bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recreational Cannabis Legalization and Illicit Drugs: Drug Usage, Mortality, and Darknet Transactions
Authors: Liu Yizhi (Louis) , Xie Karen , Chen Wei
Published: August 2024

Recreational cannabis legalization has become an unprecedented trend in the United States, arousing heated debates on its implications for public health. Legalizing access to recreational cannabis may shrink the illicit market as it could be a substitute for illicit substances—the substitution effect. Alternatively, recreational cannabis may serve as a gateway drug to illicit drugs and raise the risk of using illicit substances—the gateway effect. Using novel darknet transactional data along with public health databases, we add evidence to the debate by empirically investigating the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on illicit drug use and mortality. Capitalizing on a quasi-experiment opportunity in which U.S. states legalized recreational cannabis at different times, we found a significant increase in the mortality of illicit drug overdose, along with the initiation and use of illicit drugs after the policy, i.e., the gateway effect. This effect is evident in a significant surge of Bitcoin transactions on darknets—a major source of illicit drugs—after the policy. It is also particularly salient in states allowing higher dosage possession and lower excise taxes on recreational cannabis. Our study contributes novel data to address the public health debate and provide policymakers with timely regulatory recommendations on recreational cannabis legalization.
Framing Inclusive Practice Options for Financial, Operational, and Community Outcomes
Authors: Glover Wiljeana J , Pachamanova Dessislava A , Li Zhi
Published: August 2024

While the operations management literature has addressed inclusive business models for large organizations, there has been less focus on how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) include vulnerable end-users when they are subject to industry constraints and are not able to redesign their business models. In such cases, organizations face variable profits based on the socioeconomic status (SES) of the end-user. We introduce the Inclusive Practice Options (IPO) framework to explain how, within the constraints of existing business models, SMEs can balance financial, operational, and community-related priorities. Vulnerable end-users should be considered in the end-user mix of all three priorities and may contribute to the overall fiscal solvency of the organization because while servicing these end-users may generate less revenue per end-user, they also may require less processing time, lower processing variability, and fewer denied or missed payments contributing to more stable profits on average. To present this framework, we first describe the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of IPO. We then delineate the three dimensions of the IPO framework: comprehensive financial performance, operational fairness, and community lift. We describe how the IPO framework can be applied to stakeholder management, market segmentation, and resource allocation. We provide an illustrative mental health practice case for additional context. Finally, we discuss future research directions and the implications of viewing operations management through this multidimensional lens.
Toward a solid philosophical foundation of animal consciousness research: bridging some conceptual gaps
Authors: Suzuki Daichi G.
Published: August 2024

In his book “ A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness,” Walter Veit attempts to provide a philosophical foundation for the science of animal consciousness, especially focusing on hedonic evaluation. While he highlights an important aspect of phenomenal consciousness, several conceptual issues warrant further examination. The first one is the role of evaluation. Veit argues that hedonic evaluation explains the origin of consciousness, but it seems implausible for conscious animals to have the evaluative aspect alone. Instead, the origin(s) of consciousness may have linked to the capacity for making prediction that combine both perceptive and evaluative aspects. Second, it is necessary to distinguish between creature and state consciousness for discussing subjective unity. Autonomous movements of octopus arms do not necessarily imply multiple conscious subjects within one body. Alternatively, an octopus may experiences “switching” within a single phenomenal field between conflicting perceptions as in binocular rivalry. Lastly, the adaptivity of consciousness requires scrutiny. Just as different animal phyla show various body plans, the neuroarchitecture of consciousness may be implemented in different ways among animals. Specific mentalities may be fine-tuned to specific lifestyles, similarly to specific adaptation of animal bodies. It appears that the “adaptivity” of ground plans (e.g., vertebrate body and vertebrate consciousness) makes no sense or must be considered differently from the adaptivity of specific character states (e.g., the body shape and food preferences of a bat). The current analysis could help improve Veit’s proposal, linking it to previous accounts and establishing a solid philosophical foundation for this research field.
Resurrecting Ancestral Familial Health: A Role for Psilocybin?
Authors: Glowiak Ashley
Published: August 2024

Background: Research investigating high-dose, high-support psilocybin-assisted therapy reports significant psychological benefits, increased consciousness, and an enhanced socio-cognitive niche, resulting in empathy, connection, creativity, and overall well-being. These qualities lend themselves well to the bonding, emotional regulation, and attachment required for thriving family systems. Research from social scientist Darcia Narvaez on the evolved developmental niche (EDN) acts as a unified orientation to healthy familial systems that emphasizes the psychological, biophysical, and social benefits of following the human social mammal physiological design. Objective: In this narrative review, I outline the rationale for a curated family-centered psilocybin-assisted therapy model that can bridge modern contradictory trends of birth, parenting, and family culture to realign with the EDN. This article supports a theoretical construction weaving high-dose psilocybin with family systems therapeutic interventions of family constellations, somatic integration, and emotional intelligence to customize a healing modality that supports the creative integration of EDN components within modern-day family systems. Methods: I examine the transdisciplinary evidence for psilocybin-assisted therapy and the complementary components, family constellations, somatic integration, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, I investigate the EDN and the respective research indicating the health and morality of adhering to these practices. Results: There is increasing evidence for the construction of a family-centered psilocybin-assisted therapy that follows the values of the EDN. Conclusion: A family-centered psilocybin-assisted therapy protocol may positively heal intergenerational trauma and resurrect elements of the EDN, supporting the cultural shift to align with the social mammalian physiological needs of the human being.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Efficacy of Oral Dexamethasone in Combination With Docetaxel Plus Ramucirumab Therapy for Previously Treated Lung Cancer
Authors: Hamai Kosuke , Katsura Ryo , Miyake Shinya , Fujita Suguru , Tada Shinpei , Hirakawa Tetsu , Ueno Sayaka , Tanimoto Takuya , Ishikawa Nobuhisa
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Docetaxel plus ramucirumab (DTX + RAM) therapy is a standard treatment for previously treated lung cancer, but many adverse events have been reported. This retrospective study was conducted to examine if the side effects of DTX + RAM therapy can be minimized by the combined use of oral dexamethasone (DEX), and to assess the therapeutic effect of DTX + RAM in patients with recurrent lung cancer.

Methods

Forty patients with relapsed non-small cell lung cancer who underwent DTX + RAM therapy were divided into two groups based on the concomitant use of oral DEX, and the therapeutic effects and toxicities in the two groups were compared.

Results

The objective response rate (ORR) was significantly better in the DEX group ( P = 0.0203). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.20 months vs 2.87 months ( P = 0.064) in the DEX and non-DEX groups, respectively. However, the median overall survival (OS) was significantly better in the DEX group (15.17 months vs 7.37 months, P = 0.0317). The frequency of fluid retention within six months of the start of treatment was 10.0% vs 42.5% in the DEX and non-DEX groups, respectively, with the fluid retention rate being significantly higher in the non-DEX group ( P = 0.039).

Conclusion

Concomitant use of oral DEX during DTX + RAM therapy may facilitate the long-term continuation of treatment and contribute to OS prolongation.
Innovative method for high-speed railway carbody vibration control caused by hunting instability using underframe suspended equipment
Authors: Wang Qunsheng , Jiang Xuesong , Zeng Jing , Mao Rancheng , Wei Lai , Wu Shidong
Published: August 2024

A novel method is proposed to suppress carbody lateral vibration caused by carbody hunting instability by configuring the equipment suspended on the carbody underframe as a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA). Since the relatively constant nature of the carbody hunting frequency, the equipment is designed to have the capability to absorber vibrations at this frequency. Firstly, an experimental investigation on carbody vibration of a high-speed railway train with hunting instability is introduced as the research background. Subsequently, a carbody lateral vibration model is established and optimal parameters are explored to clarify the inhibitory mechanism of the suspended equipment on carbody lateral vibration. Moreover, a dynamics simulation model is devised to replicate the hunting instability phenomenon in the field, validating the efficacy of the suspended equipment in suppressing carbody vibration. Finally, some discussions are conducted and a multi-objective optimization method is proposed to balance the dynamics performance of both the carbody and the equipment. The comprehensive investigation underscores the feasibility and potential of the proposed method in controlling carbody vibration of high-speed railway trains.
Do Repeat Customers Effectively Attract New Customers? Reconsidering Customer Influence Value of Repeat Customers
Authors: Shin Seunghun , Shin Hyejo Hailey , Lee Eunji , Yhee Yerin
Published: August 2024

In the hospitality industry, repeat customers are recognized for their significant contributions, not just because they visit a business again but also because they generate strong word-of-mouth impacts on potential customers’ decisions. However, the quality of repeat customers’ word-of-mouth should be reconsidered for its pivotal role in influencing new customers. This research examines the effectiveness of repeat customers’ word-of-mouth compared to first-time customers. Employing a multi-study, multi-method approach, the study examines whether the quality and usefulness of online reviews written by repeat customers is indeed superior to those of first-time customers, through text analysis (Study 1), an experiment (Study 2), and a regression analysis utilizing secondary data (Study 3). Contrary to common belief, the results of the three studies reveal that repeat customers’ reviews do not surpass those of first-time customers in terms of quality, usefulness, or attracting new customers, highlighting the importance of considering quality when assessing customers’ indirect contributions.
US cat caregivers’ attitudes on veterinary video telemedicine
Authors: Lee Sooyoung , Boone Grace , Bidgoli Ashley , Di Bernardo Joshua , Moody Carly M
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Many cats do not see a veterinarian on an annual basis, and their caregivers face many barriers to accessing veterinary care. A potential solution to overcome some of these barriers is video telemedicine. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand companion cat caregivers’ perceptions of using veterinary video telemedicine with their cats.

Methods

An online quantitative questionnaire was used to survey US cat caregivers on their experiences of and attitudes to using video telemedicine with their cats. Participants were required to reside in the USA, be the primary caregiver of at least one cat and be aged 18 years or older.

Results

The majority (97.3%) of the 1254 respondents indicated they had never used a video telemedicine appointment with their cat(s) before; however, most (85.7%) indicated they were very or somewhat interested in using video telemedicine with their cat. Overall, caregivers perceived video telemedicine visits as less stressful for themselves ( P <0.0002) and their cats ( P <0.0001), and as increasing their access to veterinary care ( P <0.0001) compared with in-clinic visits. Participants also indicated they would prefer a video telemedicine appointment over an in-clinic appointment for most cat behavioral concerns but preferred in-clinic appointments for most health concerns. Most respondents (51.3%) indicated they would be willing to pay a little less for a telemedicine appointment than an in-clinic visit.

Conclusions and relevance

Cat caregivers represent an important population that could benefit from the implementation of video telemedicine into veterinary care. Our results suggest many US cat caregivers indicate an interest and willingness to pay for video telemedicine visits to increase their access to veterinary care and reduce stress associated with veterinary visits for both themselves and their cats. Caregivers showed more interest in using video telemedicine for behavioral concerns than health concerns.
Elucidation of the CadA Protein 3D Structure and Affinity for Metals
Authors: Prabhakaran Rajkumar , Thamarai Rajkumar
Published: August 2024

The mitigation of cadmium (Cd) pollution, a significant ecological threat, is of paramount importance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa harbors 2 Cd resistance genes, namely, cadR and cadA. Presently, our focus is on the identification and characterization of the cation-transporting P-type ATPase (cadA) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa BC15 through in silico methods. The CadA protein and its binding capacities remain poorly understood, with no available structural elucidation. The presence of the cadA gene in P aeruginosa was confirmed, showing a striking 99% sequence similarity with both P aeruginosa and P putida. Phylogenetic analysis unveiled the evolutionary relationship between CadA protein sequences from various Pseudomonas species. Physicochemical analysis demonstrated the stability of CadA, revealing a composition of 690 amino acids, a molecular weight of 73 352.85, and a predicted isoelectric point (PI) of 5.39. Swiss-Model homology modelling unveiled a 33.73% sequence homology with CopA (3J09), and the projected structure indicated that 89.3% of amino acid residues were situated favourably within the Ramachandran plot, signifying energetic stability. Notably, the study identified metal-binding sites in CadA, namely, H3, C30, C32, C35, H48, C89, and C106. Docking studies revealed a higher efficiency of Cd binding with CadA compared to other heavy metals. This underscores the crucial role of N-terminal cysteine residues in Cd removal. It is evident that CadA of P aeruginosa BC15 plays a crucial role in Cd tolerance, rendering it a potential microorganism for Cd toxicity bioremediation. The structural and functional elucidation of CadA, facilitated by this study, holds promise for advancing cost-effective strategies in the remediation of cadmium-contaminated environments.
Effect of a Smoking Cessation Education Program on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy of Community Pharmacists in Japan: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Onda Mitsuko , Horiguchi Michiko , Domichi Masayuki , Sakane Naoki
Published: August 2024

Background

Supporting smoking cessation at pharmacies can be challenging owing to difficulties in recruiting smokers to participate in cessation programs, insufficient communication skills among pharmacists, and lack of knowledge and self-efficacy in successfully quitting smoking in Japan.

Objective

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a smoking cessation training program on community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy in supporting smoking cessation.

Methods

The study, conducted in Japanese pharmacies with 100 community pharmacists, employed a quasi-experimental design. Two online training programs were implemented. Participants completed a web-based survey assessing their knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy in supporting smoking cessation before, immediately after, and 1 year after the training program. A two-way analysis of variance with a mixed model was used to examine score changes at each time point.

Results

Total knowledge scores significantly increased between baseline and immediately after training and baseline and 1 year after training. The total attitude scores between baseline and immediately after training differed significantly. However, no differences were noted between baseline and 1 year after training. Total self-efficacy scores significantly increased at baseline, immediately after training, and between baseline and 1 year after training. Despite no significant interactions between the programs, there was a partial interaction effect on knowledge, with only the customized program having items whose knowledge levels improved after 1 year.

Conclusion and Relevance

The training program improved community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy regarding smoking cessation support. The customized program must be reinforced to improve support performance and maintain attitude.
Study on the dynamic evolution of friction and wear of polyurethane material for pipeline inspection gauge
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Guo Yanbao , Zhang Zheng , Chen Jinzhong
Published: August 2024

The dynamic evolution in friction and wear can lead to interface failure and induce vibrations in pipeline inspection gauge. The friction behavior between polyurethane and X70 steel was evaluated with annular face contact under 0.042 to 0.07 MPa. The temperature increase was recorded using infrared cameras. Dynamic simulations of frictional heat and stress-strain were conducted using Abaqus software. The results indicate that in the initial stages, abrasive wear, stress (1.5 MPa), and frictional temperature rise (65 °C) of PU were observed in the inner-ring region at 0.056 MPa. The surface roughness (3.394 μm) of the PU became comparable to that of the steel ring (3.768 μm) due to abrasive wear. In the later stages, a higher frictional temperature (80 °C) and increased stress (3.8 MPa) were observed in the outer ring. Concurrently, Schallamach waves and ridge-like stripes indicative of stick-slip behavior emerged in the outer ring. The viscoelastic hysteresis effect is the fundamental cause of the dynamic evolution of the friction coefficient and wear. Frictional heat exacerbates the evolution of stick-slip behavior and increases fluctuations in the friction coefficient. The findings of this research can be utilized to analyze the causes of interface failure and vibration in pipeline inspection gauge.
The philanthrocapitalism of Google News Initiative in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East – Empirical reflections
Authors: Munoriyarwa Allen , de-Lima-Santos Mathias-Felipe , Mesquita Lucia , Elega Adeola Abdulateef
Published: August 2024

In recent years, media organizations globally have increasingly benefited from financial support from digital platforms. In 2018, Google launched the Google News Initiative (GNI) Innovation Challenge aimed at bolstering journalism by encouraging innovation in media organizations. This study, conducted through 36 in-depth interviews with GNI beneficiaries in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, reveals that despite its narrative of enhancing technological innovation for the media's future, this scheme inadvertently fosters dependence and extends the philanthrocapitalism concept to the media industry on a global scale. Employing a theory-building approach, our research underscores the emergence of a new form of ‘philanthrocapitalism’ that prompts critical questions about the dependency of media organizations on big tech and the motives of these tech giants in their evolving relationship with such institutions. We also demonstrate that the GNI Innovative Challenge, while ostensibly promoting sustainable business models through technological innovation, poses challenges for organizations striving to sustain and develop these projects. The proposed path to sustainability by the GNI is found to be indirect and difficult for organizations to navigate, hindering their adoption of new technologies. Additionally, the study highlights the creation of a dependency syndrome among news organizations, driven by the perception that embracing GNI initiatives is crucial for survival in the digital age. Ultimately, the research contributes valuable insights to the understanding of these issues, aiming to raise awareness among relevant stakeholders and conceptualize philanthrocapitalism through a new lens.
Property, credit, and monetary sabotage: Contemporary capitalism in institutionalist perspective
Authors: Penz Florian , Frerichs Sabine
Published: August 2024

Capitalism is a social order that evolves over time. While market exchange, private property, and the profit motive are generic features of capitalist systems, studies of contemporary capitalism aim to highlight what is specific about capitalism today. In this article, we develop the concept of monetary sabotage to pinpoint a phenomenon that has become more pronounced in recent decades, but which has not been sufficiently elaborated so far. Monetary sabotage refers to the utilization and, eventually, manipulation of the monetary infrastructure for private profit, creating instability and perpetuating inequality. Drawing on old institutionalism, with its emphasis on law, and articulating it with contemporary theories of credit and insights from the sociology of money, our analysis highlights the evolution of incorporate and intangible property as premises for financial profit-making at the expense of the public. This institutionalist approach adds new insights to the prevailing financialization literature and complements other critical perspectives.
Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling: Expert opinions on gaps and needs for improvement
Authors: Kraus Ludwig , Bickl Andreas M. , Hellman Matilda , Kankainen Veera E. , Loy Johanna K. , Neyer Marieke , Norman Thomas , Rolando Sara , Room Robin , Rossow Ingeborg , Volberg Rachel , Cisneros Örnberg Jenny
Published: August 2024

Aims: Voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) programmes are intended to minimise gambling-related harm. They are considered effective for the individual but several weaknesses have been reported that deter individuals from enrolment. The present paper summarises opinions about and experiences with VSE strategies and assesses gaps and needs with regard to the current self-exclusion regulations and programmes in seven jurisdictions. Methods: A total of 102 representatives from various sectors (research community; addiction help and care services; prevention; regulatory bodies; gambling providers) in Finland, Germany, Italy, Massachusetts (USA), Norway, Sweden, and Victoria (Australia) were surveyed about their experiences with and opinions about VSE strategies, as well as gaps and needs of the current VSE regulations in their jurisdiction. Results: The respondents agreed on the need for and importance of VSE programmes. However, in all participating jurisdictions, VSE regulations at the time of the survey were considered insufficient, and the respondents suggested potential improvements to facilitate the exclusion process, increase utilisation and reduce gamblers’ breaching VSE. Representatives of the gambling industry also emphasised the individual's responsibility. Conclusions: Individuals with gambling disorder require effective VSE programmes to cope with their addictive behaviour. To effectively reduce breaches, technical and legal solutions are necessary. This includes access controls based on complete nationwide registries, strict enforcement and preventing excluded gamblers from accessing unlicensed online operators.
(Un) exceptional times: Compounding crises and local stakeholders in field work during COVID-19
Authors: Farfán-Méndez Cecilia , Vizcarra Marcos
Published: August 2024

From the positionality of a Mexican scholar in security studies who identifies as female and an investigative journalist born and working in Sinaloa, Mexico, this article builds on existing scholarship examining the positionality of local stakeholders who are integral to the production of knowledge in conflict settings. In early 2021, Mexico had the world's third-highest number of deaths caused by Covid-19. Additionally, close to 80,000 people were officially missing and 52,000 remains in state custody lacked identification. In this context, civil society groups raised concerns about the proper handling of bodies, fearing cremation prior to identification of the remains. The article highlights two phenomena as evidence of a reflexivity process followed by the authors: first, for mothers searching for their children, Covid-19 was an additional life-threatening risk (not the main health risk, as in the general population). Second, we consider how global pandemics produce compounding crises in contexts of chronic violence and vulnerability, while simultaneously bolstering advantages for scholars in the Global North. The article is a call to action for more ethical qualitative research methodologies within the emerging social science community working on illicit economies and extralegal actors.
Global crisis and research production: COVID-19 as shaper and shaker or micro-interruption?
Authors: Mwambari David , Purdeková Andrea , Bisoka Aymar Nyenyezi
Published: August 2024

This special issue asks what happens to international research and collaboration when the research community becomes temporarily immobilized. The COVID-19 global pandemic powerfully disrupted normal ways of doing research and, therefore, created a perfect natural experiment of the “otherwise” for digital qualitative research in sensitive contexts. The collected papers argue that the lessons extracted from this recent global health crisis should shape our thinking on qualitative research amid crisis and research on the crisis. The authors speak to core themes like the digital platforming of research, continued inequality in research relations, and the concept of compounding crises. The special issue reflects on the authors’ own experiences with international collaborations during COVID-19 in a multiplicity of contexts from Peru, to Pakistan, Mexico and the Great Lakes Region of Africa. This introductory essay argues that the uniquely rapid and global context of COVID-19 offered a glimpse into one possible alterity of research production. It extracts lessons for the present and future, not only for other global crises, but for willed disruptions of research relations so that these are marked by less inequality and more balanced power relations.
The degradation of the analytic-synthetic method in Herbert Spencer’s sociology
Authors: Maršálek Jan
Published: August 2024

In order to illustrate the degradation of a method, we will examine Herbert Spencer’s Principles of Sociology (1874–1898, three volumes). The analytic-synthetic method introduced into ‘civil philosophy’ by Thomas Hobbes in the 17th century is chosen as the point of reference for the assessment of the status the analysis acquires in Spencer’s work. A comparison of the two editions of The Principles of Psychology reinforces our epistemological reading of a man who, despite his best efforts, could not rid himself of a method whose legitimacy he denied.
Are quality of care instruments inclusive of older people living with dementia? A scoping review in long-term care settings
Authors: Jemere Digisie M , Ratcliffe Julie , Khadka Jyoti , Lay Kiri , Milte Rachel
Published: August 2024

More than half of older people in long-term care facilities have dementia. Little is currently known about the methods and instruments which can be used to capture the perspectives of older people, including those with dementia, regarding the quality of care provided in such facilities. The main aims of this scoping review were two-fold. Firstly, to identify quality of care instruments that have been applied in long-term care settings. Secondly, to evaluate how these instruments have been developed and validated, particularly in terms of their applicability among older people with dementia. Seven databases (Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Ageline, CINHAL and google scholar) were searched for relevant literature without any date limit. We used quality criteria adapted from COSMIN (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments) guidelines to assess the psychometric properties of the instruments. The search identified 16 quality of care instruments which had been used in long-term care settings. Of which, two (12.5%) were specifically designed for older people with dementia, and three instruments (18.7%) were modified for use with older people with mild to moderate dementia. A variety of methods were used to develop the identified instruments including literature reviews, qualitative interviews, expert panel reviews, pre-testing and piloting with older people. None of the identified instruments had been subjected to comprehensive psychometric assessment. Most instruments for assessing quality of care in long term care settings lack alternative communication techniques tailored to people with dementia. This review highlights the need for more rigorous psychometric testing of existing instruments for assessing quality of care in long-term care settings. Several existing measures show promise and may be taken forward for further testing and development for widespread application with older people, including those living with dementia, in long term care settings.
Patient-reported experience measures for people living with dementia: A scoping review
Authors: Chapman Madison , Milte Rachel , Dawson Suzanne , Laver Kate
Published: August 2024

The prevalence of dementia is increasing globally, with an estimated 139 million people expected to be living with dementia by 2050. Across numerous countries, substandard care for people with dementia is evident, with quality improvement needed. Recently, a focus on patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) has been utilised in healthcare services as a method of evaluating the care experiences provided and determining areas of improvement. The literature is scarce regarding the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PREMs with people with moderate to advanced dementia. This scoping review aimed to identify PREMs that have been used with vulnerable populations including people with cognitive impairment, mental health concerns, and children, outline dimensions included, and determine adaptions made to the PREMs to improve acceptability of the instruments for vulnerable populations. A database search of Medline was conducted to identify 36 studies including 32 PREMs. The PREMs identified covered a range of dimensions, most frequently care effectiveness, care environment, and patient involvement. The most common adaption to the PREMs was simplification of wording and sentence structure. Several measures conflated patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with patient experience, limiting utility for improving patient experience specifically. While several PREMs have been used with people with dementia, challenges in their implementation and their applicability to specific settings limit their use more broadly. Evidently, there is a need for development of a PREM for people with moderate to advanced dementia that is applicable across healthcare settings and is appropriately adapted for varying cognitive and communicative barriers.
STEP: Sequence of time-aligned edge plots
Authors: Abdelaal Moataz , Kannenberg Fabian , Lhuillier Antoine , Hlawatsch Marcel , Menges Achim , Weiskopf Daniel
Published: August 2024

We present sequence of time-aligned edge plots (STEP): a sequence- and edge-scalable visualization of dynamic networks and, more broadly, graph ensembles. We construct the graph sequence by ordering the individual graphs based on specific criteria, such as time for dynamic networks. To achieve scalability with respect to long sequences, we partition the sequence into equal-sized subsequences. Each subsequence is represented by a horizontal axis placed between two vertical axes. The horizontal axis depicts the order within the subsequence, while the two vertical axes depict the source and destination vertices. Edges within each subsequence are depicted as segmented lines extending from the source vertices on the left to the destination vertices on the right throughout the entire subsequence, and only the segments corresponding to the sequence members where the edges occur are drawn. By partitioning the sequence, STEP provides an overview of the graphs’ structural changes and avoids aspect ratio distortion. We showcase the utility of STEP for two realistic datasets. Additionally, we evaluate our approach by qualitatively comparing it against three state-of-the-art techniques using synthetic graphs with varying complexities. Furthermore, we evaluate the generalizability of STEP by applying it to a graph ensemble dataset from the architecture domain.
Exploring associations between teacher perceptions of working conditions and immediate professional plans at a Chinese internationalised school
Authors: Himes Marie , Bausell Sarah B
Published: August 2024

This longitudinal, quantitative study utilised 2019-2022 survey data from teachers at one Chinese internationalised high school in Jiangsu Province, China to examine teachers’ immediate professional plans through the lens of teacher working conditions (TWCs). The relationship between teacher perceptions of working conditions and their immediate professional plans was further explored in light of teachers’ status as international vs local, and the primary factor affecting teachers’ willingness to stay at the school. Results from the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis revealed that teachers planning to leave or move; international teachers; and teachers who indicated primary stay factors (the most important factors affecting teachers’ willingness to continue teaching at the school) of instructional practices and support, school leadership, or time during the work day (adequate time during the school day to plan and collaborate) were associated with lower scores on the overall teacher working conditions perceptions index. These findings add to a growing body of research examining TWCs in international school contexts, specifically within Chinese internationalised schools. Given the transformational shifts these schools have recently experienced due to educational policy changes and COVID-19-related restrictions, school leaders may want to re-examine the organisational characteristics and supports at their schools with an eye toward retaining members of their ethnically heterogeneous teaching faculties.
Resilient fast nonlinear blind deconvolution with uniform initialization for the bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Ma Hao , Han Baokun , Wang Jinrui , Zhang Zongzhen , Bao Huaiqian
Published: August 2024

[Formula: see text]

The extraction of defective bearing feature under sudden load variations and mutual interference among components is a challenging task. The key is to overcome the strong background noise and random shock disturbances. Fast nonlinear blind deconvolution (FNBD) with superior noise adaptability is considered as a powerful tool to tackle the challenge. However, the reliability of FNBD is reduced by misdiagnosis under random shock interference and computational instability. In addition, extraction performance of FNBD is affected by the setting of complex parameters. To address above issues and broaden the applicability of FNBD, resilient fast nonlinear blind deconvolution (RFNBD) is proposed. First, the impact of filter initialization on the extraction accuracy and stability of FNBD is studied. The results indicate that the FNBD converges to components in the signal that are close to the center frequency of the initial filter, and the robustness of FNBD is limited by the original initialization mode. Based on this, a novel initialization pattern is proposed to improve the robustness under random shock interference and computational stability. Subsequently, the inferior filter elimination strategy is introduced to enhance the extraction efficiency and intelligence of RFNBD. Finally, the superior robustness under variable parameters and extraction performance under strong interference of RFNBD is demonstrated by simulation and experiment. In the XJTU-SY datasets, the proposed RFNBD extracted fault characteristic frequency and its first four harmonics from 16,384 sampling points 11 min earlier than the traditional method.
A graph-based computational tool for retrieving architectural precedents of building and ground relationship (BGR tool)
Authors: Alymani Abdulrahman , Jabi Wassim
Published: August 2024

The use of neural networks to retrieve relevant images has become mainstream. However, retrieving images that contain specific spatial relationships remains a challenging task. Images alone are not sufficient to fully describe spatial and topological relationships, which are usually better represented as a graph made up of nodes and edges. This paper describes the development of a graph-based computational tool for retrieving architectural precedents that closely match the relationship between a building and its surrounding ground as detected in a designer’s project. The tool, titled Building Ground Relationship (BGR), stems from a research project into Graph Machine Learning (GML) that used Deep Graph Convolutional Neural Networks (DGCNNs) to classify building and ground relationships. The neural network was trained using a large synthetic dataset of graphs and optimized through the fine-tuning of its hyperparameters. To verify its performance, a second surrogate model was built using the Deep Graph Library (DGL). The results were nearly identical, thus giving confidence that the model is highly optimized. In the development of the BGR tool, two primary technologies were utilized. In the first instance, the synthetic database was built in Rhino Grasshopper by generating variations of a parametric model. The dual graphs of these models were then automatically generated and exported using the Toplogic software library. The second phase involved developing GML models used for predicting the class of the conceptual design, enabling the retrieval of the smaller case study. The results of this research point to the importance of topological representation and machine learning approaches in retrieving and classifying architectural precedents.
Improving Public Health Emergency Communication Along the U.S. Southern Border: Insights From a COVID-19 Pilot Campaign With Truck Drivers
Authors: Evans Sarah , Rubio Bianca , Piat Chris , Kamara Hallimah , Owen Pearl , Duff Bryan , Chavez Ana , Bligh Leticia R.
Published: August 2024

Tens of thousands of trucks cross the U.S.–Mexico border every day. Cross-border truckers’ high mobility puts them at risk of acquiring and transmitting infectious diseases and creates challenges reaching them with emergency public health messaging due to their everchanging locations and limited English proficiency. Despite this community-level transmission risk and documented health disparities related to various infectious and noninfectious diseases experienced by truckers themselves, little has been published to provide practical recommendations on better reaching this audience through innovative outreach methods. This article describes a COVID-19 health promotion campaign that aimed to (1) identify, pilot test, and evaluate effective messages, channels, sources, and settings for reaching truckers on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border and (2) build capacity and sustainability for messaging around future health emergencies. The pilot program ran for 6 weeks, June to August 2023, in three key commercial border crossings and delivered approximately 50,000,000 impressions, nearly 45% more impressions than expected. Considerations for practitioners include the areas of design, implementation, and evaluation. The results provide insight into how to design health promotion messages that resonate with cross-border truckers and how to place these messages where they will be seen, heard, and understood. This includes working effectively with community health workers (CHW), known locally as promotores; identifying local partners that allow CHW to set up onsite; and, working with partner organizations including employers. Practical insights for building evaluation metrics into traditional and grassroots outreach strategies to facilitate real-time optimization as well as continued learning across efforts are also described.
Prediction Model for Immunotherapy Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Alternative Splicing Sequencing Data
Authors: Shi Huizhong , Liu Yang , Liu Zhao , Ge Xinlan , Wu Jushan , Tang Haowen , Zhang Yi , Lu Shichun
Published: August 2024

Background: Integrating immune checkpoint inhibitors with multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors presents an innovative and hopeful strategy in liver cancer treatment. Nonetheless, a degree of resistance to this treatment is noticeable in certain patients. Alternative splicing (AS) represents a common biological process that controls the variety of life functions via isoforms. Purpose: Investigating how gene AS affects the effectiveness of combined immunotherapy in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Our retrospective examination focused on AS's effect on immune therapy effectiveness, utilizing accessible tissue sequencing and clinical records for HCC. For corroborating our results, we gathered samples of drug-resistant HCC tissue, nearby tissues, HCC tissue with high drug responsiveness, and healthy liver tissue from clinical studies. Results: The study revealed a link between the frequency of AS occurrences, the expression levels of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1, and the resistance to tumor medications. Our study detailed the AS occurrences in HCC, leading to the creation of a risk-assessment function and a predictive model using AS data. The results of our study revealed that the risk score effectively distinguished between various immune subtypes and the effectiveness of immune therapy. Additional examination of the chosen AS occurrences uncovered their effects on both the immune microenvironment and cellular immunity. Our investigation also delved into the regulatory framework of AS, uncovering the role of stringently controlled splicing factors in the emergence of tumors and the modulation of the body's immune response. Conclusions: Increased AS in HCC diminishes the efficacy of immunotherapy; conversely, more AS in peritumoral tissue elevates the likelihood of tumor immune evasion.
Challenges in Biofilm Identification in Diabetic Foot Infections: Review of Literature
Authors: Astrada Adam , Nakagami Gojiro , Sanada Hiromi
Published: August 2024

Foot ulcerations are one of the most common complications of diabetes and one of the major initial causes of amputations. The formation of biofilms on wounds significantly contributes to infections and delayed healing. While existing methods for identifying these biofilms have limitations, there is a need for a convenient tool for its clinical application. This literature review aimed to address the problem with current clinical biofilm identification in wound care and a proposal for biofilm-detection-based wound care in diabetic foot ulcer patients. Identifying biofilms is particularly vital due to the absence of typical signs of infection in DFUs. However, current approaches, although effective, often prove invasive and technically intricate. The wound blotting technique, involving attaching a nitrocellulose membrane and subsequent staining, presents an alternative that is swift and non-invasive. Research highlights the applicability of wound blotting with alcian blue staining in clinical scenarios, consistently producing sensitive outcomes. By addressing the critical need for early biofilm detection, wound blotting holds promise for enhancing DFU management and contributing to strategies aimed at preventing amputations.
The Importance of Training to Manage a Church as a Predictor of Emotional Exhaustion and Ministry Satisfaction
Authors: Voorhees Bret T. , Kannass Kathleen N. , Vaughan Amy G.
Published: August 2024

The study found that pastors who agreed they were trained to manage a church ranked high in ministry satisfaction and low in emotional exhaustion compared to those who disagreed to receiving such training. This work has implications for seminaries, congregations, denominational leaders and clergy themselves to ensure clergy are properly prepared and continue their career journey. This study could be used to modify curricula at seminaries and produce post seminary training and educational information.
Mediterranean Farmers and Alternative Europes: Resistance, Europeanisation and CAP Reforms in Italy and France (mid-1970s to mid-1980s)
Authors: Carbone Antonio
Published: August 2024

This article explores the active participation and, in some cases, resistance of farmers’ associations in Italy and France to European integration from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. The article examines, firstly, how Italian associations became active, due to their faltering relationship with the Christian Democrats, in searching new forms of political influence through more radical methods of mobilisation. Secondly, through the case of the so-called wine war between France and Italy, the article reveals how resistance to European Economic Community (EEC) reform and even other EEC member states could lead to forms of Europeanisation: exchanges between European organisations reflected shared resistance to specific policies, creating new arenas for collaboration. The analysis of the French–Italian case also offers an opportunity to explore the contrast between agriculture in the Mediterranean and northern countries in the EEC, showing complex Europeanisation dynamics in which both solidarity and competition become evident. Challenging the notion of a ‘permissive consensus’, this article aims to dismantle the notion of a conflict-free past in the history of European integration. In this regard, it underscores the multifaceted nature of European integration, marked by continual clashes and compromises, and provides a critical lens for interpreting the present state of the Brussels institutions.