bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevating organizational effectiveness: synthesizing human resource management with sustainable performance alignment
Authors: Jiang Yushi , Jamil Sobia , Zaman Syed Imran , Fatima Syeda Anum
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the interactional relationships between sustainable human resource management (SHRM) and organizational performance (OP). Sustainable HRM is an approach that links HRM and sustainability. These studies focused on integrating HR with sustainable developments, such as economic and social aspects, in favour of focusing on the environmental aspect. Organizational change is an ongoing process that has to be managed effectively to keep the change in place for a long time.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework was offered to estimate the cause-and-effect relation of the SHRM and OP factors. Data is gathered from professionals from various pharmaceutical industries. This study applied two methods, Fuzzy AHP and DEMATEL Type II. These techniques are used to understand the cause-and-effect factors and their interactions.

Findings

It was observed from the findings that the factor of SHRM, such as Social Justice (F2), Green Job Design (F5), Green Training (F6) and Implementation of Green Policy (F8), was the most critical for the pharmaceutical sector that effects Financial performance (F13), Customer Satisfaction (F15) and Market performance (F14). Pharmaceutical firms ought to coordinate public health advocacy efforts, engage in healthcare initiatives and provide financial support for environmentally friendly efforts that improve social and economic conditions.

Practical implications

For this sustainability, managers concentrate on creating an environment that is healthy and acceptable, and they work hard to mitigate the impact of natural factors and repair damage done to the environment; it is essential to move towards sustainable development to resolve environmental problems. Improving HR efficiency is among essential HRM responsibilities, as they expand the knowledge base of the workforce, enhance human capital, and eventually create valuable intangible assets and promote and encourage sustainable pharmaceutical products for some years.

Originality/value

This research paper has presented exclusive worth to the SHRM and organizational performance literature as it employs fuzzy FAHP and DEMATEL type 2. There is less research on SHRM in the pharmaceutical sector with these factors. In addition, FAHP and TYPE 2 DEMATEL are used in very few researches on SHRM approaches.
Mediating role of engagement and commitment to bridge empowering leadership and task performance
Authors: Eliyana Anis , Jalil Nurul Iman Abdul , Gunawan Desynta Rahmawati , Pratama Andika Setia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research seeks to reveal the mediating role of work engagement and affective commitment as individual aspects that have the potential to bridge the effect of empowering leadership on the task performance of Correctional Service counselors in Indonesia, especially due to the limited literature on these two aspects in the context of public organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research was conducted on 350 counselors throughout Indonesia. The data was collected by distributing questionnaires online. The collected data were then analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling to test the seven research hypotheses.

Findings

Empowering leadership significantly strengthens task performance, work engagement and affective commitment. For indirect effects, this study found that affective commitment partially mediates the effect of empowering leadership on task performance. Meanwhile, work engagement failed to act as a mediator because it did not significantly impact strengthening task performance.

Originality/value

Notably, the unexpected result of work engagement's inability to significantly boost task performance deviates from the prevailing trends observed in previous empirical research, thereby adding a novel dimension to the findings of this study.
Do retailer competition and partial vertical shareholding contribute to carbon abatement and the social environment?
Authors: Wang Hua , Wang Cuicui , Xie Yanle
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper considers carbon abatement in a competitive supply chain that is composed of a manufacturer and two retailers under vertical shareholding. The authors emphasize the equilibrium decision problem of stakeholders under vertical shareholding and different power structures.

Design/methodology/approach

A game-theoretic approach was used to probe the influence of power structure and retailer competition on manufacturers' carbon abatement under vertical shareholding. The carbon abatement decisions, environmental imp4cacts (EIs) and social welfare (SW) of different scenarios under vertical shareholding are obtained.

Findings

The findings show that manufacturers are preferable to carbon abatement and capture optimal profits when shareholding is above a threshold under the retailer power equilibrium, but they may exert a worse negative impact on the environment. The dominant position of the held retailer is not always favorable to capturing the optimal SW and mitigating EIs. In addition, under the combined effect of competition level and shareholding, retailer power equilibrium scenarios are more favorable to improving SW and reducing EIs.

Originality/value

This paper inspects the combined influence of retailer competition and power structure on manufacturers' carbon abatement. Distinguishing from previous literature, the authors also consider the impact of vertical shareholding and consumer preferences. In addition, the authors analyze the SW and EIs in different scenarios.
Development of an ontology-based asset information model for predictive maintenance in building facilities
Authors: Gispert Diego Espinosa , Yitmen Ibrahim , Sadri Habib , Taheri Afshin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a framework of an ontology-based Asset Information Model (AIM) for a Digital Twin (DT) platform and enhance predictive maintenance practices in building facilities that could enable proactive and data-driven decision-making during the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) process.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping literature review was accomplished to establish the theoretical foundation for the current investigation. A study on developing an ontology-based AIM for predictive maintenance in building facilities was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry professionals to gather qualitative data for ontology-based AIM framework validation and insights.

Findings

The research findings indicate that while the development of ontology faced challenges in defining missing entities and relations in the context of predictive maintenance, insights gained from the interviews enabled the establishment of a comprehensive framework for ontology-based AIM adoption in the Facility Management (FM) sector.

Practical implications

The proposed ontology-based AIM has the potential to enable proactive and data-driven decision-making during the process, optimizing predictive maintenance practices and ultimately enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in the building industry.

Originality/value

The research contributes to a practical guide for ontology development processes and presents a framework of an Ontology-based AIM for a Digital Twin platform.
A “concrete” identification in a dismemberment case
Authors: Sheganoski Tiffany , Wiltsey Michael T. , Horne Timothy , Sheganoski Andrew , Hood Ian
Published: December 2023

Homicide perpetrators can use concrete as a means to conceal their victims. When concrete encasement is encountered in the forensic field, albeit rarely, it is often coupled with postmortem dismemberment. This method of obscuring the evidence presents unique investigative obstacles, specifically related to identification. Various approaches to obtaining fingerprints from decedents encased in concrete have been suggested and implemented over the years. The presented case is that of an initially unidentified 44‐year‐old male, who was subject to postmortem dismemberment and concrete encasement. Meticulous excavation techniques facilitated preservation of evidence and an anatomical reconstruction of the body. These techniques enabled inspection of the incision sites of the dismembered remains during the postmortem examination. Identifiable jewelry and tattoos were noted at autopsy. Further, the resulting concrete molds could be utilized to obtain fingerprints. These prints were used to ultimately identify the decedent.
The systemic error in the vertical component of handgun bullet trajectory reconstructions
Authors: Kerkhoff Wim , Broekhuis Frits R. , Mattijssen Erwin J. A. T. , Riva Fabiano
Published: December 2023

Establishing the path or trajectory of a fired bullet is an often recurring part of shooting incident reconstruction. The current study describes how gravitational pull causes a systemic error on the vertical component of a trajectory reconstruction. Bullet drop, drop angle, and vertical offset are explained and calculated for 10 different handgun/ammunition combinations over a range of distances up to 100 m. The presented results are intended to provide forensic firearm examiners with a reference frame for the magnitude of error introduced on handgun bullet trajectory reconstructions over distance. Threshold values of 20 and 30 m are proposed as conservative distances up to where bullet trajectories can be modeled as straight lines with subsonic/transonic handgun bullets and with supersonic handgun bullets respectively. Both the bullet drop and vertical offset will be below 5 cm at these distances for those categories. The drop angle will be below 0.3°.
Naloxone use by Aotearoa New Zealand emergency medical services, 2017–2021
Authors: Kumpula Eeva‐Katri , Todd Verity F , O'Byrne David , Dicker Bridget L , Pomerleau Adam C
Published: December 2023

Objective

Emergency medical services (EMS) use of naloxone in the prehospital setting is indicated in patients who have significantly impaired breathing or level of consciousness when opioid intoxication is suspected. The present study characterised naloxone use in a nationwide sample of Aotearoa New Zealand road EMS patients to establish a baseline for surveillance of any changes in the future.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of rates of patients with naloxone administrations was conducted using Hato Hone St John (2017–2021) and Wellington Free Ambulance (2018–2021) electronic patient report form datasets. Patient demographics, presenting complaints, naloxone dosing, and initial and last vital sign clinical observations were described.

Results

There were 2018 patients with an equal proportion of males and females, and patient median age was 47 years. There were between 8.0 (in 2018) and 9.0 (in 2020) naloxone administrations per 100 000 population‐years, or approximately one administration per day for the whole country of 5 million people. Poisoning by unknown agent(s) was the most common presenting complaint (61%). The median dose of naloxone per patient was 0.4 mg; 85% was administered intravenously. The median observed change in Glasgow Coma Scale score was +1, and respiratory rate increased by +2 breaths/min.

Conclusions

A national rate of EMS naloxone patients was established; measured clinical effects of naloxone were modest, suggesting many patients had reasons other than opioid toxicity contributing to their symptoms. Naloxone administration rates provide indirect surveillance information about suspected harmful opioid exposures but need to be interpreted with care.
Morphology of the wings and attachment apparatus in the evolution of the family Hippoboscidae (Diptera)
Authors: YATSUK Aleksandra A. , TRISELEVA Tatiana A. , NARCHUK Emilia P. , MATYUKHIN Aleksandr V. , SAFONKIN Andrey F.
Published: December 2023

Using a complex analysis of the molecular genetics, morphological, and ecological characteristics of Hippoboscidae flies, the phylogenetic structure and trends in the evolution of morphological characters that contribute to the ectoparasitic lifestyle of hippoboscid flies of the north of Eurasia were studied for the first time. The research was carried out on 26 Palearctic species from 10 genera. The analysis of molecular phylogeny revealed the levels of clustering of the family with the species predominantly parasitizing mammals or birds, the time of cluster formation, and the divergence of species in the Palearctic conditions. An independent adaptation to birds occurred in the genera Icosta, Pseudolynchia, Ornithoica, and others. Bird parasites are characterized by bifid tarsal claws, long hooks on pulvilli, and long empodium setae (except genus Ornithoica). Mammalian parasites are characterized by simple tarsal claws, short lobes of hooks on pulvilli, and zones on empodium with short setae. Specialization in empodium and pulvillus morphotypes and wing reduction are higher diverged in mammalian parasites than in bird parasites. The decrease of flight ability and wing reduction independently arose in different subfamilies of Hippoboscidae flies. Our results assume that the tribe Ornithomyini is a paraphyletic group, since, according to the complex of morphological features, the genus Ornithoica can be considered a separate lineage of evolution.
Lipocalin 2—A bone‐derived anorexigenic and β‐cell promoting signal: From mice to humans
Authors: Yang Yuying , Liu Jianmin , Kousteni Stavroula
Published: December 2023

The skeleton is traditionally known for its structural support, organ protection, movement, and maintenance of mineral homeostasis. Over the last 10 years, bone has emerged as an endocrine organ with diverse physiological functions. The two key molecules in this context are fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), secreted by osteocytes, and osteocalcin, a hormone produced by osteoblasts. FGF23 affects mineral homeostasis through its actions on the kidneys, and osteocalcin has beneficial effects in improving glucose homeostasis, muscle function, brain development, cognition, and male fertility. In addition, another osteoblast‐derived hormone, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) has emerged into the researchers' field of vision. In this review, we mainly focus on LCN2's role in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism and also briefly introduce its effects in other pathophysiological conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, sarcopenic obesity, and cancer‐induced cachexia.

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Formal versus informal supervisor socio‐emotional support behaviours and employee trust: The role of cultural power distance
Authors: Cho Jaee , Wasti S. Arzu , Savani Krishna , Tan Hwee Hoon , Morris Michael W.
Published: December 2023

This research investigates how formal versus informal supervisor support behaviours shape employees' affect‐ and cognition‐based trust across cultures of varying power distance. Using data from in‐depth interviews, Study 1 found that trust‐enhancing supervisor behaviours were more formal, status conscious and imposing in India (a high power distance culture) than in the Netherlands (a low power distance culture); unlike in India, supervisors acted more like friends or equals with their subordinates in the Netherlands. Using vignettes, Study 2 found that, compared to informal support behaviours, formal support behaviours increased both affect‐ and cognition‐based trust among Indian participants, but among US participants, formal support behaviours only increased cognition‐based trust. Study 3 conceptually replicated those findings by manipulating power distance in an organization. Together, the findings from these three studies suggest that supervisors' formal socio‐emotional support behaviours are particularly effective in increasing affect‐based trust in societal and organizational cultures that are high power distance.
Placental weight percentile curves in a Danish population
Authors: Victor Simon Foged , Jeppegaard Maria , Rasmussen Steen Christian , Larsen Marie Høygaard , Krebs Lone
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The role of the placenta is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and a well‐functioning placenta is vital to fetal health. Our aim was to develop placental weight percentile curves adjusted by gestational age, and stratified by major maternal comorbidities.

Material and methods

The study was a population study in a Danish cohort. Data was drawn from The Medical Birth Register and the National Patient Register. We included singleton births with a gestational age of 22 + 0 to 42 + 6 weeks. We excluded multiple pregnancies, stillbirths and retained placentas. A total of 611 418 placentas were included. Percentile line graphs were created in groups of all placentas, hypertensive disorders and diabetic disorders.

Results

Tables and figures are presented for placental weight percentile curves according to gestational age for all placentas, hypertensive disorders and diabetic disorders, respectively. Placental weight was generally higher in the diabetic placentas, and lower in the hypertensive placentas.

Conclusions

These percentile curves may serve as a reference for other populations, and may be useful for other studies investigating the role of the placenta in relation to pregnancy outcomes, and health in later life.
COVID‐19 and the adequacy of antenatal care among Indigenous women: A retrospective crossover analysis
Authors: Aguilar‐Rodríguez María Alejandra , Castro‐Porras Lilia V.
Published: December 2023

Background

Often marginalized and disadvantaged by systems of oppression, Indigenous populations commonly face significant barriers to accessing adequate antenatal care (ANC). The COVID‐19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on healthcare systems worldwide, including on the provision of antenatal care; this was especially so for Indigenous communities in many regions. As such, our study aimed to estimate the association between the COVID‐19 pandemic and adequate ANC received by Indigenous women in Chiapas, Mexico.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective crossover analysis with data collected between June and December 2021 from Indigenous women who attended at least one ANC appointment at one of two health centers in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. We used a multinomial logistic regression model considering the time frame (before and during the pandemic) as the primary independent variable. Adequate antenatal care comprised four dimensions: attendance by qualified personnel, timely first visit, sufficient frequency of visits, and adequacy of the content provided during the visits.

Results

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a significant drop in ANC adequacy, with 12.7% (95% CI: 8.3, 18.9) of Indigenous women receiving ANC, compared with the pre‐pandemic rate of 52.5% (95% CI: 44.7, 60.3), among the 158 participants. The pandemic resulted in a reduction of 75.8% in the adequacy of ANC. Considering the four dimensions of adequacy, we found that having only one dimension was associated with a relative risk ratio (RRR) of 12.45 (95% CI: 6.40, 24.23), while having two or three dimensions was associated with a RRR of 5.23 (95% CI: 2.83, 9.65) when using adequate ANC as the category of reference.

Conclusions

According to our results, Indigenous women's ANC adequacy was negatively affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In light of these findings, we emphasize the importance of developing healthcare systems that are prepared to adapt consultation schemes by implementing virtual visits and incorporating community health workers.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis examining the effects of midwife care on cesarean birth
Authors: Hoxha Ilir , Grezda Krenare , Udutha Anirudh , Taganoviq Besarta , Agahi Riaz , Brajshori Naime , Rising Sharon Schindler
Published: December 2023

Background

The increasing number of unnecessary cesarean births is a cause for concern and may be addressed by increasing access to midwifery care. The objective of this review was to assess the effect of midwifery care on the likelihood of cesarean births.

Methods

We searched five databases from the beginning of records through May 2020. We included observational studies that reported odds ratios or data allowing the calculation of odds ratios of cesarean birth for births with and without midwife involvement in care or presence at the institution. Standard inverse‐variance random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to generate overall odds ratios (ORs).

Results

We observed a significantly lower likelihood of cesarean birth in midwife‐led care, midwife‐attended births, among those who received instruction pre‐birth from midwives, and within institutions with a midwifery presence.

Conclusions

Care from midwives reduces the likelihood of cesarean birth in all the analyses, perhaps due to their greater preference and skill for physiologic births. Increased use of midwives in maternal care can reduce cesarean births and should be further researched and implemented broadly, potentially as the default modality in maternal care.
Variations over time in mode of birth and perinatal outcomes in women with one previous cesarean in the Netherlands: A 20‐year population‐based study
Authors: Koorn Ian , Vis Linda C. , Verschueren Kim J. C. , Rosman Ageeth N. , van den Akker Thomas
Published: December 2023

Background

Globally, cesarean birth rates are rising, and while it can be a lifesaving procedure, cesarean birth is also associated with increased maternal and perinatal risks. This study aims to describe changes over time about the mode of birth and perinatal outcomes in second‐pregnancy women with one previous cesarean birth in the Netherlands over the past 20 years.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide, population‐based study using the Dutch perinatal registry. The mode of birth (intended vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) compared with planned cesarean birth) was assessed in all women with one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth who gave birth to a term singleton in cephalic presentation between 2000 and 2019 in the Netherlands (n = 143,146). The reported outcomes include the trend of intended VBAC, VBAC success rate, and adverse perinatal outcomes (perinatal mortality up to 7 days, low Apgar score at 5 min, asphyxia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission ≥24 h).

Results

Intended VBAC decreased by 21.5% in women with one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth, from 77.2% in 2000 to 55.7% in 2019, with a marked deceleration from 2009 onwards. The VBAC success rate dropped gradually, from 71.0% to 65.3%, across the same time period. Overall, the cesarean birth rate (planned and unplanned) increased from 45.2% to 63.6%. Adverse perinatal outcomes were higher in women intending VBAC compared with those planning a cesarean birth. Perinatal mortality initially decreased but remained stable from 2009 onwards, with only minimal differences between both modes of birth.

Conclusions

In the Netherlands, the proportion of women intending VBAC after one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth has decreased markedly. Particularly from 2009 onwards, this decrease was not accompanied by a synchronous reduction in perinatal mortality.
Bridging treatment prior to chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Bal Susan , Costa Luciano J.
Published: December 2023

Autologous patient‐derived adoptive T‐cell therapies have revolutionized the management of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). However, the current manufacturing and quality control processes result in lengthy vein‐to‐vein time, making bridging therapy necessary for most patients. Yet the decision and choice of optimal bridging therapy are complex in the heavily pretreated relapsed MM patient. In this perspective piece, the authors provide their approach and considerations while selecting an optimal bridging regimen before autologous chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy.
The effective sample size in Bayesian information criterion for level‐specific fixed and random‐effect selection in a two‐level nested model
Authors: Cho Sun‐Joo , Wu Hao , Naveiras Matthew
Published: December 2023

Popular statistical software provides the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) for multi‐level models or linear mixed models. However, it has been observed that the combination of statistical literature and software documentation has led to discrepancies in the formulas of the BIC and uncertainties as to the proper use of the BIC in selecting a multi‐level model with respect to level‐specific fixed and random effects. These discrepancies and uncertainties result from different specifications of sample size in the BIC's penalty term for multi‐level models. In this study, we derive the BIC's penalty term for level‐specific fixed‐ and random‐effect selection in a two‐level nested design. In this new version of BIC, called , this penalty term is decomposed into two parts if the random‐effect variance–covariance matrix has full rank: (a) a term with the log of average sample size per cluster and (b) the total number of parameters times the log of the total number of clusters. Furthermore, we derive the new version of BIC, called , in the presence of redundant random effects. We show that the derived formulae, and , adhere to empirical values via numerical demonstration and that ( indicating either or ) is the best global selection criterion, as it performs at least as well as BIC with the total sample size and BIC with the number of clusters across various multi‐level conditions through a simulation study. In addition, the use of is illustrated with a textbook example dataset.
Positive association between adiposity and inflammation in US adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ferrell Koya , Brown Isaiah , Amare Abel , McNeel Timothy S. , Buckman Dennis , Jackson Sharon H.
Published: December 2023

Identification of biomarkers involved in multifaceted obesity‐related inflammatory processes paired with reliable anthropometric measures of visceral adiposity is important for developing epidemiologic screening tools. This retrospective observational study used linear regression models to examine the association between inflammation and visceral fat in a nationally representative sample of 10 655 US adults. Inflammation was measured using a cumulative inflammation index (CII) generated from white blood cell ratios and uric acid. Intra‐abdominal adiposity was assessed using sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD). Overall, 67.7%, 18.3%, and 13.9% of adults sampled were normoglycemic, prediabetic, and diabetic, with mean SAD of 21.7 ± 0.11 cm, 24.2 ± 0.14 cm, 26.0 ± 0.18 cm and CII of 4.3 ± 0.05, 4.7 ± 0.09, 5.1 ± 0.09, respectively. For each unit increase in SAD, CII was 0.12 higher (95% CI 0.10, 0.14) in US adults who were normoglycemic, 0.09 higher (95% CI 0.07, 0.12) in prediabetics and 0.10 higher (95% CI 0.07, 0.14) in diabetics. The association between SAD and CII was independent of diabetes status. These findings demonstrate an independent association between adiposity and inflammation, supporting increased visceral fat is associated with increased visceral‐associated inflammation. Future studies are needed to define and characterise obesity‐related inflammatory mediators and their role in chronic disease risk such as diabetes.
Home recording of 3‐Hz spike–wave discharges in adults with absence epilepsy using the wearable Sensor Dot
Authors: Swinnen Lauren , Chatzichristos Christos , Bhagubai Miguel , Broux Victoria , Zabler Nicolas , Dümpelmann Matthias , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , De Vos Maarten , Van Paesschen Wim
Published: December 2023

Objective

Home monitoring of 3‐Hz spike–wave discharges (SWDs) in patients with refractory absence epilepsy could improve clinical care by replacing the inaccurate seizure diary with objective counts. We investigated the use and performance of the Sensor Dot (Byteflies) wearable in persons with absence epilepsy in their home environment.

Methods

Thirteen participants (median age = 22 years, 11 female) were enrolled at the university hospitals of Leuven and Freiburg. At home, participants had to attach the Sensor Dot and behind‐the‐ear electrodes to record two‐channel electroencephalogram (EEG), accelerometry, and gyroscope data. Ground truth annotations were created during a visual review of the full Sensor Dot recording. Generalized SWDs were annotated if they were 3 Hz and at least 3 s on EEG. Potential 3‐Hz SWDs were flagged by an automated seizure detection algorithm, (1) using only EEG and (2) with an additional postprocessing step using accelerometer and gyroscope to discard motion artifacts. Afterward, two readers (W.V.P. and L.S.) reviewed algorithm‐labeled segments and annotated true positive detections. Sensitivity, precision, and F1 score were calculated. Patients had to keep a seizure diary and complete questionnaires about their experiences.

Results

Total recording time was 394 h 42 min. Overall, 234 SWDs were captured in 11 of 13 participants. Review of the unimodal algorithm‐labeled recordings resulted in a mean sensitivity of .84, precision of .93, and F1 score of .89. Visual review of the multimodal algorithm‐labeled segments resulted in a similar F1 score and shorter review time due to fewer false positive labels. Participants reported that the device was comfortable and that they would be willing to wear it on demand of their neurologist, for a maximum of 1 week or with intermediate breaks.

Significance

The Sensor Dot improved seizure documentation at home, relative to patient self‐reporting. Additional benefits were the short review time and the patients' device acceptance due to user‐friendliness and comfortability.
Divine trauma: Schizophrenia and unresolved realities in South India
Authors: Bala Anjana
Published: December 2023

This article explores the relationship between schizophrenia, divine encounters, and therapeutics based on ethnographic research in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Contributing to a long history of single‐subject ethnographies in psychological anthropology, this article narrates the events leading up to the diagnosis and the emerging life worlds post‐diagnosis of an interlocutor I call Dhruv. I depart from symbolic constructions of the divine to an affective divine, a kind of force that enters and alters embodied existence. Following scholars who call for theories that move beyond Western metropolitan epistemologies, I draw upon the Bhagavad Gita, a poetic scripture from the Hindu tradition, as a form of psychological theory to contend how an encounter with the divine might be too much to bear, even traumatic. In doing so, the article offers an alternative entry point to the commonly held assumption of the therapeutic efficacy of divine encounters and religious sites in India.
Effect of pre–shearing regimes on rheological parameters of cement paste
Authors: Feng Kaiwen , Li Wenxu , Ma Kunlin , Yu Lianshan , Zou Weidong , Long Guangcheng
Published: December 2023

In rheological testing, different test regimes can result in large differences in the rheological curves, and the pre‐shear procedure is one of the most important parts of the test. In order to investigate the effect of the pre‐shear regime on the rheological properties of cement pastes, an Anton Paar 102 rotary rheometer was used for the test. Two different pre‐shear regimes (RF and CP pre‐shear), three different pre‐shear duration times (50 s, 100 s, 150 s), and four different pre‐shear rates (25 s−1, 50 s−1, 100 s−1) are carried out for the test. The results showed that with the increase of pre‐shear duration or rate, the four rheological parameters (plastic viscosity, yield stress, rheological index, and thixotropy) of the pastes decrease in different degrees. RF pre‐shear was more influenced by shear time, while CP pre‐shear was influenced by shear time and rate. The pre‐shear regimes led to different changes in the flocculation structure of the cement paste, which had a great influence on rheological parameters ultimately. Based on the improved Krieger‐Dougherty model, the effective solid volume fraction of cement paste was calculated. Analysis shows that the phenomenon of “deflocculation” and “re‐flocculation” occurs when the cement paste is subjected to shear action, thus, the pre‐shear regimes destroy the structure of the pastes. With the increase of pre‐shear duration or rate, the effective volume fraction decreased, which indicated that the initial flocculation structure was broken. The greater the damage degree of pre‐shear, the slower the establishment rate of the internal structure of the pastes in dynamic shear, resulting in lower rheological parameters.
Geriatric Interprofessional Team Transformation for Primary Care overview
Authors: Flaherty Ellen , O'Connor Sharon , Steltenpohl Crystal N. , Preiss Michaela , Volckaert Annaliese , Pepin Renée L.
Published: December 2023

Background

The Geriatric Interprofessional Team Transformation for Primary Care (GITT‐PC) is a model developed to deliver optimal care to older adults in primary care. GITT‐PC is an expansion of the John A. Hartford Foundation Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training (GITT) program developed at New York University and funded from 1995 to 2002 (Fulmer et al., 2004). GITT was designed to create training models that reflect the needs of the changing health care system and the challenge of caring for older adults with complex conditions (Fulmer et al., 2005). The GITT‐PC model builds on the lessons learned from GITT and the development of curricula and training materials based on best practices.

Methods

Implementation of GITT‐PC is accomplished through systems and practices that meet the needs and preferences of patients and their families and that are implemented by teams of health professionals and community service providers. GITT‐PC is focused on four core components of high‐quality geriatric care: (1) health promotion and prevention, (2) chronic disease management, (3) advanced care planning, and (4) transitional care management, each component corresponding to a Medicare‐reimbursable visit.

Results

Implementation of these reimbursable services enables practices to provide evidence‐based geriatric care while realizing a potential significant return on investment.

Conclusions

The GITT‐PC model has evolved from an academic training program to a financially sustainable model that serves to improve the care of older adults through a systematic team transformation process that makes a clear business case for primary care (Tabbush et al., 2021). The GITT‐PC training program can be implemented in primary care practices with a focus on improving or expanding delivery of annual wellness visits (AWVs) and, potentially, registered RN‐led AWVs.
Age‐friendly health care and the 4Ms in RN‐led annual wellness visits
Authors: Garbarino Jason T. , O'Connor Sharon , Pepin Renée L. , Aitken Margaret S. , Flaherty Ellen
Published: December 2023

Background

Medicare annual wellness visits (AWVs) are prevention‐focused healthcare visits free to Medicare recipients. These visits focus on health maintenance, health risk assessment, prevention of illness, and maintaining independence, all of which are within the scope of registered nurse (RN) practice as well as aligned with what matters, medication, mentation, and mobility — the 4Ms — of age‐friendly health care. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the implementation of the 4Ms in the context of RN‐led Medicare AWVs in a primary care practice.

Methods

In a primary care practice with approximately 2500 patients, including approximately 571 of whom were enrolled in Medicare, RN‐led Medicare AWVs were implemented, incorporating the 4Ms framework. During this time, data were collected on the effect of the AWV on access to care—conceptualized here as the number of visits available as well as the type of clinician open to staff these visits. Data collection also included patient responses to the 4Ms question “what matters most?”

Results

Overall, the RN‐led visits were successful and beneficial to the practice. Each RN‐led visit allowed for 2 additional acute or monitoring visits per provider (nurse practitioner, MD) per day, increasing patient access to their primary care providers. Inclusion of the 4Ms questions facilitated discussion around overall mental and emotional well‐being, life stressors, quality of life, and goals of care.

Conclusion

RN‐led Medicare AWVs incorporating the 4Ms framework enhances the role of RNs in primary care by focusing on a health promotion role, utilizing RNs to their full scope of practice. RN‐led AWVs increase provider availability for acute and chronic care appointments, as well as foster conversations around quality of life, as well as mental and emotional well‐being.
Reconstruction of the pelvic girdle and hindlimb musculature of the early tetanurans Piatnitzkysauridae (Theropoda, Megalosauroidea)
Authors: Lacerda Mauro B. S. , Bittencourt Jonathas S. , Hutchinson John R.
Published: December 2023

Piatnitzkysauridae were Jurassic theropods that represented the earliest diverging branch of Megalosauroidea, being one of the earliest lineages to have evolved moderate body size. This clade's typical body size and some unusual anatomical features raise questions about locomotor function and specializations to aid in body support; and other palaeobiological issues. Biomechanical models and simulations can illuminate how extinct animals may have moved, but require anatomical data as inputs. With a phylogenetic context, osteological evidence, and neontological data on anatomy, it is possible to infer the musculature of extinct taxa. Here, we reconstructed the hindlimb musculature of Piatnitzkysauridae (Condorraptor, Marshosaurus, and Piatnitzkysaurus). We chose this clade for future usage in biomechanics, for comparisons with myological reconstructions of other theropods, and for the resulting evolutionary implications of our reconstructions; differential preservation affects these inferences, so we discuss these issues as well. We considered 32 muscles in total: for Piatnitzkysaurus, the attachments of 29 muscles could be inferred based on the osteological correlates; meanwhile, in Condorraptor and Marshosaurus, we respectively inferred 21 and 12 muscles. We found great anatomical similarity within Piatnitzkysauridae, but differences such as the origin of M. ambiens and size of M. caudofemoralis brevis are present. Similarities were evident with Aves, such as the division of the M. iliofemoralis externus and M. iliotrochantericus caudalis and a broad depression for the M. gastrocnemius pars medialis origin on the cnemial crest. Nevertheless, we infer plesiomorphic features such as the origins of M. puboischiofemoralis internus 1 around the “cuppedicus” fossa and M. ischiotrochantericus medially on the ischium. As the first attempt to reconstruct muscles in early tetanurans, our study allows a more complete understanding of myological evolution in theropod pelvic appendages.
Endocrine‐disrupting chemicals: Mainstream recognition of health effects and implications for the practicing internist
Authors: Trasande Leonardo , Sargis Robert M.
Published: December 2023

Rapidly advancing evidence documents that a broad array of synthetic chemicals found ubiquitously in the environment contribute to disease and disability across the lifespan. Although the early literature focused on early life exposures, endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are now understood to contribute substantially to chronic disease in adulthood, especially metabolic, cardiovascular, and reproductive consequences as well as endocrine cancers. The contribution to mortality is substantial, with over 90,000 deaths annually and at least $39 billion/year in lost economic productivity in the United States (US) due to exposure to certain phthalates that are used as plasticizers in food packaging. Importantly, exposures are disproportionately high in low‐income and minoritized populations, driving disparities in these conditions. Though non‐Hispanic Blacks and Mexican Americans comprise 12.6% and 13.5% of the US population, they bear 16.5% and 14.6% of the disease burden due to EDCs, respectively. Many of these exposures can be modified through safe and simple behavioral changes supported by proactive government action to both limit known hazardous exposures and to proactively screen new industrial chemicals prior to their use. Routine healthcare maintenance should include guidance to reduce EDC exposures, and a recent report by the Institute of Medicine suggests that testing be conducted, particularly in populations heavily exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances—chemicals used in nonstick coatings as well as oil‐ and water‐resistant clothing.
Continuing conceptualising QOL through application to lives of young adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Faragher Rhonda , Lloyd Jan
Published: December 2023

Quality of Life (QOL) has been used as a sensitising concept for decades, inviting all to consider the potential for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live a life full of meaning and purpose. This article presents the outcomes of our deliberations on domains of QOL undertaken for a study investigating lives of young adults with Down syndrome. Various groups have published domains and from these we distilled a list of six: Physical well‐being, Emotional well‐being; Self‐determination; Material well‐being; Personal beliefs and development; and Social inclusion. Our synthesis of domains raised two issues for further deliberation in the community of QOL scholars in the field of intellectual and developmental disability: the place of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Rights. ICT has not been considered as a domain but we argue it could be. Rights have been included as a domain by some researchers in previous conceptualisations but we do not. Instead we suggest they may be better placed as an underpinning principle, with fundamental impact on all aspects of QOL. A conclusion we are left with is that domains, while helpful for research, can never be a fixed list. What matters to individuals and society in general in framing lives of meaning and purpose will change over time. Even so, there is still value and need for setting domains for specific research studies.
Stress Mindset and University Students' Mental Health in Japan During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Mediating Model1,2
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Saito Aya , Matsumoto Satoko , Yoshitake Naomi , Sugawara Masumi
Published: December 2023

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has caused social isolation and loneliness among Japanese university students. Stress mindset, namely, beliefs about stress and its consequences, is related to mental health through emerging evidence. This study investigated the relationship between stress mindset and mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic and assessed the mediating effect of coping behaviors. An online survey was conducted in mid‐October 2021 with 4,120 university students from 47 prefectures in Japan. Stress mindset (stress‐is‐enhancing and stress‐is‐debilitating mindsets), coping behaviors, and mental health (loneliness and depression) were measured. The results showed that the positive path from a stress‐is‐debilitating mindset to depression and loneliness, and the negative path from a stress‐is‐enhancing mindset to loneliness, were significant. Furthermore, the stress‐is‐enhancing mindset was mediated by vaccination status, inducing a decrease in loneliness; the stress‐is‐debilitating mindset was mediated by a decrease in part‐time jobs and extracurricular activities, and inducing an increase in loneliness and depression. Current findings indicate that stress mindset may influence the behavioral tendencies and mental health of Japanese university students during COVID‐19, comprising an internal resource to protect their mental health.
Clinical presentation, medical management, and outcomes in 35 hospitalized sheep diagnosed with bluetongue virus disease
Authors: Gamsjäger Lisa , Chigerwe Munashe
Published: December 2023

Background

There is only limited information on the clinical presentation, medical management, and outcomes of hospitalized sheep diagnosed with bluetongue virus (BTV) disease.

Objectives

To describe the signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, medical management, and clinical outcomes of sheep diagnosed with BTV disease.

Animals

Thirty‐five hospitalized sheep with BTV disease.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Medical records from 1989 to 2021 were evaluated. History, signalment, clinical signs, laboratory test results, treatments, and outcomes were recorded.

Results

BTV disease was diagnosed from July to December, with a peak proportion (43%; 15/35) of diagnoses recorded in October. Pyrexia and anorexia, respiratory disease, vasculitis, coronitis and lameness, and ulcerative mucosal lesions were present in 71%, 71%, 66%, 49%, and 22% of sheep, respectively. BTV serotypes 10, 11, 13, and 17 were identified, with serotype 17 (75%) being the most frequent. Management of cases included administration of antimicrobials (89%), anti‐inflammatories (77%), IV fluids (60%), vitamins (20%), proton‐pump inhibitors (14%), diuretics (9%), and antioxidants (9%). Six ewes were pregnant on presentation, but none aborted. Six (17%) sheep died or were euthanized because of clinical deterioration, whereas 83% were discharged.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The proportion of sheep that survived BTV disease after treatment was relatively high. Serotyping of BTV is recommended because of the mismatch between frequently identified serotypes and the serotype present in the vaccine.
Use of octreotide for the treatment of protein‐losing enteropathy in dogs: Retrospective study of 18 cases
Authors: Jablonski Sara A. , Mazepa Allison S. W. , Tolbert M. Katherine
Published: December 2023

Background

More than 50% of dogs with protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) fail to respond to standard therapies. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, is used in cases of intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) in humans with some success.

Objectives

Describe the use of octreotide in dogs with PLE including reason for and details of prescription, adverse effects, and apparent response.

Animals

Eighteen dogs with PLE, 13 with histopathology available. Ninety‐two percent (12/13) had IL diagnosed on biopsy. All 13 dogs had intestinal inflammatory infiltrates noted.

Methods

Multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study. Cases were volunteered for inclusion by individual attending veterinarians who reported the use of octreotide in cases of PLE.

Results

In 16/18 (89%) cases octreotide was prescribed to PLE dogs with a clinical suspicion or confirmed diagnosis of IL that were refractory to standard therapies. Median serum albumin at the time of octreotide prescription was 1.7 g/dL (range, 1.0‐3.1 g/dL). The median dose of octreotide prescribed was 20 μg/kg, SQ, daily with a range of 4‐39 μg/kg, SQ, daily. Adverse effects were noted in 3/18 (17%, 95% CI [4%, 41%]) of dogs; discontinuation of the drug was necessary in 1 dog. Improvement in clinical signs was noted in 6/12 (50%, 95% CI [21%, 79%]).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Octreotide was most commonly prescribed to dogs with PLE and suspected or confirmed IL that had failed to respond to standard therapies. Though a benefit to PLE dogs cannot be confirmed, octreotide was well tolerated by the majority of dogs at the doses prescribed in this study.