bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The possibility of applying metaverse in cultural heritage tourism: A case study on the ancient city of Babylon
Authors: Almasooudi Muthana Faaeq
Published: December 2024

This paper explores cultural heritage tourism decision makers’ perspectives on adopting metaverse technologies to enhance experiences and preservation at the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon in Iraq. The metaverse represents an emerging phenomenon of persistent 3D virtual environments accessed through augmented and virtual reality. Babylon’s sprawling ancient ruins could be vividly recreated to attract tourists both on-site and online. However, challenges around authenticity, infrastructure, and competing priorities may inhibit metaverse adoption. To investigate this complex issue, 8 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Iraqi government heritage and tourism officials and museum administrators. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed to identify key opportunities and barriers. Findings revealed knowledge gaps around metaverse benefits, concerns over the inauthenticity of simulated experiences, enthusiasm for widening youth access, and various adoption challenges. Core recommendations include starting with small experimental pilots, building decision makers digital literacy, framing metaverse experiences as complements not replacements, and improving supporting technology infrastructure over time. This formative qualitative study provides crucial insights into Iraqi expert perceptions to inform policies guiding effective, context-specific integration of metaverse technologies to ultimately enrich cultural tourism and the preservation of ancient Iraqi heritage. Further research measuring pilot metaverse project outcomes is warranted.
Conceptualising experiential marketing strategies in tourism and hospitality
Authors: Belhaj Monika , Lehman Kim
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the incorporation of experiential marketing strategies into the business models of tourism and hospitality firms, arguing that such an approach can enhance consumer experience and differentiate firms in a competitive market. Building on previous research that investigates experiential marketing in broader contexts, this study reviews existing research and practices to identify key issues and proposes a typology of experiential strategies specifically tailored to tourism and hospitality. While focusing solely on these sectors, the paper acknowledges the potential for future research to extend these findings to other industries. Practical implications include offering industry guidelines to evaluate the impact of experiential marketing strategies. The originality and value of this paper lie in its contribution to tourism and hospitality literature by conceptualising experiential strategies as a differentiation tool, thus providing new directions for both academic inquiry and industry practice.
W.E.B. Du Bois on empires and colonies, 1896–1963
Authors: Steinmetz George
Published: December 2024

This article explores the scholarly and journalistic contributions made by W.E.B. Du Bois to the history and theory of modern colonialism. Because Du Bois’s understanding of colonialism evolved radically over his lifetime, this article examines all of his relevant writing on the topic--nearly 300 separate texts, written between the 1880s and the twilight of his life. The article also traces the connections between Du Bois’s ideas about colonialism to changing intellectual, political, and personal contexts. While showing that there is no singular “Du Boisian” theory of colonialism, the article concludes that Du Bois made a number of important suggestions that can contribute to further colonial studies. Du Bois urged researchers to track historical transformations in the forms of colonial rule, to compare national styles of colonialism, to trace the connections between colonialism and class formation and racial oppression in the metropoles, and to focus on the ways colonialism stems from economic and political power motives as well as ideological discourses and other practices including racism. He argued that slavery ended in the New World when it became more profitable for European capital to exploit African labor in Africa. He supported the political program of amalgamating colonial-era political units into larger African states. He pointed to the relations between science and colonialism. The survey of Du Bois’s colonial studies is preceded by a brief discussion of postcolonial and decolonial approaches to canon revision and intellectual decolonization. Some of Du Bois’s statements could be read as violating sociology’s present-day norms, such as his support for certain forms of colonialism and his description of certain colonized populations as “semicivilized.” The article argues for a more tolerant, multiplex approach to historic thinkers that pays attention to the ways in which they may both conform to and move beyond the intellectual constraints of their time and place. Like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, Du Bois should be retained in sociology’s canon.
Populism and political marketing: Is the discipline still relevant?
Authors: Scammell Margaret
Published: December 2024

This article offers a conceptual analysis of the response of political marketing scholarship to the rise of populism across the globe. It starts with the premise that, as it first emerged as a discipline, political marketing scholarship was closely allied to political science. For nearly 30 years, between the mid-1980s and mid-2010s, political marketing scholarship offered lessons to political science and communication studies about campaigning. It moved us from the how parties communicate to the why. The analytical power of the marketing approach provided insight that complemented conventional political communication approaches, which have been clustered around two basic ideas: the increasing institutional media power relative to politics and the transformative capacities of communication technology. Instead, analysing party campaigning behaviour as competitive marketing highlighted hitherto neglected areas, e.g: relationships between parties, members and voters, the significance of competitive positioning, market segmentation, and the importance of data and market research. Moreover, the brand concept broadened and deepened analytical thinking about the slippery idea of political image. However the shocks of the last 10 years – migration and economic crises, the pandemic, and the rise of populism across much of the world – have provoked soul-searching in the political science communities. Are conventional models up to the task of explaining new political realities, and above all: is democracy itself in danger? However, political marketing scholarship seems curiously detached from these urgent concerns. The article tests this by exploring the ways in which political marketing scholarship has dealt with populism. It analyses articles in the leading political marketing journal over 10 years and finds that, while these contribute to our knowledge of communication, they do not draw from specifically marketing concepts. This raises the question: is marketing is still a useful way of understanding the political world? In what ways is political marketing scholarship relevant now?.
Application of Youth-Led Participatory Action Research to Examining Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Ontario: What Can We Learn?
Authors: Vandermorris Ashley , Wigle Jannah , Tam Michelle , Peresin Joelle , Dalal Siya , Kwong Ingrid , Little Morgan , Polakovic Mia , Begun Stephanie , Imran Mohlil , Kosevic Andjela , Nayab Ajwa , Ray Madeline , Byman Heidi , Gammond Journey , Rathwell Stephanie , Wall Lilith , Toulany Alene , McKinnon Britt , Brown Hilary , Harrison Megan E.
Published: December 2024

Engaging adolescents and young people as partners in research is increasingly acknowledged as a vital strategy to ensure diverse voices are heard and to catalyze social change. This article, coauthored by adolescent and adult researchers, presents the methodological approach and outcomes of a youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) study in which three teams of youth researchers developed and implemented projects examining equity-related factors affecting adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (ASRHR) in Ontario, Canada. Teams of four assigned-female youth researchers aged 16–19 years were recruited from three priority regions through purposive sampling. Selected youth completed a paid 5-day virtual YPAR training. Each youth team, supported by adult research mentors, identified key ASRHR issues in their region and developed a related research question. Each team then determined their study’s design, obtained institutional ethics approval, and conducted data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Based on their findings, teams proposed potential solutions and communicated results to multiple stakeholders. Methodologically, the YPAR process amplified youth voices through a social justice-framed approach to examining ASRHR. Centering the perspectives, values, and experiences of youth positively impacted the youth researchers themselves, while yielding results that were relevant, meaningful, adolescent-responsive, and culturally informed. Results from the youth-led projects identified multiple barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services and products. Policy and practice implications encompassed concerns related to geographical accessibility, equity, service provider competence, and content of sexuality education curricula.
Long-term Outcomes of the AcoArt II–BTK Trial: Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty Compared With Uncoated Balloons for the Treatment of Infrapopliteal Artery Lesions
Authors: Sun Guoyi , Liu Jie , Jia Xin , Xiong Jiang , Ma Xiaohui , Zhang Hongpeng , Guo Wei
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

Previous studies have indicated mixed short-term outcomes between drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the treatment of infrapopliteal lesions. However, the long-term durability of DCB angioplasty remains uncertain. The objective of this study is to present the long-term outcomes of DCB angioplasty for infrapopliteal lesions in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

Materials and Methods:

The AcoArt II–BTK Trial was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, single-blinded trial that enrolled 120 patients with CLI. The patients were randomized 1:1 to DCB angioplasty or PTA. Assessments over 5 years included freedom from all-cause death, freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization, and occurrence of major amputation. Additional endpoints included the rate of composite major adverse events.

Results:

Over 5 years, patients treated with DCB angioplasty demonstrated a higher rate of freedom from all-cause death than patients treated with PTA (Kaplan-Meier estimate 74.6% vs 57.2%; log-rank p=0.04). The major amputation rate was 5.2% for DCB angioplasty compared with 1.8% for PTA (log-rank p=0.347). Freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization was 70.5% and 53.7%, respectively (log-rank p=0.058). The rate of composite major adverse events was 34.5% for DCB angioplasty and 56.1% for PTA (log-rank p=0.013), and this statistically significant difference persisted throughout the 5-year follow-up period. Conclusion:Infrapopliteal artery revascularization in patients with CLI using Litos/Tulip DCB angioplasty showed superior 5-year overall survival compared with PTA. The DCB angioplasty group had a consistently lower rate of major adverse events within 5 years of follow-up.

Clinical Impact

The use of DCB in infrapopliteal arterial lesions has been controversial regarding both early and mid-term outcomes, with limited data on long-term results. However, this article demonstrates that the Litos/Tulip DCB exhibits favorable long-term outcomes in infrapopliteal artery lesions. These positive findings provide robust evidence supporting the use of DCB in treating infrapopliteal artery disease.
Predicting High-Grade Patterns in Stage I Solid Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Study of 371 Patients Using Refined Radiomics and Deep Learning-Guided CatBoost Classifier
Authors: Zheng Hong , Chen Wei , Liu Jun , Jian Lian , Luo Tao , Yu Xiaoping
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to devise a diagnostic algorithm, termed the Refined Radiomics and Deep Learning Features-Guided CatBoost Classifier (RRDLC-Classifier), and evaluate its efficacy in predicting pathological high-grade patterns in patients diagnosed with clinical stage I solid lung adenocarcinoma (LADC).

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 371 patients diagnosed with clinical stage I solid LADC were randomly categorized into training and validation sets in a 7:3 ratio. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the imaging findings that can be used to predict pathological high-grade patterns meticulously. Employing redundancy and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, a radiomics model was developed. Subsequently, radiomics refinement and deep learning features were employed using a machine learning algorithm to construct the RRDLC-Classifier, which aims to predict high-grade patterns in clinical stage I solid LADC. Evaluation metrics, such as receiver operating characteristic curves, areas under the curve (AUCs), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, were computed for assessment.

Results

The RRDLC-Classifier attained the highest AUC of 0.838 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.766-0.911) in predicting high-grade patterns in clinical stage I solid LADC, followed by radiomics with an AUC of 0.779 (95% CI: 0.675-0.883), and imaging findings with an AUC of 0.6 (95% CI: 0.472-0.726).

Conclusions

This study introduces the RRDLC-Classifier, a novel diagnostic algorithm that amalgamates refined radiomics and deep learning features to predict high-grade patterns in clinical stage I solid LADC. This algorithm may exhibit excellent diagnostic performance, which can facilitate its application in precision medicine.
Integrative Therapy for Youth with Cannabis Use Disorder Targeting Attachment Insecurity and Emotion Dysregulation: A Process-Based Case Study
Authors: Bou Nassif Yara , Hamonniere Tristan , Rahioui Hassan , Varescon Isabelle
Published: December 2024

Regular cannabis use during adolescence can have cognitive, psychological, and social consequences, leading to significant distress. Although psychological interventions are the primary treatment for cannabis use disorder, their efficacy in adolescents remains limited. This case study presents a comprehensive overview of a process-based conceptualization and treatment approach, Integrated Therapy for Adolescent Cannabis Misuse (ITACM), tailored for a young female patient with concurrent severe cannabis use and emotional symptoms. ITACM is an individual, brief intervention that includes family sessions, targeting emotion dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties, both of which have been empirically linked to cannabis use disorder in young people. The treatment integrates motivational interviewing, cognitive and behavioral therapy (including psychoeducation, promoting alternative behaviors, and relapse prevention) and an attachment-based therapy (addressing emotion regulation, relational processes, and promoting corrective attachment experiences). A thorough assessment of psychiatric symptoms and psychological processes was conducted at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and at a 2-month follow-up. At the end of the treatment, the patient reported a significant decrease in her cannabis use, anxiety, and depression, as well as improvements in emotion regulation strategies. The case study underscores significant outcomes following a 10-week course of psychotherapy addressing cannabis use, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties in a young patient. The treatment protocol appears promising and warrants further investigation through a randomized controlled trial.
Quantification of Multi-Organ 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Enzyme Levels in a Zucker Fatty Rat Model: A PET Imaging Study
Authors: Bini Jason , Strober Jordan , Kapinos Michael , Zheng Ming-Qiang , Li Songye , Ropchan Jim , Nabulsi Nabeel , Huang Yiyun , Perry Rachel J. , Vatner Daniel F. , Carson Richard E.
Published: December 2024

Background

In rodents, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) catalyzes the conversion of inactive 11-dehydrocorticosterone to the active hormone corticosterone. Dysregulation of intracellular glucocorticoid action is implicated in metabolic diseases. Assessing 11β-HSD1 enzyme levels in vivo may be key to understanding obesity pathophysiology.

Objective

We used a Zucker Fatty (ZF) rat model and [18F]AS2471907 PET imaging to determine appropriate kinetic modeling methods and assess changes in 11β-HSD1 levels due to obesity in the liver, white and brown adipose tissue (WAT/BAT), and brain.

Material and Methods

To validate [18F]AS2471907 PET in preclinical models, time-activity curves (TACs) were generated and kinetic modeling was performed with image-derived input functions (IDIFs) extracted from multiple locations. Quantitative estimates of radioligand binding were compared with ex vivo 11β-HSD1 protein expression. Validated quantitative PET kinetic modeling methods were then used to assess differences in 11β-HSD1 between lean and obese ZF rats. Metabolic disease status was confirmed with stable isotopes tracer studies of glucose and fatty acid metabolism.

Results

Obesity is associated with decreased brain 11β-HSD1 levels, measured by [18F]AS2471907 PET, which correlated with measures of glucose and fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that [18F]AS2471907 PET can provide useful quantification of 11β-HSD1 levels in a rodent model of obesity.
Macrowire for intracranial thrombectomy: An early experience of a new device and technique for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke
Authors: Limaye Kaustubh , Al Kasab Sami , Dolia Jaidevsinh , Ezzeldin Mohamad , Duarte Daniel Vela , Doss Vinodh , Lahoti Sourabh , Hasan David , Spiotta Alejandro , Asi Khaled , Saini Vasu , Mehta Tapan , Hassan Ameer , Haussen Diogo , Yavagal Dileep , Jones Jesse , Tanweer Omar , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard of care for treatment of acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion up to 24 h from the last known normal time. With ADAPT and SOLUMBRA techniques, classically, a large bore aspiration catheter is delivered over a microcatheter and microwire crossing the clot to perform thrombectomy. Recently, a novel macrowire (Colossus 035 in.) has been introduced as a potential alternative to the use of microwire-microcatheter to allow the delivery of the aspiration catheter (ID = 0.070 in. up to 0.088 in.) over a macrowire alone.

Objective

To test the feasibility of delivering an aspiration catheter to clot interface over a macrowire alone.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective evaluation of prospectively maintained Macrowire for Intracranial Thrombectomy (MINT) Registry where this novel technique was utilized for thrombectomy. Consecutive patients undergoing MT using the MINT technique were included. We collected baseline demographics, imaging and clinical characteristics, rate of procedural success, conversion to traditional MT, and complications.

Results

Fifty consecutive patients were recruited during the initial 4 months of the larger study duration. The aspiration catheter was able to be advanced to the clot interface successfully in 46/50 (92%) using the MINT technique. Median time from vascular access to the first pass was 11.30 min (IQR = 7.45–14.30 min) and successful thrombectomy was 14 min (IQR = 10–22.15). The modified first-pass effect with this procedure was 71%. One vasospasm was reported as a procedural complication.

Conclusions

MINT is safe and feasible for large vessel occlusion recanalization based on our initial clinical experience in this multicenter study.
Structural design and analysis of a picking robot arm using parallel grippers
Authors: Wang Fengfeng , Fan Yechen
Published: December 2024

The development of a versatile and reliable robotic arm for agricultural picking is essential for modern farming. This study presents the design of a picking robotic arm inspired by bionics principles. The end-effector features a parallel gripper structure to efficiently pick crops of various shapes and sizes, with finite element simulations confirming its structural rationality. The gripping force is measured by an LDTI-028K PVDF piezoelectric thin-film sensor, adjustable within a crop-safe range to prevent damage. Additionally, a new signal conditioning circuit is proposed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio by amplifying the sensor’s output signal and minimizing noise, addressing the relatively low surface charge produced by the PVDF film under external pressure. Adams simulation analyses show that the end-effector is highly adaptable. Furthermore, picking experiments demonstrate that the robotic arm can reduce costs and lower the attrition rate by approximately 23.2 ± 5% compared to manual picking, while also exhibiting high reliability and stability.
Viscous dissipation effects on the thermal radiatively induced micropolar fluid using the metachronal wave of cilia in the presence of slip constraints
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad Yousuf , Abbas Zaheer , Tariq Arshia , Durrani Anum , Khaliq Sabeeh
Published: December 2024

Cilia motion is commonly located in mammalian cells of living organisms which continually grow and feature conspicuously. The ciliary apparatus is associated with cell cycle movement and proliferation, and cilia play a dynamic part in human and animal growth and everyday life. The motivation of these applications, a theoretical model is presented to examine the viscous dissipation effects on the ciliary flow of micropolar fluid through a two- two-dimensional channel under slip constraints. The flow is controlled by the metachronal wave propagation generated by cilia beating on the inner walls of the channel. The model comprises the motivational aspects of radiative flux and predicts the parametric ranges for excellent heat transfer results. The normalized equations are simplified by the lubrication hypothesis and analytical outcomes are attained by integration technique. Graphical illustrations have been utilized to explore the impressions of the derived physical parameters on the flow configurations to give each parameter a physical interpretation. Special attention is given to investigating the pumping and trapping characteristics of the micropolar fluid due to ciliary metachronism. The major outcomes disclosed that the fluid velocity upsurges for enhancing values of coupling number and micropolar parameter. The pressure gradient increased with the slip parameter, providing insights into flow control, particularly where minimizing or enhancing shear is critical. The fluid temperature is enhanced by enhancing the Brickman number however temperature is decreased by increasing the thermal radiation parameter.
Efficacy of different methods of compression therapy and its relation to venous disease and obesity
Authors: Primo Cleber , Erzinger Fabiano Luiz , Boim de Araújo Walter Junior , Pertile Remor Aline , Baptistella Antuani Rafael , de Carvalho Diego
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of different methods of interfacial elastic compression and their association with obesity and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Methods

Forty legs with vascular disease and 40 control legs were analyzed. Four different methods of elastic compression were applied and interface pressure was measured. Blood flow volume and peak systolic velocity (SPV) were measured before and during compression.

Results

Although there are no general differences correlating higher interface pressures with higher blood flow volume and SPV in CVI patients and controls, there are specific differences related to obesity. Obese participants had lower CVI and higher blood flow volume, in whom higher interface pressure promoted better results.

Conclusions

There is no standard method of compression for all patients. Variables such as the presence of CVI, body mass index, and gender must be taken into account in order to achieve a better individual method of compression therapy.
Smoking and contraception containing ethinylestradiol: A mixed-methods study into women’s intentions to quit smoking
Authors: Hilverda Femke , Til Brigitte van der , Vonk Peter , van der Heijde Claudia
Published: December 2024

Background:

Smoking while using contraception containing ethinylestradiol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is especially important to stimulate women who use these contraceptives to quit smoking.

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the role of risk perception and coping in relation to the intention of these women to quit smoking, using the Protection Motivation Theory as the theoretical foundation.

Design:

This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design.

Methods:

An online survey ( n = 68) was used to examine the relationship among risk perception, coping assessment, and intention to quit smoking. After that 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand how women appraised risk and coping strategies during their quit attempt(s).

Results:

Results from the survey showed that risk perception induces the intention to quit smoking. More specifically, perceived vulnerability appeared to be a significant predictor. The interviews showed that women were largely unfamiliar with the combined risks surrounding smoking and contraception use but acknowledged the risks of smoking. In the survey, women seemed to perceive themselves as self-efficacious. However, interview participants mentioned that they encountered many difficulties.

Conclusion:

Based on these findings, we conclude women are largely unaware of the synergetic risk of contraception use and smoking. Stimulating risk perception and knowledge might help women to create the intention to quit smoking. However, to turn this intention into behavior, providing women with concrete tools to assist them might successfully sustain their quit attempt.
Effects of central vs. peripheral attentional-oculomotor exercise on lexical processing
Authors: Kress Shaylyn , Caron Scott , Neudorf Josh , Borowsky Braedyn , Borowsky Ron
Published: December 2024

Past research from our lab has suggested visual demands in video games serve to exercise attentional-oculomotor (A-O) processing in a manner beneficial to reading. However, testing the effect of video games on reading typically requires long timeframes (e.g., multiweek training or years of accumulated video game experience). The current study manipulated within-experiment peripheral and central demands to evaluate the effects of A-O exercise on task performance. Our study included two tasks: an orthographic lexical decision task (OLDT), designed to optimise orthographic lexical processing, and a novel graphic-based health bar decision task (HBDT). In Experiment 1, the stimuli were presented centrally in one block and peripherally in another block to manipulate A-O exercise. We observed greater improvements in the peripheral-first than the central-first group, particularly for the OLDT. In Experiments 2 and 3, we focused on the OLDT, with the HBDT serving as the A-O exercise task, and observed improvements in both centrally and peripherally trained participants. We additionally observed, through analyses of word and bigram frequency, a double dissociation, whereby increased target word frequency was associated with faster target reaction times and improved error rates, whereas increased foil bigram frequency was associated with slower foil reaction times and worse error rates. Taken together, the experiments demonstrate a mechanism beyond simple task learning that drives reading improvements, and A-O exercise, even if movements are small, appears to play a role in the improvements observed. We suggest future research should further develop this paradigm and examine its utility for reading remediation in dyslexia.
Heading performance outcomes at the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™
Authors: Georgieva Julia , Peek Kerry , Smith Anne , Lavender Andrew P , Serner Andreas , Arnold Eloise J , Fitzgerald Melinda , Ma’ayah Fadi , Campbell Amity
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated the performance outcomes of headers during the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™. Video analysis was used to code performance outcomes of headers (uncontested and contested) and their descriptors (e.g., playing position, match situation, field location, and the distance the ball travelled). Descriptive statistics, and odds ratios (ORs) (odds of a successful outcome) are reported for headers based on their descriptors. Less than half of all headers resulted in a successful outcome, with headers observed to result in a turnover of possession 53% of the time (uncontested: 51%, contested: 57%). Headed goal conversion rates ranged from 0–38% across countries/teams (mean: 13%), with variability in the frequency of headed shots (range n = 1–22). Headed shots were most efficient from free kicks with 24% of shots resulting in a goal. Odds of a successful heading outcome was lowest from long balls (>20 m) in all areas of the pitch. Uncontested headers had greater odds of a successful heading outcome than contested headers from corner kicks (OR: 2.33, p = 0.004) and free play (OR: 1.30, p = 0.001), but had lower odds of success from goal kicks (OR: 0.62, p = 0.017). Central defensive midfielders (OR: 1.45, p = 0.002) and centrebacks (OR: 1.25, p = <0.001) had significantly greater odds of successful heading outcomes, and strikers (uncontested) (OR: 0.82, p = 0.043) and wingers (contested) (OR: 0.72, p = 0.041) had the lowest. The findings of the current study suggest that heading commonly results in lost possession, particularly from long balls. These findings may help to guide future heading coaching frameworks.
Early discharge with elevated C-reactive protein levels is safe after endoscopic-assisted coronary bypass grafting: Optimisation of postoperative care
Authors: Görtzen De Qing , Sampon Fleur , Timmermans Naomi , Ter Woorst Joost , Akca Ferdi
Published: December 2024

Objective:

This study describes the perioperative kinetics of C-reactive protein in patients undergoing endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting for single target vessel left anterior descending disease, with early postoperative discharge.

Methods:

From July 2021 to April 2024, patients were included in this single-centre retrospective study ( N = 208), excluding C-reactive protein-modulating complications. Perioperative and 14-day follow-up C-reactive protein levels and clinical signs of infections were analysed.

Results:

After endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting, the C-reactive protein values on the first postoperative day were 44 [24–65] and 140 [88–200] mg/L at Day 3. Most patients were discharged after 3 days (64.4%), regardless of the level of C-reactive protein, and the majority experienced a return of C-reactive protein levels to baseline during follow-up, 6 [6–15] mg/L. Two patients had an infection requiring intervention and readmission (1.0%).

Conclusion:

The return of C-reactive protein to baseline levels at follow-up and the low incidence of clinical infections suggest that patients can be discharged safely, and prolonged hospitalisation is unnecessary. For perioperative care practitioners, these findings underscore the value of shorter hospital admissions in optimising resource use and improving patient flow, enhancing both patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of a new contact plate for assessing vertical jump height performance
Authors: Kons Rafael Lima , Külkamp Wladymir , Martins William Felipe , de Souza Jaqueline , Carminatti Lorival José
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to assess the accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of the Ergonauta contact plate in evaluating jump height performance in countermovement (CMJ) and squat jumps (SJ), compared to two previously validated devices (OptoJump and My Jump). Twenty-six young basketball players participated in the study. The participants positioned themselves on the Ergonauta contact plate along with the My Jump app and OptoJump optical measurement system. Three CMJs and SJs were performed, and jump height was analyzed. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and typical error (TE) were used as relative and absolute reliability indicators, respectively. The Bland-Altman plot was used to examine agreement between metrics (Ergonauta contact plate, My Jump app, and OptoJump) in CMJ and SJ, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results demonstrated excellent relative reliability for both protocols in the Ergonauta contact plate (ICC = 0.94–0.99, TE = 1.07–1.23). Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement for the Ergonauta contact plate (CMJ and SJ) and devices (close to 0). In conclusion, the Ergonauta contact plate proved reliable and valid for assessing jump height performance, particularly in measuring jump height and mean propulsive velocity metrics.
Cirrhosis associated with increased complications and healthcare utilization following total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Martino John A , Guareschi Alexander S , Rogalski Brandon L , Eichinger Josef K , Friedman Richard J
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Cirrhosis is a known risk factor for morbidity and mortality following surgical procedures and has been associated with increased complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), and cost of admission following total joint arthroplasty. However, a paucity of literature exists evaluating the effect of cirrhosis on postoperative outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short-term outcomes following elective primary TSA in patients with cirrhosis compared to matched controls.

Methods

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried from 2016 to 2020 to identify patients who underwent elective primary TSA. Patients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis ( n = 627) were matched in a 1:1 proportion to patients who did not have cirrhosis. Bivariate statistical analyses were performed to compare preoperative demographic and comorbidity data, postoperative outcomes, and hospital utilization metrics between the two groups. Following Bonferroni correction, an alpha value of 0.003 defined significance.

Results

Patients with cirrhosis exhibited higher rates of postoperative medical and implant-related complications following primary TSA, including acute renal failure (6.3% vs 1.1%: p < 0.001), urinary tract infection (3.5% vs 0.6%; p < 0.001), transfusions (3.0% vs 0.2%; p < 0.001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (2.9% vs 0.2%: p = 0.002), surgical site infection (2.0% vs 0.2%: p = 0.001), dislocation (2.1% vs 0.0%: p < 0.001), and prosthetic loosening (1.5% vs 0.0%; p = 0.002). These patients also exhibited higher rates of all-cause complications (32% vs 9.2%: p < 0.001) and mortality (1.5% vs 0.0%; p = 0.002) within 180 days of surgery and had an increased cost of admission ($24,633 vs $18,500; p < 0.001) and LOS (2.6 vs 1.5 days; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with cirrhosis were found to have increased risk of medical and surgical complications, higher costs, and longer LOS following TSA. These findings can assist orthopedic surgeons in developing strategies in the preoperative period to mitigate complications in this at-risk patient group.

Level of evidence

Level III – Retrospective cohort study.
Health information management students’ work-integrated learning (professional practice placements): Where do they go and what do they do?
Authors: Robinson Kerin , Riley Merilyn , Prasad Natasha , Nexhip Abbey
Published: December 2024

Background: Work-integrated learning (WIL) is integral to most health disciplines’ profession-qualifying degree programs. Objectives: To analyse the categories, locales and foci of final-year (capstone), health information management professional practice (WIL) placements, 2012–2021, at La Trobe University, Australia. Method: A documentary analysis of 614 placement agency proposals, 2012–2021, interrogated multiple characteristics: agency type, placement (sub-) category (WIL model), project type, agency-required student capabilities, intended learning outcomes. Results: Public hospitals offered 50% of all placements. Medical research/health or disease screening/clinical registries offered 17.8%, incorporating 86.7% of “research-based” placements. Government department offerings were consistently stable; private hospital, primary care and community healthcare offerings declined. The majority (64.8%) of offerings were “project-based,” followed by “internship” (28.7%: Health Information Service (14%) and “other” (14.7%)), research-based (4.9%) and other (1.6%). Ninety-nine (16.1%) proposals specified additional, pre-placement skills and capabilities: technical (information technologies, software applications; 58.6% of 99 proposals); working independently (49.5%); communications (written, verbal; 45.5%); targeted interest (38.4%) in “informatics and data quality,” “quality and safety,” “software development,” “coding”; organisational and/or time management skills (29.9%); teamwork skills (20.2%); data analysis skills (18.2%); enthusiasm and/or self-motivation (15.2%). Conclusion: The project-based model for the capstone placement is ideal for preparing health information management students for complex, graduate professional work. Agencies’ pre-placement expectations of students (knowledge, technical skills, soft skills) are consistent with findings from the WIL literature and align with course curricula and Australia’s Health Information Manager (HIM) Profession-entry Competency Standards. Implications: The findings will strengthen the health information management profession’s knowledge base of WIL and inform educators, students and agency supervisors.
Evaluating the Association Between Vastus Medialis Oblique Characteristics and Patellar Instability: A Comprehensive Case-Control Study
Authors: Beit Ner Eran , Rabau Oded , Essa Ahmad , Vinograd Ofir , Asaaf Roy , Gilat Ron , Anekstein Yoram
Published: December 2024

Background:

The contribution of vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO) weakness or dysfunction to patellofemoral pain syndrome is well recognized, yet its role in lateral patellar instability and recurrent patellar dislocations remains unclear. This study investigates the association between VMO characteristics and patellar instability.

Hypothesis:

Altered VMO structure, characterized by differences in muscle elevation and cross-sectional area (CSA), is associated with patellar instability.

Study Design:

A case-control study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

The study included 204 participants, matched on a 1:1 ratio by age and sex, from a local hospital registry from 2005 to 2020. VMO measurements were taken via magnetic resonance imaging, and included muscle elevation, CSA, fiber angulation, and CSA-to-thigh circumference ratio. Univariate analysis, and multivariable regression model with adjustment for potential confounders were constructed. In addition, a secondary analysis was performed to evaluate the variations in VMO characteristics and mass across primary and recurrent patellar instability groups.

Results:

Patients with patellar instability demonstrated significant differences in VMO characteristics compared with controls, including increased muscle elevation (13 mm vs 5.9 mm; P < 0.01), increased muscle fiber angulation (42.5° vs 35.3°; P < 0.01), reduced CSA (716 mm2 vs 902 mm2; P < 0.01), and a lower CSA-to-thigh circumference ratio (0.05 vs 0.07; P < 0.01). These findings remained significant in the multivariable adjusted model. Moreover, the secondary analysis revealed that both primary and recurrent instability patients had similar VMO characteristics alterations compared with controls, with slightly more pronounced reductions in VMO CSA in those sustaining recurrent instability episodes.

Conclusion:

This study confirms a statistically significant association between altered VMO characteristics and patellar instability, emphasizing the importance of considering VMO characteristics in the evaluation and management of patients with patellar instability.
Dementia knowledge and attitudes of healthcare staff: A community hospitals’ perspective
Authors: Han Weiyao , Low Jia Hua , Yee Gabriel Gerard Wenjun , Chan Catherine Qiu Hua , Low Lian Leng
Published: December 2024

Background

As the global population ages, the prevalence of dementia increases, and the need for healthcare services increases. Healthcare workers should possess necessary knowledge and appropriate attitudes to care for dementia patients.

Objectives

There is a lack of studies of dementia knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers in post-acute and intermediate care settings. Our study aims to address this gap and evaluate factors associated with dementia knowledge and attitudes in community hospitals.

Methods

Eligible healthcare workers from three community hospitals in Singapore were invited to fill in anonymous, self-administered questionnaires consisting of sociodemographic, work or training-related, assessment of self-competence factors together with Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ). Univariate analysis followed by multiple linear regression was conducted to determine the association between covariates with DKAS and ADQ scores.

Results

A total of 500 responses were obtained, giving a response rate of 60.2%. Mean DKAS and ADQ scores were 27.8 and 68.4 respectively. Multiple linear regression revealed better dementia knowledge was associated with occupation, highest education level, having attended a dementia training course, experience in caring for dementia patients and self-assessment of dementia knowledge. More positive attitudes towards dementia care were associated with occupation, time spent providing dementia care and self-assessment of attitude towards dementia care.

Conclusion

Healthcare workers in community hospitals exhibit positive attitudes towards providing dementia care but have a lower level of dementia knowledge compared to other study populations. Modifiable factors can be targeted to improve dementia knowledge and attitudes amongst healthcare workers.
A study on the effect of crack orientations, crack types and SHPB characteristics on the failure behaviour of pre-cracked sandstone rock specimens
Authors: Samal Rabin Kumar , Mishra Sunita
Published: December 2024

The present study aims to understand the experimental and numerical behavior of intact and pre-cracked fine-grained sandstone specimens under indirect dynamic tensile loading conditions. The dynamic experimental analyses are carried out using the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device to determine the tensile strength of sandstone rock. In addition to the dynamic tests, the physical, petrological, and mechanical tests under static loading of the sandstone rock are also studied. Thereafter, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) numerical model is developed, and a strain rate-dependent modified Drucker Prager constitutive model is used to validate the numerical model with the indirect dynamic tensile experimental test results. The validated parameters are then used to determine the behavior of pre-cracked sandstone specimens through numerical simulations. Two sets of numerical models with diametral cracks and cross-sectional cracks are introduced into the intact rock specimens. The orientation of the crack is changed from 0° to 90° and the numerical analyses are performed for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90° crack orientations with respect to the loading axis of the bars in the SHPB setup. Along with crack orientations, the loading rate is changed with varying gas gun pressures for the two sets of numerical models. The stress-strain responses are retrieved from the center and tip of the pre-crack introduced in the sandstone specimen. A comparative analysis is conducted for the responses obtained at the center and tip of the diametral and cross-sectional cracks and the results are stated herein.
Sick leave in the prodromal phase of multiple sclerosis and its association with diagnostic delay: A short report
Authors: Machado Alejandra , Pettersson Emma , Alexanderson Kristina , Hillert Jan , Friberg Emilie
Published: December 2024

The prodromal features of multiple sclerosis (MS) are non-specific and are prevalent in the general population. Several studies indicate an increased use of healthcare resources by individuals with MS in the years preceding their diagnosis, suggesting a trend of deteriorating health prior to the clinical manifestation of MS. This study aimed to capture the possible associations of sick leave with the timing of the diagnosis of MS. Our findings suggest that sick leave with neurological diagnoses - excluding MS, and other diagnoses during the year before MS onset is associated with a shorter time to MS diagnosis.
Fashion Influencer Moms on Instagram: Exploration of Their Affective Labor and Self-Presentation Practices
Authors: Cuevas Leslie M. , Lee Stacy H. , Recalde Daniella
Published: December 2024

This study explores how fashion influencer moms (FIMs) navigate the intersection of motherhood and fashion within the social media landscape. Drawing upon theories of affective labor and self-presentation, we examine the online community these women built as a means of self-care and creating access to fashion for themselves and others. Participants were recruited using a social media hashtag sampling method. Subsequent semi-structured interviews with 16 micro-influencers were analyzed using a thematic approach. Findings revealed that FIMs leverage social media to maintain a sense of self by engaging in affective labor practices such as belongingness, authenticity, and solidarity. Through their self-presentation, these influencers offer confidence and style tips that reflect contemporary trends in mom fashion. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the social media influencer phenomenon by considering new generations of mothers as influential consumers and marketers within the fashion industry.
An Evaluation of Primary Care Clinician Referrals for Behavioral Weight Loss Counseling
Authors: Saraiya Veeral M. , Berkowitz Seth A. , Johnston Larry F. , Couper David J. , Sotres-Alvarez Daniela , Lyons Kiira M. , Thaxton Cheyenne K. , Skinner Harlyn G. , Samuel-Hodge Carmen D. , Keyserling Thomas C.
Published: December 2024

Introduction/Objectives:

In the context of enrolling patients from primary care practices into a weight loss research study, this study describes the percentage of patients primary care clinicians (PCCs) considered appropriate for referral and study participation rates among those referred.

Methods:

An electronic health record review identified 5322 patients aged 18 to 75 years with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 as eligible for review by community, attending, and resident PCCs for referral to a weight loss study. Referrals and patient interest in participating in the study are reported overall and by PCC type.

Results:

The mean (SD) age was 53.1 (13.9) years, mean BMI 36.5 (6.2) kg/m2, 41.5% were male, and 30.9% were African American. PCCs reviewed 3882 patients and referred 2762 (71.1%) to the study. Of 1120 not referred, 260 (23.2%) were not known well enough by PCCs to assess for referral. The most common reasons for not referring included too much comorbidity (171, 15.3%), psychological reasons (170, 15.2%), and non-English speaking (125, 11.2%). Among 1897 patients invited to participate, 676 (35.6%) expressed interest and 360 (19.0%) were enrolled.

Conclusions:

PCCs referred 71.1% of their eligible patients. Among those referred, interest in participation was modest and enrollment was low.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04302727