bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immigrant Threat, Racial Competition, and White Resistance to Police and Criminal Justice Reform
Authors: Reid Jonathan C. , Ramos Javier , Brown Samantha J.
Published: November 2024

This research draws on conflict-based accounts to examine how perceptions of out-group threats shape White resistance to police and criminal justice reform. Using nationally representative data from the ANES-GSS 2020 Joint Study, we find that White Americans who perceive immigrants as a criminal threat are more likely to prioritize the need for more robust social controls rather than supporting efforts toward reforming the police and the criminal legal system. We also uncover a link between racial competition for political power and White preferences for a stronger emphasis on law and order through expanded policing and more stringent enforcement of the laws. This preference supersedes the desire to address bias against minorities in the criminal legal system through police and court reforms. The implications of these findings for understanding the current context of American racial and immigration politics, as well as the future of American policing and criminal justice, are discussed.
A Retrospective Single-Center Study in 20 Patients With Midline Nasal Masses: Which Site Has the Highest Risk of Recurrence?
Authors: Yılmaz Topçuoğlu Miray-Su , Plinkert Peter K. , Seitz Angelika , El Damaty Ahmed , Bächli Heidrun , Baumann Ingo
Published: November 2024

Objectives:

Midline nasal masses are rare and challenging for surgeons. This study examined the site with the highest risk of recurrence following midline nasal mass excisions.

Methods:

Surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed following excision of midline nasal masses between 2010 and 2022 in the predominantly pediatric patient cohort. The primary outcome measure was the recurrence rate.

Results:

Overall, 22 nasal masses were resected from 20 patients. Of these masses, 16 were nasal dermoid sinus cysts (NDSC), 2 were hamartomas, 1 was an epidermoid cyst, and 1 was a mature teratoma. Five of the nasal masses were classified as intracranial lesions, 11 were classified as intraosseous lesions, and 6 were classified as superficial lesions. The open rhinoplasty approach was chosen in 65% of the surgeries. For the intracranially extended lesions, a combined nasocranial approach was performed. Four revision surgeries were performed due to superficial recurrences at the nasal dorsum of lesions, that were primarily classified as intraosseous lesions.

Conclusions:

All recurrences had a superficial extension and were easily excised. Intraosseous NDSC have the highest risk of recurrence, but conversely, they also occur most frequently.
Gamifying Composition and Player Scaffolding: Intentional Learning for Young Composers
Authors: Weatherly Katy Ieong Cheng Ho , Chao Ivy Ho I
Published: November 2024

In this article, we explore the theory and practical application of gamification learning in music education, specifically targeting young students. Our focus is on facilitating intentional learning and engagement through the use of gamified techniques. Designed intentionally with nondigital elements, it mirrors a cooperative board game. This game incorporates clear objectives, challenges, and a progressive series of stages, all while utilizing a “player scaffolding” approach. Through following this structured gamified composition process, students are encouraged to explore their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and foster collaboration. The article concludes by highlighting the immense potential of gamification in music education to inspire and empower young composers while fostering intentional and interactive learning experiences.
It’s Not Optional: Implementing IEPs in the Music Classroom
Authors: Grimsby Rachel , Jones Sara
Published: November 2024

Music educators are required to support the learning needs of those they teach. Some students may require additional or specific learning supports through individualized education programs (IEPs), also known as individualized education plans, to ensure their academic success. Music educators may struggle to transfer IEP goals, accommodations, and/or modifications into the music setting. In this article, we explain the IEP process and document, offer tips on accessing IEPs, and provide recommendations for implementing IEPs in the music setting.
How Do Home Care Workers Experience A Client's Death, Professionally and Personally? A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Findlay Gillian Mhairi , Robertson Noelle
Published: November 2024

Background: Home care workers (HCWs) may frequently experience client death. This critical interpretive meta-synthesis aimed to identify the impacts of client death to offer preliminary recommendations with respect to support. Method: Five electronic databases, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched systematically using keywords and subject headings. Results: Eight papers focusing on HCWs’ experiences of client death were identified. Constructs were elicited and interpreted via Reciprocal Translation Analysis. The interpreted line of argument highlighted four interrelated themes: ‘‘Personal grief: The impact of loss’, ‘Disenfranchised grief: no space for humanity and connection’', Inherent tension between self-care and organisational expectations: “You need a moment to hit the reset”, and ‘I wish someone was there to talk to: HCW support needs’. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that HCWs are affected in multiple ways by client death, but these impacts are not consistently recognised or responded to by their organisations.
Investigating the Effect of Religion’s Dimensions on Egoistic Suicide Ideation
Authors: Sabriseilabi Soheil
Published: November 2024

The complexity of suicide as a social phenomenon has long been discussed in the literature. Scholars have always used religion to show how a social force can shape most individualistic behaviors like egoistic suicide. However, religion is not a simple unidimensional fact that can be applied to any kind of suicidal thought or behavior. The main premise of the present study is that religion consists of different aspects each of which can have different impacts on individuals’ attitudes toward suicide. Operationalizing religion as a multidimensional construct this study simultaneously tested the independent effects of four dimensions of religion (religiosity, spirituality, afterlife beliefs, and religious affiliation) on attitudes toward egoistic suicide. Using data from the 2018 General Social Survey (GSS) the present study proposes running a logistic regression analysis to see if suicide attitudes are significantly influenced by religiosity, spirituality, afterlife beliefs, and religious affiliation.
Group Norms, Social Pressure, and Ethnic Voting
Authors: Rosenzweig Steven C
Published: November 2024

Explanations for ethnic voting have focused primarily on voters’ use of ethnicity as a heuristic for evaluating parties or candidates, or on the expressive benefits voting for coethnics may provide. This article describes and tests a largely overlooked explanation for ethnic voting resulting from group norms and social pressure. Employing a combination of experimental and observational data from Kenya—as well as observational data from three other African countries—it finds evidence that many voters have no intrinsic preference for coethnic candidates, but that their desire to conform to the norms of their ethnic community drives them to vote along ethnic lines. The results have important implications for our understanding of ethnic voting, as well as the conditions under which survey respondents provide truthful answers about group-related preferences.
Climate change and municipal finance: Ordinary innovations for just urban transitions
Authors: Diezmartínez Claudia V , Short Gianotti Anne G
Published: November 2024

As cities worldwide increasingly adopt commitments towards climate justice, questions remain about the ways that city governments will be able to fund more just climate efforts. While the use of novel debt financing schemes has been examined in the literature for its justice implications, scholars have rarely interrogated how the more mundane tools and practices of municipal finance can be applied to enable more just urban transitions. Here, we use the USA as a case study to analyse the impacts of climate change and climate action on municipal budgets and to examine how cities are adapting their financial tools and practices to advance climate action and climate justice efforts. We employ a mixed-methods research design that combines 34 expert interviews with a systematic content analysis of municipal budgets from 15 US cities of different sizes. We find that both climate change and climate action can contribute to cities’ fiscal vulnerability by imposing additional expenditures and/or reducing municipal revenues. While most cities lack transparency about their investments in climate action and climate justice, some city governments are implementing ordinary innovations that embed climate and justice criteria into budgetary practices and funding tools. These ordinary innovations reveal that cities are beginning to reimagine municipal finance in the service of more just climate futures.
The Mediating Role of Social Support on Unmet Healthcare Needs in Vietnamese Older People During the COVID-19
Authors: Giang Long Thanh , Bui Thu Dai , Le Dung Duc , Truong Van Thi , To Anh Lan
Published: November 2024

This study examined various factors, including social support as a mediating one, influencing subjective unmet needs (SUN) in Vietnamese older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using logistic regression models with a national survey on older persons, we identified determinants of SUN, and then further explored how social support moderated the association between experiencing SUN and chronic diseases. We found that about 25% of Vietnamese older persons experienced SUN during the pandemic, in which more advanced age, living alone, lack of healthcare insurance and having chronic diseases were risk factors, while higher education, better wealth, and stronger social support played as protective factors. Particularly, social support was found a significantly moderated factor between SUN and chronic diseases. Based on these findings, we argued that it would be imperative to strengthen healthcare system at the grassroot level so as to improve accessible and adequate care for older persons, especially those with chronic diseases. Also, enhancing social support via solidary family and community members, particularly in times of crisis, was recommended to address older persons’ healthcare needs.
The causal effects of religious service attendance on prosocial behaviours in New Zealand: A national longitudinal study
Authors: Bulbulia Joseph A , Davis Don E , Rice Kenneth G , Sibley Chris G , Troughton Geoffrey
Published: November 2024

We investigate the causal effects of religious service attendance on prosocial behaviours using longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of 33,198 New Zealanders collected between 2018 and 2021. Our study innovates in three ways: (1) we use longitudinal rather than cross-sectional data; (2) we incorporate measures of help received alongside self-reported giving; and (3) our statistical models are designed to address causal questions, rather than simply to describe change over time. We model causal contrasts for three hypothetical interventions – increasing, decreasing, or maintaining religious service attendance – and assess their effects on eight distinct prosocial domains. Study 1 focuses on self-reported charitable donations and volunteering. Studies 2 and 3 examine receiving help – both personal and financial – from family, friends, and the wider community. Across all analyses, we find that the causal effects of religious service attendance are notably smaller than cross-sectional correlations suggest. However, even modest increases in regular attendance would result in charitable donations equivalent to approximately 4% of the New Zealand Government’s annual spending – a considerable public benefit. By applying robust methods for causal inference to national-scale panel data, our study provides insights that can inform public policy about the social functions of religious participation and advances a methodological framework for investigating the social consequences of cultural practices.
Unpacking the Group Engagement Model Within a Police Department: Peers, Legitimacy, and Unintended Consequences
Authors: Sarpong Dennis , Trinkner Rick , Solomon Phillip Atiba
Published: November 2024

The group engagement model (GEM) suggests that a fair internal climate within police departments enhances officer support for fair policing. However, prior work has not considered the role of peers in creating a fair climate, the theoretical positioning of legitimacy perceptions, and the possible unintended effects of internal fairness. Active-duty officers ( n = 292) completed a survey measuring their perceptions of peer and supervisor procedural justice, distributive justice, police identification, legitimacy of both command and supervisors and support for procedurally just policing and intrusive policing. The results showed that peer procedural justice was associated with both support for procedurally just policing and intrusive policing. The implications of the result are discussed in terms of the role of peers in a fair internal climate and the potential for a fair climate to have unanticipated effects on officers’ support for various policing strategies.
Police Recruits’ Perceptions of the Utility of Body-Worn Cameras as a Training Tool
Authors: Deck Sarah L. , Porter Louise E. , Powell Martine , Alpert Geoffrey
Published: November 2024

Concerns about police behavior, especially police use of force, necessitate the identification of training procedures that optimize learning outcomes for police. This study explored the potential of body-worn cameras (BWCs) as a feedback tool during police training. Police recruits ( N = 111) who had experienced a simulated use of force scenario and observed their BWC footage of that event were asked open-ended questions about their experiences observing their footage. Inductive thematic analysis of their responses indicated that BWC footage encouraged recruits to be active learners, helping them self-assess their performance and enriching their capacity to engage with expert feedback. Viewing BWC footage clarified areas for improvement, contextualized feedback, and enhanced recruits’ confidence in their performance. These findings provide strong support for the potential of BWCs to enhance training outcomes and lay the groundwork for future investigations to explore the effectiveness of BWC for this purpose via controlled systematic means.
‘We Are Learning How To Organize Ourselves’: Feminist Intra-Movement Dynamics
Authors: Miranda Leibe Lucía , Pizzolati Micol
Published: November 2024

The paper explores activists’ political organization strategies and obstacles they faced in achieving consensus during the feminist protests that exploded in Chilean universities between April and May 2018. Drawing on the intra-movement dynamics literature and analyzing qualitative data about the mobilization in one of the oldest universities of the country, the research sheds light on the movement’s internal dynamics, reviewing the activists’ decision-making processes and conflict management to position their demands in light of three styles of activism: autonomous, militant and performative. The study highlights that despite the substantial alignment of student demands with the feminist movement’s goals, the political strategies implemented by each group differed substantially. The paper contributes to the understanding of how feminists deal with conflict to achieve consensus to position their demands.
“What’s the Point of Having Meetings?”: The Everyday Politics of Communist Youth in Shanghai, 1922–1927
Authors: Yi Shensi
Published: November 2024

Based on sources that have recently been made available, this article examines how the Chinese Communist Youth League (CYL) in 1920s Shanghai faced complexities and tensions that rendered it unable to fulfil its own personnel policy and organizational goals. Previous scholarship has largely overlooked the day-to-day practice of the local grassroots of the CYL during this period, focusing instead on its strategy and program of development at higher levels. This study enriches research on early Chinese communism by providing an internal perspective on the Shanghai Communist Youth League’s (SYL) daily operations throughout the National Revolution (1924–1927), including how it engaged with subordinate organizations, how its personnel issues were managed at different levels, how human resources (students and workers) were disciplined, and how members reacted to those measures. This study also examines the complexities the SYL faced as it tried to develop strong grassroots support in industrial settings and campus contexts, and the tension between its goals of organizational efficiency and perpetuating traditional cultural elements in staff management. Despite its routine practices, such as training, education, and mutual criticism, and disciplinary measures, such as purging the organization, far from reaching the state of institutionalization that it aimed for, the SYL was plagued with unresolved problems at the grassroots. These issues became glaringly evident and formed a sine qua non for the setbacks that the organization experienced in the 1927 Shanghai coup.
Impact of blood eosinophil count on clinical outcomes in hospitalized Syrian patients with COPD exacerbation
Authors: Albuaini Sara , Najjar Michel , Tulaiba Dania , Al Bardan Hussam
Published: November 2024

Objective

In this multicenter retrospective study, we evaluated the prognostic role of blood eosinophil count on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We included patients aged 20 to 90 years with a COPD diagnosis. Patients were divided into groups with blood eosinophil count ≤300 or >300 cells/μL and then further classified into 1–99, 100–300, or >300 cells/μL. We compared sociodemographic features and clinical outcomes between groups and identified risk factors associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with COPD and blood eosinophil count ≤300 cells/μL.

Results

In total, 217 patients were included (82% men, average age 64.3±10.3 years). Patients with eosinophil counts ≤300 cells/μL had significantly longer hospital stays, more admissions to the intensive care unit (22.2% vs. 4.3%), and more frequent mechanical ventilation (21.6% vs. 4.3%) than those with eosinophil counts >300 cells/μL. Mortality only occurred in the group with ≤300 cells/μL; patients with COPD who had eosinophil counts >300 cells/μL had significantly better survival rates (17.0% vs. 0%).

Conclusion

High blood eosinophil counts at admission were associated with improved short-term outcomes. Our findings reveal the importance of considering eosinophil counts in clinical decision-making to manage hospitalized patients with COPD.
Political Dynamics of Pre-colonial Myanmar/ Burma: The Context for Colonisation
Authors: Aktar Taslima
Published: November 2024

In Burmese historiography, the issue of periodisation has not been given much attention. Burma’s pre-colonial history of dynastic and ruler changes occurred within a static framework with little to no institutional or social change. Before the British conquest, the political history of Burma can be summed up as an endless struggle between the Burmese people and their neighbours, as well as between at least four different indigenous groups: Shans, Arakanese, Mons or Talaings. Numerous political organisations and migrations occurred during the pre-colonial era. The Pyu city-states, the Pagan Empire, the Toungoo Dynasty and the Konbaung Dynasty were the four pre-colonial systems covered in this article. Mercantilism, Buddhism, commerce with Asian countries, and cultural and political concepts had a significant impact on Pyu culture, which may have long shaped later Burmese governmental structures and society. In the Pagan Kingdom, farming, irrigation, culture and design attained a high degree of development and were formed by the ancestors of the trendy Burmese. The Kanbwang Dynasty came to power in the eighteenth century and established central authority nearby. Early in the nineteenth century, colonial powers seized control of Burma. The main objectives of this article are the political and social landscape of pre-colonial Burma and how it impacted colonialism. The article also makes connections between periods of Burma’s colonial history and early modern history.
When automation hits home: Exploring the nuanced relationship between job risk and support for universal basic income
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ignacio , Álvarez Escobar Boris , Boso Àlex , Casassas David
Published: November 2024

Technological change is causing major transformations in the nature of work and the labor market. As a result, there is a growing interest in studying the relationship between automation of jobs and attitudes toward universal basic income as a potential solution to address the socioeconomic challenges posed by technological advancements. Hence, the exploration of a universal basic income and other innovative ways to restructure the welfare state has become crucial in navigating the complexities of the digital economy and automation. Drawing on data from the Barometer of Political Opinion of Catalonia, Spain, our study reveals nuances insights. We observe that individuals facing a high risk of job automation have a negative impact on support for selectively targeted, means-tested basic income. In addition, while concerns about technological displacement are prevalent, there is no clear correlation between perceived and objective risk of automation-induced job loss. Contextual information about automation also does not significantly influence support for universal basic income scheme or a guaranteed citizenship income. However, individuals who perceive their work tasks as automatable are more inclined to endorse a universal basic income, highlighting the complex interplay between technological change, socioeconomic perceptions, and attitudes toward welfare policy.
Suburban Gentrification: Change, Stasis, and TOD along the Purple Line
Authors: Finio Nicholas
Published: November 2024

The Washington Metropolitan area has been growing rapidly and experiencing gentrification since the 1980s. Contemporaneously, a light rail corridor in the inner suburbs was planned and is currently being constructed. This light rail, Maryland’s Purple Line, travels through dense urban areas, post-war era suburbs, and through a series of dense low-income immigrant gateway neighborhoods. Through a case study of the Purple Line during the construction phase, this paper examines the costs and benefits of the modern paradigm of transit-oriented development. Qualitative evidence suggests that the benefits of the line may be imbalanced against its costs in the short run, especially with respect to housing stability and affordability, displacement, and neighborhood change. Furthermore, this paper argues that displacement due to transit investment can occur prior to the opening of new transit lines. In light of this, the tenuous political coalitions that support construction of light rail will have to adjust to be more inclusive of equity, vulnerable populations, and provision of affordable housing.
Resilience among family physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada
Authors: Snowdon Anne , Ly Cindy , Wright Alexandra
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic’s inaugural wave impacted the professional autonomy of family physicians in Canada. This study highlights how family physician’s resilience enabled them to overcome the many challenges they faced to provide health services to patients and has enabled them to rebuild their sense of purpose and duty of care. Four themes were found to summarize physician experiences: (1) loss of clinical autonomy and control; (2) abandonment and neglect by the health system; (3) a fear of patients “falling through the cracks” and moral injury; and (4) building resilience to support duty of care in family practice. These results highlight the emergence of resilience among family physicians to restore professional autonomy in family practice, overcoming moral injury in order to fulfil their “duty of care” to their patients. Physicians believe the health system’s crisis preparedness efforts need to be dedicated to protecting the autonomy of practicing physicians to maintain the continuity of quality patient care in future health crises.
Wherefore art thou competitors? How situational affordances help differentiate among prosociality, individualism, and competition
Authors: Liu Yi , Stivers Adam W. , Murphy Ryan O. , Van Doesum Niels J. , Joireman Jeff , Gallucci Marcello , Aharonov-Majar Efrat , Athenstaedt Ursula , Bai Liying , Böhm Robert , Buchan Nancy R. , Chen Xiao-Ping , Dumont Kitty B. , Engelmann Jan B. , Eriksson Kimmo , Euh Hyun , Fiedler Susann , Friesen Justin , Gächter Simon , Garcia Camilo , González Roberto , Graf Sylvie , Growiec Katarzyna , Hřebíčková Martina , Karagonlar Gokhan , Kiyonari Toko , Kou Yu , Kuhlman D. Michael , Lay Siugmin , Leonardelli Geoffrey J. , Li Norman P. , Li Yang , Maciejovsky Boris , Manesi Zoi , Mashuri Ali , Mok Aurelia , Moser Karin S. , Netedu Adrian , Pammi Chandrasekhar , Platow Michael J. , Reinders Folmer Christopher P. , Reyna Cecilia , Simão Cláudia , Utz Sonja , van der Meij Leander , Waldzus Sven , Wang Yiwen , Weber Bernd , Weisel Ori , Wildschut Tim , Winter Fabian , Wu Junhui , Yong Jose C. , Van Lange Paul A. M.
Published: November 2024

The Triple Dominance Measure (choosing between prosocial, individualistic, and competitive options) and the Slider Measure (“sliding” between various orientations, for example, from individualistic to prosocial) are two widely used techniques to measure social value orientation, that is, the weight individuals assign to own and others’ outcomes in interdependent situations. Surprisingly, there is only moderate correspondence between these measures, but it is unclear why and what the implications are for identifying individual differences in social value orientation. Using a dataset of 8021 participants from 31 countries and regions, this study revealed that the Slider Measure identified fewer competitors than the Triple Dominance Measure, accounting for approximately one-third of the non-correspondence between the two measures. This is (partially) because many of the Slider items do not afford a competitive option. In items where competition is combined with individualism, competitors tended to make the same choices as individualists. Futhermore, we demonstrated the uniqueness of competitors. Compared to prosocials and individualists, competitors exhibited lower levels of both social mindfulness and trust. Overall, the present work highlights the importance of situational affordances in measuring personality, the benefits of distinguishing between individualists and competitors, and the importance of utilizing a measure that distinguishes between these two proself orientations.
Adverse outcome detection of childhood administered thimerosal-free HibTITER®
Authors: Jablonowski Karl , Hooker Brian
Published: November 2024

Background

Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB) is a gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that mostly impacts the pediatric and geriatric population, sometimes resulting in permanent sequelae or death.

Objective

In this study we set out to discover adverse outcomes from the thimerosal-free HibTITER® vaccine derived from a Florida Medicaid dataset spanning from January 2003 to June 2007 ( n = 277,484).

Methods

HIB vaccinated children were isolated from the Florida Medicaid dataset. Using other HIB vaccines as the control, we analyzed diagnoses for statistically significant adverse outcomes related to the HibTITER® vaccine (only the strictest p-value of <0.0001 was used in analyzing this dataset). We simultaneously and independently examined the statistical significance of symptoms reported to VAERS related to HIB vaccines to corroborate our findings ( p-value significance was reported at <0.05, <0.001, and <0.0001).

Results

The study revealed 19 individual ICD-9 codes positively associated ( p-value<0.0001 post Bonferroni correction) with recipients of the HibTITER® vaccine within 30-days of vaccination. Of these conditions, 14 have VAERS corroborators. The diseases span severity from mild to life-threatening and areas of respiration (e.g., asthma), gastrointestinal, otolaryngologic (e.g., common cold), dermatologic, generalized infections (e.g., tuberculosis), and other conditions.

Conclusion

Incidence of 19 different medical conditions was significantly higher compared to the control group who received other HIB vaccine formulations. These results were corroborated using the VAERS database, and have profound medical implications for the estimated 35 million Americans between the ages of 16 and 33 who received the vaccine.
Holocene seasonal temperature reconstruction based on branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGTs) records from different regions in China
Authors: Li Wubiao , Zhang Wenchao , Wang Yujie
Published: November 2024

The patterns of Holocene temperature change can provide important insight for understanding the recent global warming and assessing future global climate change. However, the mismatch in Holocene mean annual temperature between proxy records and climate models remains controversial, which is likely caused by potential seasonal bias from the geological records. Here, 64 surface sediment samples are analyzed to examine the seasonal bias of brGDGTs reconstruction. Subsequently, we compile 23 brGDGT-based seasonal and annual temperature records from different regions in China and compare them with the TraCE-21 ka simulation results in the same geographical location. The linearly analysis shows a higher correlation between MBT′5me and MAF (mean temperature of months above freezing) than that of MAT (mean annual air temperatures), suggesting the reconstructed temperature based on brGDGTs from aquatic sources may be biased toward MAF. The regionally stacked results indicate that MAF in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Northern China warmed from ~12 to 7 ka BP and then cooled thereafter, while an overall warming trend occurred in Southern China. These patterns of MAF change can be well reproduced by the model simulations. The summer and autumn temperature patterns during the Holocene in the Northern China are primarily driven by local insolation and modulated by ice sheets and greenhouse gas concentrations. The retreat of ice sheets in the early and middle Holocene, coupled with the increase in greenhouse gases, is considered the main driving factor for the long-term warming trend of the Holocene in southern China, whereas orbital-induced summer temperature change might be the major driving factor of MAF change in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Our results suggest that the patterns of seasonal temperature change are basically matched between proxy records and climate models during the Holocene.
Chinese public risk perception and acceptance of Facial Recognition Technology applied in law enforcement
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Kunran , Xu Haomiao
Published: November 2024

This study integrates the Perceived Risk Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, along with factors such as trust and procedural legitimacy, to assess the Chinese public’s risk perception and acceptance of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in law enforcement. Analyzing 1,561 valid questionnaires collected from February to July 2023, the results demonstrate that trust and procedural legitimacy positively influence public acceptance of FRT. Trust also mediates the effects of perceived privacy and functional risks on FRT acceptance. Privacy and social risks deter public acceptance, while functional risks surprisingly show positive effects. The study identifies a descending order of negative impact among these risk categories. In addition, the convenience, location and purpose of FRT use, and the severity of crimes it targets significantly delineate public acceptance boundaries, reflecting a consequentialist approach to technology ethics that prioritizes utility and outcomes.
Informal Settlements, Pandemic and Consequences: A Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Amidu Mohammed , Ahenkan Albert , Mensah James Kwame , Bawole Justice Nyigmah , Issahaku Haruna
Published: November 2024

This article focused on the informal settlements and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations using a data set that covers many countries. We sample 47 cross-country data and employ political ecology and economic contagion to empirically respond to two related questions: What is the impact of pandemics on informal settlement dwellers? How can governments address pandemics among informal settlement dwellers? Our results show that the risk factors for informal settlements concerning COVID-19 include the degree of trade openness, the death rate, family size, population density, geography and airport activity. This article offers several innovations on measures, determinants and the impact of pandemics on vulnerable populations across the globe. By extension, our results have important policy implications for governments in addressing the inequalities between formal and informal settlements during pandemics.
Identifying Flowing Change and Learning Towards Healthy Ageing—An Action Research Study
Authors: Persson Kylén Jessica , Svensson Ann , Atzori Annsofi Brattbäck , Kylén Sven Persson , Hägglin Catharina
Published: November 2024

This article identifies change and learning within a complex ecosystem aiming for healthy ageing through action research. Learning, innovation and progress are all referred to as change. Reflecting on a surprisingly good outcome within a collaborative project between dental care and municipal healthcare, fearing that change and learning from a predetermined outcome could overshadow elements that enabled change, a theoretical flow approach was used as an entrance to perspectives of change and learning. Flow approach made it possible to sense movement, focusing on timing, attentionality and undergoing. A research question was formulated: What change and learning outcomes can be identified through the lens of a flow approach? By looking beyond the project, focusing on what enabled change, actions could be traced that might have been overlooked in the absence of a flow approach. Although oral health is important for health, interprofessional collaborative projects have, to our knowledge, never been explored using a flow approach. This article contributes to theory by broadening perspectives on change and learning. Long-term interprofessional collaboration became evident as an enabling factor when mapping the emergence of change through a flow approach aiming for healthy ageing.
Effects of Motherwort on Biological Behavior of Brain Tissue in Rats with Ischemic Stroke and its Relationship with Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cao Guangyu , Zhou Jianju , Yu Guoqing , Fu Xiaohong , Xiong Bo
Published: November 2024

Background

Motherwort has a protective effect on the nervous system and can improve cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury to a certain extent. However, the effect of motherwort on the biological behavior of the brain tissue of rats with ischemic stroke and its relationship with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway is still unclear.

Purpose

Therefore, we will explore the effect of motherwort on the biological behavior of the brain tissue of rats with ischemic stroke and its relationship with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Methods

There were 17 model rats in each group, divided into a control group, a model group, and a motherwort (low, medium, and high) dose group. Detect cell proliferation, invasion, and so on, and observe the expression of proteins and genes such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), AKT, Pl3K, and β-actin.

Results

After successfully constructing a rat model of ischemic stroke, motherwort can improve neurological damage and cerebral infarction in ischemic stroke and is closely related to PI3K/AKT signaling; in addition, motherwort can upregulate PI3K/AKT signaling and improve neurological damage and cerebral infarct size in ischemic stroke rats to a certain extent, and play a role in protecting neurons.

Conclusion

The antioxidant and antineuronal apoptosis effects of motherwort can improve neurological damage and cerebral infarction area of ischemic stroke rats by upregulating the expression level of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting nerve cells. Apoptosis further protects neurons and plays a role in slowing down disease progression.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of ‘Oral Ice Application’ on Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy
Authors: Mancheri Naseem , Kaur Sukhpal , Pathak Pragya , Ghoshal Sushmita
Published: November 2024

Background

Oral mucositis is the most common complication of patients receiving radiotherapy.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of “oral ice application” on the incidence of radiotherapy-associated mucositis.

Methodology

The study was conducted on newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Using computer-generated random numbers they were allocated to experimental and control groups with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the experimental group were asked to suck ice cubes for 5 minutes before and after undergoing radiotherapy during each cycle till completion of their treatment. The control group patients continued with the routine care. Oral mucositis was assessed on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th days of radiotherapy by using the WHO oral toxicity scale.

Results

A majority (93%) of the participants were males and 70% had the habit of smoking before the diagnosis of the disease. In the experimental group, Grade 1 mucositis was reported on the 10th day of the treatment. However, it was noted on the 5th day in the control group. The patients included in the experimental group, had a significantly lower incidence of mucositis on the 10th day, 15th, and 20th day of radiotherapy ( p < .05). Though both groups were comparable as per the overall prevalence of oral mucositis, the severity of mucositis was significantly less in the patients in the experimental group.

Conclusion

“Oral ice application” was useful for delaying mucositis and reducing its severity. It is a simple and easy-to-use method and should be practiced in routine.

MeSH terms

Radiotherapy, Pain, Mucositis, Cryotherapy
An Analysis of Key Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Metrics in Several Important Manufacturing Segments of India
Authors: Bania Sweta , Biswas Jhumoor
Published: November 2024

The worldwide environmental issues present an unending cycle of transition and with it comes an increasing prevalence of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure initiatives which serve as a path towards encouragement of ethical and sustainable business operations and influencing the long-term viability of business. By disclosing ESG aspects, firms can increase their credibility and interest to investors who value sustainable investments. India’s manufacturing sector has consistently contributed over 15% of the country’s GDP. In response to the acute need for diversification of the economy and employment generation, the Indian government has implemented significant efforts to enhance manufacturing opportunities and this industry must gradually adopt sustainable manufacturing practices. This study has primarily focused on the leading manufacturing sub-sectors, namely oil, chemical, cement, metal and automobile industries. The study identifies those sub-sectors which are more progressive towards sustainability. Non-parametric tests, such as the Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn’s test (post hoc test) and the Wilcoxon signed rank test have disclosed significant variations in ESG performances within the manufacturing sectors. These findings will be valuable to potential investors in identifying those segments that do align with their investment decisions and will also encourage companies to recognize and address their ESG performance gaps.
Product Experimentation, Information Diffusion, and Platform Encroachment
Authors: Lam Wing Man Wynne , Liu Xingyi
Published: November 2024

Platforms provide great opportunities for independent sellers to experiment with new products. By facilitating transactions between trading parties, platforms can gather a huge amount of information about successful products and introduce their own versions of competing products. This phenomenon of platform encroachment has received attention from various stakeholders, and concerns have been raised about how it may marginalize independent sellers and hinder the development of the ecosystem. At the same time, platforms expedite the diffusion of information about successful products and facilitate learning and imitation from other independent sellers, which has received little attention in the literature. In this article, we explicitly account for this feature and consider a dynamic model to study the impact of platform encroachment on sellers’ incentives to experiment with new products, when both the platform and independent sellers can imitate and introduce competing versions of products offered by the successful experimenter. We show that when a seller with successful experimentation holds a competitive advantage in the product market, platform encroachment may enhance the incentives to carry out experimentation. This enhancement effect is stronger when information diffuses faster on the platform. We further discuss the implications for the platform’s optimal encroachment strategy and regulatory policies.
Association of Complication Rates and Severe Obesity in Patients Undergoing Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Kuttner Nicolas P. , Owen Aaron R. , Ryssman Daniel B. , Kitaoka Harold B. , Turner Norman S.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Tibiotalar arthrodesis (TTA) is a common operation for end-stage ankle arthritis. Elevated body mass index (BMI) is believed to contribute to complications following TTA. Previous studies involved national registries or small, underpowered cohorts. This study aimed to determine the effects of elevated BMI on nonunion and complication rates following TTA with a large cohort from a single academic institution.

Methods:

A retrospective study identified 514 patients (527 ankles) who underwent primary TTA from 2005-2017. Mean age was 60 years. Patients were stratified by BMI according to the World Health Organization classification. A reference group of 203 patients (208 ankles) included normal weight or mildly overweight patients (BMI 18.5 to <30). Ankle radiographs were evaluated to determine union or nonunion. Other outcomes included revision TTA, reoperations, subsequent adjacent joint arthrodesis, infection, and readmission. Data were analyzed using Pearson χ2 and odds ratios for categorical variables. Analysis of variance and Kaplan-Meier estimation assessed continuous variables and time-to-event outcomes, respectively. Mean follow-up was 34.3 months.

Results:

Obesity class III patients had elevated risk of complications compared with normal weight patients including nonunion (odds ratio [OR] 3.96, P = .002), revision (OR 3.69, P = .03), superficial infection (OR 9.36, P = .002), and readmission (OR 10.90, P = .01). Superficial infection rates were elevated in class I (OR 6.36, P = .007) and readmissions in class II (OR 9.98, P = .01). No differences were found in reoperation ( P = .448), symptomatic implant removal ( P = .805), adjacent joint arthrodesis ( P = .353), or deep infection ( P = .507) rates.

Discussion:

In this retrospective review after TTA, increased rates of nonunion, revision, superficial infection, and readmission were found in obesity class III patients, compared with the reference group of normal weight or mildly overweight patients. Superficial infection rates were likewise relatively elevated in class I and readmission rates in class II patients.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of PTBP1 to Identify it as a Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker
Authors: Zhao Yan , Wang Yanyang , Xia Qiuqiu , He Huanhuan , Mao Qiming , Dong Huaize , Zhu Lu , Hu Zongyue , Xia Jiyue , Weng Zijing , Liao Wenbo , Xin Zhijun
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Human cancer is considered to be an important cause of death worldwide. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is emerging as a powerful pro-oncogenic factor in bladder and liver cancer; however, no pan-cancer analysis is presently available. Our study aimed to explore PTBP1 expression profiles, prognostic immunological value, and biological functions across various cancers.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive analysis using multi-omics bioinformatics from public databases, including TIMER, GEPIA2, ProteinAtlas, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, PrognoScan, cBioPortal, STRING, ENCORI, TargetScan, and DAVID.

Results

We found that PTBP1 was overexpressed across multiple cancer types. qRT-PCR results demonstrated that the PTBP1 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), colon cancer (COAD), and melanoma (SKCM) cell lines, as well as in melanoma-forming mouse models. Higher PTBP1 mRNA levels were associated with poorer survival probabilities in several cancer types. PTBP1 genetic alterations were related to amplification and mutation. PTBP1 significantly modulates tumor immunity by enhancing Tregs infiltration and reducing CD8+ T cell activity, promoting immune evasion and adversely affecting cancer prognosis. GO and KEGG pathway analyses implied that PTBP1 may participate in RNA metabolism, the spliceosome, the cell cycle, and the p53 signaling pathway in cancer development.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to demonstrate the oncogenic role of PTBP1 in a pan-cancer context. PTBP1 might serve as a new biomarker for prognostic prediction and immune cell infiltration across cancers in the future.
Oxytocin in Human Social Network Cooperation
Authors: Han Xiaochun , Ma Yina
Published: November 2024

Human society is organized in structured social networks upon which large-scale cooperation among genetically unrelated individuals is favored and persists. Such large-scale cooperation is crucial for the success of the human species but also one of the most puzzling challenges. Recent work in social and behavioral neuroscience has linked human cooperation to oxytocin, an evolutionarily ancient and structurally preserved hypothalamic neuropeptide. This review aims to elucidate how oxytocin promotes nonkin cooperation in social networks by reviewing its effects at three distinct levels: individual cooperation, the formation of interpersonal relationships, and the establishment of heterogeneous network structures. We propose oxytocin as a proximate mechanism for fostering large-scale cooperation in human societies. Specifically, oxytocin plays an important role in facilitating network-wide cooperation in human societies by 1) increasing individual cooperation, mitigating noncooperation motives, and facilitating the enforcement of cooperative norms; 2) fostering interpersonal bonding and synchronization; and 3) facilitating the formation of heterogeneous network structures.