insider/outsider positionalities are situationally shaped during researcher-participant interactions in fieldwork. There is now wide consensus among many scholars that shared social identities between researchers and study participants do not automatically position researchers as insiders. Drawing on secondary literature and my fieldwork encounters, this paper contributes to these debates by proposing typologies for migration researchers to use as analytical tools. The three typologies that map out insider/outsider dynamics during researcher-participant encounters in fieldwork are presuming ethnic insiderness/outsiderness, presuming national insiderness/outsiderness and the indeterminate fieldwork context. This paper argues that researchers’ insider/outsider positionalities should not be viewed as pre-determined or fixed formations but as uncertain and situationally constituted. I further argue that migration researchers should not enter the fieldwork with an assumption of automatic insiderness or outsiderness but that they need to view their insider or outsider positionalities as emerging during encounters with research participants.
Affective Ruptures: A Pragmatist Approach
Authors: Lampredi Giacomo
Published: June 2024

This article defines a possible pragmatist approach to the sociology of emotions by discussing and delimiting the concept of “affective rupture.” According to this approach, emotions emerge from the breaking of habits in the face of the transformation of situations, producing reflexivity and relational adjustments. The pragmatist approach problematizes the “rhythm” of emotions, made up of ruptures, moments of quiet, adjustments, harmonizations, restorations, and relational revolutions. Rhythm is what emotions pragmatically “do,” ordering and transforming every social situation. This article employs this idea to reinterpret some sociological approaches to emotions and, in parallel, to show how the interdependence between affectivity and irruption of events that involve and upset is constitutive of everyone's social behaviors.
The Safety of the Laryngeal Mask Airway in Adenotonsillectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khoury Sami , Zabihi-Pour Dorsa , Davidson Jacob , Poolacherla Raju , Nair Gopakumar , Biswas Abhijit , You Peng , Strychowsky Julie E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Adenotonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide. The current standard for securing the airway in patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy is endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation. Several studies have investigated the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in this procedure. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of the LMA versus ETT in adenotonsillectomy.

Method

Databases were searched from inception to 2022 for randomized controlled trials and comparative studies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The primary outcome is the rate of perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs). Secondary outcomes included the rate of conversion to ETT, desaturations, nausea/vomiting, and surgical time. A subgroup analysis, risk of bias, publication bias, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessments were also performed.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the analysis (4176 patients). The mean overall conversion to ETT was 8.36% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.17, 8.54], and for the pediatric group 8.27% (95% CI = 8.08, 8.47). The mean rate of conversion to ETT secondary to complications was 2.89% (95% CI = 2.76, 3.03) while the rest was from poor surgical access. Overall, there was no significant difference in PRAEs [odds ratio (OR) 1.16, 95% CI = 0.60, 2.22], desaturations (OR 0.79, 95% CI = 0.38, 1.64), or minor complications (OR 0.89, 95% CI = 0.50, 1.55). The use of LMA yielded significantly shorter operative time (mean difference −4.38 minutes, 95% CI = −8.28, −0.49) and emergence time (mean difference −4.15 minutes, 95% CI = −5.63, −2.67).

Conclusion

For adenotonsillectomy surgery, LMA is a safe alternative to ETT and requires less operative time. Careful patient selection and judgment of the surgeon and anesthesiologist are necessary, especially given the 8% conversion to ETT rate.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Local People Towards the Hippopotamus,Hippopotamus Amphibiousand its Conservation: Insights from Ghana
Authors: Lawer Eric Adjei , Ishaq Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim: The native range of the African hippo has contracted significantly due to various anthropogenic threats such as poaching and habitat destruction, thus making the species highly prone to extinction. Protected areas can safeguard hippo populations through legal restrictions and other effective strategies. However, knowledge, perceived threats, and benefits of the species can influence local people’s attitudes towards their conservation. Yet, gaps in our understanding of what people know about hippos and their conservation persist, especially in Ghana, where their population is vulnerable, thus requiring urgent research. Methods: To improve this knowledge deficit, we employed a mixed-methods research approach to collect data from household heads in five communities in the Bui National Park (BNP) landscape for descriptive and regression-based statistical analyses. Results: Our findings revealed that respondent’s knowledge of hippos was significantly influenced by education and exposure to the species. Several respondents reported relatively stable or declining population patterns for hippos and attributed the causes to poaching and the construction of the hydropower dam in the BNP. Most respondents wanted hippo populations to increase in the future due to the potential benefits they could derive through tourism while the remaining respondents wanted their numbers to decline due to perceived conflict situations such as boat capsizing and crop damage. Conclusion: Local people’s knowledge of the hippo and its conservation is influenced by education and exposure to the species, and its population is perceived to be declining due to human activities. Implications for Conservation: Authentic and meaningful engagements among diverse stakeholders (e.g., farmers, fishermen, and park authorities) in the BNP landscape are critical to ensuring hippo conservation based on our findings. In particular, community-wide education to enhance hippo literacy, avoidance of farming along riverbank habitats, and adoption of sustainable livelihood approaches may benefit the aquatic environment, hippos, and local people.
The Effect of Additional Neuromuscular Training on Peri-Ankle Muscle Morphology and Function in Chronic Ankle Instability Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kazemi Khadijeh , Javanshir Khodabakhsh , Saadi Feryal , Goharpey Shahin , Shaterzadeh Yazdi Mohammad Jafar , Calvo-Lobo César , López-López Daniel , Nassadj Gholamhossein
Published: June 2024

Background:

Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues during sports and activities of daily living. This study investigated the effect of combined neuromuscular training and conventional training (including strengthening, range of motion, and balance exercises) on muscle morphology, dynamic balance, perceived ankle instability, and functional capacity in persons with chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Hypothesis:

The combination of neuromuscular and conventional training programs might result in additional benefits on the morphology of muscle, dynamic balance, and functional capacity in subjects with CAI.

Study Design:

A single-blind parallel-arm randomized controlled trial.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

A total of 34 participants with CAI were divided randomly into experimental (EG) and control groups (CG). The EG received conventional and neuromuscular training, while the CG underwent conventional training. Cross-sectional areas of the peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles were measured using ultrasonography. Measurements included reaching direction distance, ankle instability, and the foot and ankle outcome score, all evaluated before and immediately after 12 intervention sessions and 4 weeks later in the follow-up phase.

Results:

Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant improvement in the EG, particularly in the cross-sectional area of the tibialis anterior muscle on the injured side and the posteromedial reaching direction displacement of the Y balance test. Moreover, the EG’s foot and ankle outcome scores increased significantly compared with the CG ( P < 0.05). However, the group effect size ranged from minor to moderate (Hedges g, 0.40-0.73).

Conclusion:

Combining neuromuscular and conventional training programs yields greater benefits than conventional training alone regarding tibialis anterior muscle morphology, posteromedial dynamic balance, and functional capacity in persons with CAI.

Clinical Relevance:

The combination of neuromuscular and conventional training programs could enhance muscle morphology, dynamic balance, perceived ankle instability, and functional capacity in persons with CAI.
Instructors’ perceptions of online English education in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sinan Malec Pinar
Published: June 2024

The current research explores instructors’ perceptions of online teaching applications at various universities during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In the survey, instructors’ motivation in online learning, their affective state on the online platform, their opinion on the efficiency of technical infrastructure, the development of student language skills and e-learning advantages and disadvantages are examined through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings indicate that instructors appear content with the technical infrastructure and supplementary online materials but discontent with the lack of class control, poor interaction, and inefficient grasp of lesson content, therefore, they prefer face-to-face or blended learning over online learning in the future.
Reported self-care practice toward prevention of puerperal sepsis and associated factors among postnatal mothers: Community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Teferi Sheleme Mengistu , Terefe Bezabih , Temesgen Gebremariam , Seyoum Kenbon , Ejigu Debebe Neway , Kene Chala , Geta Girma , Wedajo Lema Fikadu
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Puerperal sepsis is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in low-income countries, which can affect sustainable development goals. Even though it is a preventable problem through maternal self-care practices, maternal-reported self-care practices regarding puerperal sepsis were under-researched in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the maternal reported self-care practice and associated factors among postnatal mothers for the prevention of puerperal sepsis.

Objective:

The study aimed to assess the reported self-care practice of postnatal mothers in Arba Minch town toward the prevention of puerperal sepsis and its associated factors.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from 1st to 30th May 2022. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by the Open Data Kit tool and exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis. Both crude and adjusted odds ratios with a 95% CI were calculated, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant factors.

Results:

Of a total of 423 postpartum mothers, 417 participated, making a response rate of 98.5%. The study revealed that 45.6% (95% CI: 41.2%, 50.1%) of postnatal mothers had good reported self-care practices toward the prevention of puerperal sepsis. Tertiary educational level (AOR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.43, 4.59), multiparity (AOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.74), and having a good awareness of puerperal sepsis prevention (AOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.40, 3.37) were significantly associated at a p-value less than 0.05.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that less than half of postnatal mothers reported good self-care practices. Healthcare providers and all stakeholders should focus on strategies to improve self-care practice during antenatal and postnatal care and at a community level, with a special focus on postnatal mothers with no formal education and multiparous mothers.
Valproate encephalopathy: Case series and literature review
Authors: Pan Chunhua , Zhao Ziyi , Liu Zheng , Luo Ting , Zhu Manmin , Xu Zucai , Yu Changyin , Huang Hao
Published: June 2024

Valproate encephalopathy is one of the unusual and severe but treatable side effect. This research focuses on four female patients who had valproate medication for epilepsy and developed an increased frequency of seizures, exacerbated disruption of consciousness, gastrointestinal problems, cognitive dysfunction, ataxia, and psychobehavioral abnormalities. The patient’s symptoms improved over time once sodium valproate was stopped. As a result, when using sodium valproate, one should be aware of the risk of sodium valproate encephalopathy and cease using the medication right once if any of the above symptoms of unknown etiology manifest clinically. We also go over the potential pathogenesis that lead to valproate encephalopathy and the heightened risk of encephalopathy from taking antiepileptic medications together. It was stressed how crucial it is to identify, diagnose, and treat sodium valproate encephalopathy as soon as possible.
Atypical scrotal edema – Case report
Authors: Nateghi Ariana , Noël Rose , Waddell Andréanne , Veilleux Mylène
Published: June 2024

Lymphatic filariasis is an endemic parasitic infection in 72 countries. It is caused by a filarial worm transmitted through mosquito bites. Acute nonspecific symptoms can occur, such as fever and edematous inflammatory plaques, while its chronic state is commonly characterized by lymphedema.
The Influence of Individualism/Collectivism Orientation on University Teachers’ Bootleg Innovation: Mediating Effect of Informal Organizational Norms and Moderating Effect of Environmental Uncertainty
Authors: Xu Chuang , Gong Wenting
Published: June 2024

Bootleg innovation is a common phenomenon in Chinese universities. However, little is known about its influencing factors and mechanisms. Based on the trait activation theory, the current study proposes and tests a moderated mediation model by conducting an online survey of 1,038 university teachers at four undergraduate universities using convenient sampling. The findings suggest that the influence of individualistic orientation on bootleg innovation is greater than that of collectivism. Individualism has less influence on informal organizational norms than collectivism. Such norms play a partial mediating role between individualism/collectivism orientation and bootleg innovation behavior. Environmental uncertainty positively moderates the entire mediation model of individualistic orientation but not the first half of the path of the collectivist model. This study enriches the research on antecedent variables of bootleg innovation behavior and highlights the important role of situational factors in the entire mechanism.
The Use of Linear Formulas to Estimate Glenoid Bone Loss in the Lebanese Population: A 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Bizdikian Aren Joe , El Rassi Joe , El-Haddad Elias , Khadra Eid Joelle , Roukoz Sami , El Abiad Rami , Rayes Johnny
Published: June 2024

Background:

Glenoid bone loss (GBL) is common in patients with shoulder instability and plays a major role in surgical decision-making. While a plethora of GBL estimation methods exist, all of which present specific challenges, recent studies have developed simple linear formulas estimating GBL based on glenoid height.

Purpose:

To assess the correlation between glenoid height and width, and to develop specific formulas based on age and sex to calculate the native glenoid width in the Lebanese population.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Computed tomography scans for 202 normal shoulders were extracted from our database. The glenoids were reconstructed in 3 dimensions and their width and height were measured. Glenoid width and height were compared between male and female groups. Correlation analysis was also performed on the width, height, age, and body mass index. Formulas estimating glenoid width were developed using regression analysis including all variables significantly influencing the model. Results were then compared with the values calculated using previously published formulas to determine the external validity when using linear formulas to estimate GBL.

Results:

Significant differences were found between men and women. Regression analysis found that glenoid height and width strongly influenced the model, and that age showed a weak but significant correlation; therefore, the following 2 sex-specific formulas were developed: width (mm) = 6.1 + 0.51 × height+ 0.03 × age, and width (mm) = 4.55 + 0.51 × height+ 0.03 × age, in men and women, respectively. The values yielded from the formulas developed in this study and the true width significantly differed from those calculated from previous reports.

Conclusion:

A strong correlation was found between glenoid height and width in a the Lebanese population and demonstrated that glenoid width can be accurately calculated based on the glenoid height and patient's age and sex using the following simplified formulas: width (mm) = 6 + 0.5 × height+ 0.03 × age, and width (mm) = 4.5 + 0.5 × height+ 0.03 × age, in men and women, respectively.