bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Class voting or economic voting? Electoral support for chavismo (1998–2015)
Authors: Bonifácio Robert , Botelho João Carlos Amoroso
Published: July 2021

This article analyses electoral support for chavismo in Venezuela from 1998 to 2015, comprising five presidential elections (1998, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2013) and the legislative election of 2015. Drawing on a comprehensive historical series, the findings contradict an influential body of literature on Venezuelan politics and show that economic voting prevailed during the analysed period. In relation to class voting, the analysis does not find a monotonic vote, in which the poor supported Hugo Chávez and his allies, whereas the rich rejected them, at each election. The direction of associations between these classes and voting for chavismo varied over the investigated period. The findings have important implications for Latin American politics, showing the relevance of economic factors for the left turn in regional politics and helping explain the recent losses of leftist parties in presidential elections.
Lived Experiences of Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in India: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Viswanathan Poornima , Kishore M. Thomas , Seshadri Shekhar P.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can impact the individual and their families. The impact on siblings is unique because they evolve from being another child in the family to a future adult who can be a potential resource to the family in supporting a member with ASD. Since the quality of care and support can be affected by the lived experiences of the carer and there are not many studies on siblings, this study examined the lived experiences of siblings of individuals with ASD.

Methods:

Fourteen siblings of individuals with ASD, aged 15–36 years, were recruited from a tertiary hospital, schools, and private institutes. A semistructured interview schedule was used to explore the lived experiences. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to identify the themes.

Results:

The themes based on IPA indicated that the siblings have very basic concerns like understanding the condition and complex issues such as coping, preparing for current and future roles, personal needs and expectations, need for a support system, and positive aspects of the sibling relationship. Nonetheless, the siblings minimized reporting their difficulties and focused more on the needs of the sibling with ASD.

Conclusion:

Siblings have diverse lived experiences, with a small element of positive experiences. Appropriate supports are needed to address the complexities of the lived experiences.
The role of social context in the association between leisure activities and romantic relationship quality
Authors: Dobson Kiersten , Ogolsky Brian
Published: July 2021

Shared leisure activities with one’s romantic partner are beneficial for both partners and their romantic relationship, but may not exclusively occur with only the partners present. The current research examines the impact of leisure and other relationship behaviors in various social contexts on romantic relationship quality (satisfaction and commitment). Data were collected from a representative sample of couples over the course of 9 months ( N = 232 couples at Phase 1), including two 10-day daily diaries documenting engagement in 59 behaviors across various social contexts. Results demonstrated that leisure with one’s partner (without others) was positively associated with short-term relationship quality, whereas leisure with others (without one’s partner) was negatively associated with relationship quality; leisure with one’s partner and others and leisure alone were not associated with relationship quality. When considering engagement in other relationship behaviors with one’s partner, we found no unique effects of the rates of the behaviors, but significant effects for the proportion of physical affection relative to other behaviors. These findings suggest that the content and context of leisure have unique roles in romantic relationships.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on end of life care delivery in care homes: A mixed method systematic review
Authors: Spacey Adam , Porter Sam , Board Michele , Scammell Janet
Published: July 2021

Background:

Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 is having a negative impact on the delivery of end of life care in care homes around the world. There is a need to collate current evidence to provide a comprehensive overview to assess extent of the problem.

Aim:

To describe and evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on end of life care delivery in care homes.

Design:

Systematic review and narrative synthesis of studies reporting qualitative and quantitative data.

Data sources:

The databases MEDLINE, psycINFO, SCOPUS and CINAHL were searched between December 2019 and March 2021.

Results:

Nine studies were included. For care home staff, challenges included significant increases in responsibility and exposure to death, both of which have taken an emotional toll. Results indicate that staff tended not to be offered adequate emotional support or afforded the time to grieve. For those receiving end of life care, results indicate that the end of life care that they tended to receive, especially in the form of advance planning, was disrupted by the pandemic.

Conclusion:

The effect of the pandemic has been to exacerbate existing problems in the provision of end of life care in care homes for both service providers and users, making that which was previously opaque starkly visible. Future research is needed to explore the effects of the pandemic and its management on those receiving end of life care in care homes and their significant others.
Emotional Intelligence and Pro-Social Behavior as Predictors of Academic Achievement Among University Students
Authors: Getahun Abera Wossen
Published: July 2021

This journal article was primarily carried out to pinpoint whether emotional intelligence and pro-social behavior predicts academic achievement of University students. To achieve this, data was gathered from 111 (m = 50, F = 53) students by using stratified simple random sampling technique. As the results of Pearson correlation coefficient showed that, there was statistically significant positive association between emotional intelligence and pro-social behavior. However, it was found that there was no relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between pro-social behavior and academic achievement of students. Findings from multiple regression indicated that, emotional intelligence predicted pro-social behavior of students, whereas, emotional intelligence didn’t predict academic achievement of students. On the other hand, pro-social behavior negatively and significantly predicted academic achievement of students. Besides, there was no significant gender difference in emotional intelligence and pro-social behavior. However, there was statistically significant disparity amidst male and female students in academic achievement and male students exceed female counterparts in general level of academic performance. As one sample t-test result depicted, Majority of students have high level of emotional intelligence, pro-social behavior and academic performance. The researcher forwarded the following recommendations for instructors, the university management and Medias. Socio-emotional training’s should be provided to students, intensive studies should be conducted on this topic, teachers of the university should advocate the importance of emotional intelligence and pro-social behavior in the class room, the university and broadcasting Medias should give attention for the topic.
Clinical challenges and management of primary renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma of duplex kidney with paraneoplastic syndrome
Authors: Wang Pengfei , He Jun , Wan Xiaojun , Ren Peng , Tang Kaifa
Published: July 2021

Giant renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma of a duplex kidney has rarely been reported, especially in patients with paraneoplastic syndrome. The present report describes a 33-year-old man of Miao nationality who presented with a 6-month history of intermittent dull pain in the left upper abdomen that occurred after eating. Ultrasonography, intravenous pyelography, and computed tomography revealed a mass lesion localized in the left kidney and connected to the left renal artery. Radical nephrectomy was successfully performed, and the postoperative histopathological examination verified the lesion as epithelioid angiomyolipoma. Inpatient treatment for paraneoplastic syndrome was also performed. The present case is discussed in the context of the patient’s clinical presentation and imaging findings, drawing attention to the challenges and management of this condition to assist clinicians in practice.
Prognostic assessments in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical nephroureterectomy and systematic regional lymph node dissection
Authors: Sato Ryo , Watanabe Kyohei , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Motoyama Daisuke , Ito Toshiki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyake Hideaki
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Systematic regional lymph node dissection (LND) combined with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) has been reported to improve the outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients. The objective of the present study was to assess the prognostic outcomes of UTUC patients undergoing systematic regional LND combined with RNU.

Patients and methods:

We conducted a retrospective evaluation of prognostic outcomes of 68 consecutive UTUC patients treated with RUN and systematic regional LND.

Results:

The median durations of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 45 and 166 months, respectively. Univariate analyses of several parameters showed that despite the lack of a significant predictor for RFS, the presence of lymph node metastasis correlated with poor OS.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that comparatively favorable outcomes are achievable in UTUC patients by RNU and systematic regional LND; however, special attention is needed for patients with nodal involvement even after systematic regional LND due to the adverse impact of this factor on OS.
An Evaluation of the Relationship Between Perceptions and Performance of Students in a Serious Game
Authors: Udeozor Chioma , Russo Abegão Fernando , Glassey Jarka
Published: July 2021

The growing interest in the use of digital games for education resulted in the expansion of the field of game-based learning. There have been several research on the perceptions and attitudes of students towards the use of games for learning. These studies have tried to understand what students make of the use of digital games for learning, as it is believed that the views of users and their acceptance of new technologies play a crucial role in ensuring successful outcomes. However, it is unclear whether there is any relationship between experiences, perceptions towards games and gameplay performance in a learning game. Understanding this relationship is important for game developers to effectively design and develop games, and for educators to be able to determine how to best deploy games for educational purposes. This study examines how the experiences and perceptions of engineering students towards digital games for engineering education influence their use and performance in a serious game called CosmiClean. Findings suggest that while students are enthusiastic about digital learning games, there was no relationship between their perceptions of games for learning and their gameplay performance. However, a relationship was found between the game experiences of students and their gameplay performance.
Adult Beliefs About the Migration Motives of Unaccompanied Honduran Youth
Authors: Clark Amy L. , Williams James L.
Published: July 2021

A number of researchers have examined undocumented migration from Central America. This literature lacks information about adult beliefs regarding the motivations of minors who journey from Central America unaccompanied and undocumented. Using data from a recent survey conducted in Honduras, we examine adult Hondurans’ beliefs about why unaccompanied minors leave the country unaccompanied. The dependent variable is a dummy variable that measures “why children leave the country.” Predictor variables are attitudes toward smuggling, willingness to leave without documentation, deportation experience, age, income, and residence in the northern part of Honduras. Using multinomial logistic regression, we find support for four of the eight hypotheses. Findings indicate that adults from the northern region are most likely to believe minors would leave for reasons associated with undocumented immigration. Those who are younger, with lower incomes, and with less access to sanitation are more likely to believe minors would leave without documentation.
What We Learnt After Looking Back At the Community Pharmacists’ Experiences Worldwide in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: El Hadidi Seif , Sabra Kamal
Published: July 2021

Community pharmacists are key players in COVID-19 response. Community pharmacies are often the first port of call for people who are feeling ill. They are well placed within their communities to offer advice and reinforce essential messages about hand and respiratory hygiene and physical distancing. There are no approved clinical practice guidelines for COVID-19, and pharmacies must therefore play their part in helping to contain the spread of false claims and misinformation circulating in their communities.
The evolution of collaborative networks: A social network analysis of Chinese environmental protection policy
Authors: Li Yanwei , Huang Jing
Published: July 2021

Interagency collaboration helps governments to better resolve various complex societal problems. This contribution examines the mechanisms underlying the collaboration of disparate national government agencies engaged in Chinese environmental protection. We test three dominant mechanisms, namely, the institutionalization of collaborative networks, resource interdependence and exchange, and preferential attachment. It is concluded that a collaborative network over time becomes cohesive, that national government agencies prefer to collaborate with popular agencies and tend to collaborate with those whose resources are different from their own, and that popular agencies tend to maintain their core positions over time. Our study enriches the current governance and policy literature through adding building blocks for the evolution of collaborative network and network partner selection.
Contributions of participatory budgeting to climate change adaptation and mitigation: current local practices across the world and lessons from the field
Authors: Cabannes Yves
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the extent to which participatory budgeting (PB) contributes to climate change adaptation and mitigation, based on an analysis of initiatives from 15 cities and regions in the global South and North. PB contributions are far from marginal, with significant investments decided by local people. The paper highlights some of the numerous innovations introduced to integrate PB into climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Through a scrutiny of 4,400 PB projects, the research identified six categories of climate-related projects encompassing hardware as well as software approaches, such as awareness-raising activities, community-based early warning projects and research. The paper advocates for solidarity PBs for climate justice, and raises awareness of the huge (and as yet largely untapped) potential for this to help address the dramatic impacts that climate change has on millions of people’s lives. It also points to questions for future research.
Chronic Sildenafil Therapy in the ZSF1 Obese Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Leite Sara , Moreira-Costa Liliana , Cerqueira Rui , Sousa-Mendes Cláudia , Angélico-Gonçalves António , Fontoura Dulce , Vasques-Nóvoa Francisco , Leite-Moreira Adelino F. , Lourenço André P.
Published: July 2021

Although decreased protein kinase G (PKG) activity was proposed as potential therapeutic target in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with type-5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5i) showed neutral results. Whether specific subgroups of HFpEF patients may benefit from PDE5i remains to be defined. Our aim was to test chronic sildenafil therapy in the young male ZSF1 obese rat model of HFpEF with severe hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Sixteen-week-old ZSF1 obese rats were randomly assigned to receive sildenafil 100 mg·Kg−1·d−1 dissolved in drinking water (ZSF1 Ob SIL, n = 8), or placebo (ZSF1 Ob PL, n = 8). A group of Wistar-Kyoto rats served as control (WKY, n = 8). Four weeks later animals underwent effort tests, glucose metabolism studies, hemodynamic evaluation, and samples were collected for aortic ring preparation, left ventricular (LV) myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) quantification, immunoblotting and histology. ZSF1 Ob PL rats showed systemic hypertension, aortic stiffening, impaired LV relaxation and increased LV stiffness, with preserved ejection fraction and cardiac index. Their endurance capacity was decreased as assessed by maximum workload and peak oxygen consumption (V˙O2) and respiratory quotient were increased, denoting more reliance on anaerobic metabolism. Additionally, ATP levels were decreased. Chronic sildenafil treatment attenuated hypertension and decreased LV stiffness, modestly enhancing effort tolerance with a concomitant increase in peak, ATP levels and VASP phosphorylation. Chronic sildenafil therapy in this model of HFpEF of the young male with extensive and poorly controlled comorbidities has beneficial cardiovascular effects which support RCTs in HFpEF patient subgroups with similar features.
Combined Effect of MTHFR C677T and PAI-1 4G/5G Polymorphisms on the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Chinese Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Baoyan , Xu Peijuan , Shu Qing , Yan Simin , Xu Hang
Published: July 2021

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and potentially fatal complication in cancer patients. Although several genetic risk factors related to thrombophilia have been identified, their contributions for the occurrence of VTE in cancer patients have conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluated the gene polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G in lung cancer patients, with and without VTE, and the combined effect on the risk of VTE. 92 lung cancer patients diagnosed with VTE (VTE group) and 122 lung cancer patients without VTE (non-VTE group) were enrolled in the study. The gene polymorphisms were analyzed by the method of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Gene mutation of factor V Leiden was not detected both in non-VTE group and VTE group. The frequency of MTHFR C677T homozygous mutation in VTE group was 25.00%, higher than that in the non-VTE group without statistical difference. It was found that the PAI-1 4G4G genotype is associated with a higher risk of VTE (OR: 2.62, 95%CI: 1.19-5.75). Interestingly, the interaction between MTHFR C677T and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms showed that the coexistence of the 2 homozygous mutation could further increase the risk of VTE. In conclusion, PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism may be an increased risk factor for VTE among lung cancer patients in Chinese population. The homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation may be not a risk factor for VTE but increases the risk, accompanied with PAI-1 4G5G genotype.
Field safety experience with an autologous cancer vaccine in tumor-bearing cats: a retrospective study of 117 cases (2015–2020)
Authors: Lucroy Michael D , Kugler Alexa M , El-Tayyeb Ferris , Clauson Ryan M , Kalinauskas Ashley E , Suckow Mark A
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) reported from use of an adjuvanted whole-cell autologous cancer vaccine in cats with solid tumors under field conditions.

Methods

The case accession database at Torigen Pharmaceuticals was searched to identify client-owned cats that underwent biopsy or surgical resection of their primary tumor, had histologic confirmation of neoplasia and received at least one subcutaneous dose of an adjuvanted whole-cell autologous cancer vaccine. Records were reviewed for any reported AEs.

Results

In total, 117 cats met the inclusion criteria and received 422 doses of autologous cancer vaccine. Six (5.1%) cats had seven reported AEs, with the majority of these (85.7%) being characterized as grade 1 or 2 (mild) and resolving without medical intervention.

Conclusions and relevance

AEs were infrequent in cats treated with an adjuvanted whole-cell autologous cancer vaccine under typical field use conditions. This form of active cancer immunotherapy appears to be well tolerated by cats and may represent a treatment option for owners who are concerned about AEs associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Additional studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of this form of individualized immunotherapy in cats with solid tumors.
Lockdown Fits and Misfits: Disabled Young People’s Lives Under COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Mietola Reetta , Ahonen Karoliina
Published: July 2021

This article analyses COVID-19 stories of disabled young people describing their everyday experiences during spring 2020. Data consist of 14 entries submitted to the Corona Competition organized by the Supporting Foundation for Children and Youth with Disabilities. We ask how disabled young people narrate their lockdown experience. Our analysis focuses on the one hand on the hegemonic lockdown narratives and subject positions constructed with these and on narration of disability on the other. The findings highlight the variations in the narratives in relation to experiences of (mis)fitting. In many of the texts, lockdown is presented as not leading to changes in the narrator’s sense of self or experience of disability. A few stories make visible how the lockdown has even diminished dominance of disability experiences in narrator’s life. However, for some of the narrators, the lockdown has led to deepening sense of misfitting and amplified their experience of disability.
Effects of technology-enabled blood pressure monitoring in primary care: A quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Teo Valerie HY , Teo Sok Huang , Burkill Sarah M , Wang Yi , Chew Evelyn AL , Ng David WL , Tang Wern Ee , Koh Gerald CH
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Technology to enhance hypertension management is increasingly used in primary care; however, it has not been evaluated in an Asian primary care setting. We aimed to understand the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of a technology-enabled home blood pressure monitor when deployed in primary care, and patients’ perspectives about the technology.

Methods

A quasi-experimental cohort study was conducted in a polyclinic in Singapore. In total, 120 patients with hypertension were assigned to the telemonitoring intervention group. Patients received a home blood pressure device connected to the clinical care team's dashboard through a mobile gateway. Tele-consultations and nurse-led tele-support were carried out using established clinical protocols. In total, 120 patients assigned to the control group continued to receive usual care in the polyclinic. Clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction were measured 6 months after recruitment.

Results

In total, 217 patients completed 6 months of follow-up. Telemonitoring intervention patients had significantly increased odds of having controlled blood pressure by a factor of 2.69 ( p = 0.01), with the greatest improvement in those whose blood pressure was uncontrolled at baseline ( p < 0.05). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for all patients was S$23,935.14/quality-adjusted life year (<1 gross domestic product per capita), which was very cost-effective based on World Health Organization cost-effectiveness thresholds. There was greater satisfaction in telemonitoring intervention group relating to the convenience of recording and sharing blood pressure measurements with the health care team, consultation advice received, understanding by the health care team of their condition, and were more motivated to monitor their blood pressure.

Discussion

Telemonitoring with tele-consultation improved blood pressure control and was more cost-effective than usual care. Patients receiving telemonitoring intervention were also more motivated and satisfied with their care.
Measuring the effects of repeated exposure to children’s graded readers
Authors: Llanes Àngels , Tragant Elsa
Published: July 2021

The present study presents an instructional procedure developed in an attempt to enhance incidental learning through graded readers in class, the Multiple Incidental Exposures (MIE) procedure, and compares it to a more common procedure involving reading and doing the exercises, which is referred to as Traditional Explicit Practice (TEP). Participants were 44 Catalan/Spanish students (aged 10–11 years) taking the fifth course of primary education in a school in Catalonia. Participants belonged to two intact classes that were randomly assigned a condition: MIE group ( n = 23, n = 15 males, n = 8 females) and the TEP group ( n = 21, n = 12 males, n = 9 females). The MIE group was first told the story by their teacher, then read and listened to the graded readers twice (first collectively and later on individually), to be followed by a True/False activity and a jigsaw reading task. The TEP group read and listened to the story collectively once and then performed a series of traditional explicit exercises very similar in format to those included at the end of the graded reader. Participants were administered a vocabulary test, a grammar test and a perception of pronunciation test following a pre- post-test design. A questionnaire on the participants’ attitudes was also administered on the post-test. The results show that while the TEP procedure is more effective for grammar learning, the MIE and TEP procedures are equally effective in terms of vocabulary and pronunciation. In terms of enjoyment and perception of learning, both groups showed comparable results.
A new evaluation index for indoor hot environment in naturally ventilated building with hot surface
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Yi , Wu Xiaozhou , Cui Yashan
Published: July 2021

Indoor wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was extensively used to evaluate the indoor hot environment in a naturally ventilated building, but it does not consider the effect of air movement caused by the hot surface. A potential evaluation index, which is a difference between the mean radiant temperature and the air temperature (Δtr–a), was introduced to be integrated with the indoor WBGT to evaluate the indoor hot environment with hot surface. Subjective evaluation of the occupant's thermal perceptions and objective measurement of indoor physical parameters were carried out in a typical naturally ventilated room with hot surface ranged from 50°C to 250°C. The results show that the indoor air temperature, mean radiant temperature and WBGT were increased by 8.6°C–12.9°C, 11.2°C–29.7°C and 4.7°C–7.5°C, respectively, with participant's light activity, and by 9.9°C–13.5°C, 14.9°C–29.4°C and 5.7°C–8.0°C, respectively, with participant's heavy activity. Indoor air temperature was increased linearly with the indoor WBGT, whereas the mean radiant temperature was increased non-linearly with the indoor WBGT. Besides, the non-linear relationship between the occupant's thermal perceptions and Δtr−a coincided very well with those between occupant's thermal perceptions and indoor WBGT. This suggests that the Δtr–a may be a potential index to be integrated with the indoor WBGT for evaluating the indoor hot environment in naturally ventilated building with hot surface.
The indirect effects of Instagram images on women’s self-esteem: The moderating roles of BMI and perceived weight
Authors: Chansiri Karikarn , Wongphothiphan Thipkanok
Published: July 2021

Viewing idealized social media images may negatively impact women’s self-esteem, yet the underlying mechanisms and vulnerable female groups remain under-investigated. This online experiment applied a posttest-only, between-subjects design to examine the interaction effects of viewing #fitspiration and #thinspiration Instagram images, body mass index, and perceived weight on women’s self-esteem ( N = 221) via appearance comparison. A moderated moderated mediation analysis (MMMA) shows significant effects for fitspiration and thinspiration conditions. Fitspiration pictures predicted lower self-esteem among Overweight women with perceived healthy weight (OH) than healthy weight women with perceived healthy weight (HH) and those with perceived overweight (HO). Thinspiration images resulted in lower self-esteem among HO than HH and OH. Implications include the importance of subjective and objective appearance comparison measurements, effect sizes of idealized social media images, the usefulness of MMMA, and the call for an Instagram literacy program.
How advertising got ‘woke’: The institutional role of advertising in the emergence of gender progressive market logics and practices
Authors: Middleton Karen , Turnbull Sarah
Published: July 2021

The use of gender stereotypes has long been a common creative strategy used by practitioners in advertising portrayals, leading to concern over the individual and societal effects of such representations of women. However, a recent decline in this institutionalized practice has provided the stimulus for our research. As such, we explore the influences that have led to meso-level market actors working in advertising and marketing actively avoiding the use of gender stereotypes of women in advertising depictions. We consider the role of advertising in a dynamic market system and the influences upon advertising practitioners leading to the emergence of gender progressive market logics. Linking the experiences of an expert sample of advertising professionals with the extant literature, our study broadens understanding of the central role of advertising in shaping markets. While previous research has examined the impact of advertising on society and cultural meaning, we highlight the recursive nature of this interaction. We find that emergent gender progressive logics have been dependent upon support in public discourses, shifts in professionals’ moral conscience, voiced consumer opinion and the market success of trailblazing, gender progressive advertising campaigns. We advance empirical analysis of market system influences that have led to more socially responsible advertising practices. This study has important implications for understanding advertising’s potential to address institutional problems in society.
Does the light at the end of the tunnel shine for everyone? The need for early paediatric participation in vaccine trials during infectious pandemics
Authors: Kwolek Erin M
Published: July 2021

While most of the mortality associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been in elderly populations and adults with significant medical comorbidities, there has been death and morbidity in paediatric populations. As vaccine trial data is released to the public, many people look to the future with hope ; with good vaccine uptake there is the opportunity to reduce the spread of infectious pandemics. Initial vaccine trials were completed with adults and were expanded to include paediatric populations delaying paediatric COVID-19 vaccine initiatives. The exclusion of children from initial vaccine trials during a pandemic is not morally justifiable and fosters distrust with the pharmaceutical and medical industries and inevitably postpones vaccinating children when there is a surplus of available vaccines. The delayed vaccination of children under twelve may have significant public health and economic consequences as there may be ongoing viral transmission in the context of reopening strategies. The safety and efficacy of these candidate vaccines in children should be assessed expeditiously so that distribution to vulnerable paediatric populations is not impacted. Vaccine uptake compliance in the general population is important in establishing herd immunity and ensuring that there is thorough scientific evidence to support vaccination for children is important in establishing community trust
Knowledge and perceptions of human trafficking among community-based and faith-based organization members in South Los Angeles
Authors: Mobasher Zahra , Baldwin Susie B. , Navarro Beatriz , Bressler-Montgomery Deanna , King Jan , Family Leila , Smith Lisa V. , Kuo Tony
Published: July 2021

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the knowledge and perceptions of human trafficking (HT) among leaders and staff from 11 community-based organizations (CBOs) and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in South Los Angeles, and (2) to identify gaps in knowledge of HT and inform community organizations regarding possible best practices in health promotion for addressing this emerging public health problem. A self-administered survey was conducted during the period from 4 December 2015 to 28 January 2016. Descriptive statistics were generated and a logistic regression model was constructed using SAS 9.3. A total of 277 CBO and FBO leaders and staff completed the survey. Participants demonstrated high levels of knowledge of HT but their knowledge was not comprehensive, as gaps exist in recognizing the context in which HT usually takes place; understanding the local laws that govern this activity; and ways to follow related policies/procedures when the problem is suspected. A majority (a) believed there were not enough services in Los Angeles County to help survivors of HT, (b) could not recognize the signs of HT, and (c) did not know what steps to take if they suspected this criminal activity. A statistically significant association was found between education and participants’ knowledge of HT, and with their beliefs and attitudes toward this violation of human rights. Study findings suggest that, generally, CBO/FBO leaders and staff in South Los Angeles have good knowledge about HT. However, notable gaps in knowledge and misperceptions remain, suggesting opportunities for Public Health to further educate and intervene.
Assessing the Efficacy of Radio Public Service Announcements: Results From Three Field Experiments
Authors: Calfano Brian Robert , Green Donald P.
Published: July 2021

Public service announcements (PSAs) are key staples for broadcasters in fulfilling their Federal Communications Commission–mandated public interest mission, and the familiarity of the PSA format has helped motivate broadcaster attempts to monetize these short, community-focused messages. But relatively few studies have rigorously assessed the impact of PSAs; to date, there have been no randomized experiments gauging PSAs aired on radio stations with different programming formats. To fill this gap, we report the results of three field-based experiments randomizing the airdates of PSAs on three separate broadcast radio stations. Results suggest PSAs have significant, but short-lived, effects on audience behavior. This finding has implications for organization sponsorship and broadcaster use of PSAs as well as researcher approaches to studying these spots through randomized field experiments.
Written All Over Their Faces: Neutrality and Nonverbal Expression in Sandy Hook Coverage
Authors: Deavours Danielle
Published: July 2021

During crises, it’s challenging for journalists to keep their emotions out of reports. While broadcast journalists try to keep linguistic messages neutral, nonverbal behaviors are difficult to conceal. Graber’s stages of crisis coverage theory discusses routines of covering crisis and preventing verbal bias but doesn’t examine nonverbal bias. This study examines the neutrality of nonverbal expressions conveyed during the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School through the lens of the stages of crisis coverage theory. This study provides insight for understanding the responses news organizations should have in terms of crisis coverage. By examining the ways that the influence of emotional events have on the nonverbal expressivity of journalists during crisis, researchers can better understand the ritualization of the nonverbal neutrality standards of the profession and make recommendations on potential ways that the field could adapt their current crisis plans to consider nonverbal communication displays more explicitly. Further, by combining crisis planning, media ritualization practices, and journalistic nonverbal expression, this research provides further insight into how performance by media during a crisis can influence cultural meaning about the event for viewers. The findings in this study also suggest the stages of crisis coverage theory was not upheld by broadcasters in this context, calling for reexamination of the theory’s uses and applications to all crisis coverage.
The Impact of 280 Characters: An Analysis of Trump’s Tweets and Television News Through the Lens of Agenda Building
Authors: Morales Erendira Abigail , Schultz Cindy J. Price , Landreville Kristen D.
Published: July 2021

Twitter impacts what is covered by journalists, which affects what viewers think is important. This article explores the association between Trump’s tweets and cable and network television news coverage through the theoretical framework of agenda building. During a 3-week period in January 2020, a content analysis of story topics and publication times of Fox News, CNN, ABC, and NBC (N = 1,436) was conducted in conjunction with Trump’s tweets (N = 277). The findings showed a strong correlation between Fox News and @realDonaldTrump ’s tweets and a moderate correlation with CNN. About half of Trump’s tweets reflected Fox News stories, hosts, or guests. More than 40% of news stories mentioned Trump, while his tweets were in stories at least 10% of the time. The results showed that Trump and Fox News had a strong influence over agenda building in the United States’ television news landscape.
Analysis of Antioxidant and Antiallergic Active Components Extracted From the Edible Insect Oxya yezoensis
Authors: Saiki Masahiro , Takemoto Naomichi , Nagata Maki , Matsumoto Masako , Amen Yhiya , Wang Dongmei , Shimizu Kuniyoshi
Published: July 2021

In recent years, entomophagy has attracted increased attention, as it was recommended as a potential source of food by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In Japan, Oxya yezoensisis one of the most widely eaten insect species, but studies of its functionality as a food are limited. In this study, we reported the optimal characterization of the total phenolic compounds in methanolic extract (OME) and different fractions of OME. Additionally, the antioxidant and antiallergic activities of the OME fractions were evaluated. The results showed that the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of OME has potential antioxidant activity, whereas the n-hexane-soluble fraction showed the strongest inhibition of β-hexosaminidase, which is one of the key factors in allergic reactions. It was concluded that phenolic compounds might contribute to the antioxidant activity while unsaturated fatty acids contribute to the antiallergy activity.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency research and emerging treatment strategies: what’s down the road?
Authors: Rahaghi Franck F.
Published: July 2021

Intravenous infusion of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat emphysema associated with AAT deficiency (AATD) in 1987 and there are now several FDA-approved therapy products on the market, all of which are derived from pooled human plasma. Intravenous AAT therapy has proven clinical efficacy in slowing the decline of lung function associated with AATD progression; however, it is only recommended for individuals with the most severe forms of AATD as there is a lack of evidence that this treatment is effective in treating wild-type heterozygotes (e.g., PI*MS and PI*MZ genotypes), for which the prevalence may be much higher than previously thought. There are large numbers of individuals that are currently left untreated despite displaying symptoms of AATD. Furthermore, not all countries offer AAT augmentation therapy due to its expense and inconvenience for patients. More cost-effective treatments are now being sought that show efficacy for less severe forms of AATD and many new therapeutic technologies are being investigated, such as gene repair and other interference strategies, as well as the use of chemical chaperones. New sources of AAT are also being investigated to ensure there are enough supplies to meet future demand, and new methods of assessing response to treatment are being evaluated. There is currently extensive research into AATD and its treatment, and this chapter aims to highlight important emerging treatment strategies that aim to improve the lives of patients with AATD.
Imaging in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: a window into the disease
Authors: Huang Yuh-Chin Tony , Wencker Marion , Driehuys Bastiaan
Published: July 2021

Imaging modalities such as plain chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) are important tools in the assessment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of any etiology. These methods facilitate differential diagnoses and the assessment of individual lung pathologies, such as the presence of emphysema, bullae, or fibrosis. However, as emphysema is the core pathological consequence in the lungs of patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), and because AATD is associated with the development of other lung pathologies such as bronchiectasis, there is a greater need for patients with AATD than those with non-AATD-related COPD to undergo more detailed assessment using CT. In the field of AATD, CT provides essential information regarding the presence, distribution, and morphology of emphysema. In addition, it offers the option to quantify the extent of emphysema. These data have implications for treatment decisions such as initiation of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) therapy, or suitability for surgical or endoscopic interventions for reducing lung volume. Furthermore, CT has provided vital insight regarding the natural history of emphysema progression in AATD, and CT densitometry has underpinned research into the efficacy of AAT therapy. Moving forward, hyperpolarized xenon gas (129Xe) lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is emerging as a promising complement to CT by adding comprehensive measures of regional lung function. It also avoids the main disadvantage of CT: the associated radiation. This chapter provides an overview of technological aspects of imaging in AATD, as well as its role in the management of patients and clinical research. In addition, perspectives on the future potential role of lung MRI in AATD are outlined.
The spectrum of clinical sequelae associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Tejwani Vickram , Stoller James K.
Published: July 2021

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) is an autosomal co-dominant condition that predisposes to the development of lung disease, primarily emphysema. Emphysema results from the breakdown of lung matrix elastin by proteases, including neutrophil elastase, a protease normally inhibited by AAT. AATD also predisposes to liver (cirrhosis) and skin (panniculitis) disease, and to vasculitis. The prevalence of AATD is estimated to be approximately 1 in 3,500 individuals in the United States. However, lack of awareness of AATD among some physicians, misperceptions regarding the absence of effective therapy, and the close overlap in symptoms with asthma and non-AATD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are thought to contribute to under-recognition of the disease. In patients with AATD, treatment with intravenous AAT augmentation therapy is the only currently available treatment known to slow the progression of emphysema. Moreover, smoking cessation and other lifestyle interventions also help improve outcomes. Early diagnosis and intervention are of key importance due to the irreversible nature of the resultant emphysema. Liver disease is the second leading cause of death among patients with AATD and a minority of patients present with panniculitis or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, thought to be directly related to AATD. Though no randomized trial has assessed the effectiveness of augmentation therapy for AATD-associated panniculitis, clinical experience and case series suggest there is a benefit. Other diseases putatively linked to AATD include aneurysmal disease and multiple neurological conditions, although these associations remain speculative in nature.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers toward COVID-19 and its prevention in Ethiopia: A multicenter study
Authors: Jemal Bedru , Aweke Zemedu , Mola Simeneh , Hailu Sileshi , Abiy Sileshi , Dendir Getahun , Tilahun Abere , Tesfaye Biruk , Asichale Agmuas , Neme Derartu , Regasa Teshome , Mulugeta Hailemariam , Moges Kassaw , Bedru Mohamedrabi , Ahmed Siraj , Teshome Diriba
Published: July 2021

Background:

An emerging respiratory disease abbreviated as coronavirus disease 2019 was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China. The virus is zoonotic and tends to be transmitted between animals to humans and humans to humans. The major route of transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 is droplet and close contact. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has initiated training for health care workers at a different level. Thus, the main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health workers in Ethiopia toward coronavirus disease 2019 and its prevention techniques.

Method:

An institution-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in each of eight teaching and referral hospitals. A total of 422 Ethiopian healthcare workers were selected for the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward coronavirus disease 2019. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the attitude and knowledge of healthcare workers toward coronavirus disease 2019 at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Result:

Three hundred ninety-seven healthcare workers participated in the study, with a response rate of 94%. Among these, 88.2% and 94.7% of respondents had good knowledge and positive attitudes, respectively. A respondent with a history of chronic medical illness (odds ratio: 0.193, 95% confidence interval: 0.063–0.593), social media, telecommunication, and television/radio as a source of information were significantly associated with knowledge (odds ratio: 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–7.4, OR: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–14.3 and odds ratio: 3.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–7.2). In addition, respondents with a history of chronic medical illness were significantly associated with a negative attitude toward coronavirus disease 2019.

Conclusion:

The knowledge and attitude were good while; the practice was relatively low. Sources of information such as social media, telecommunication, and television/radio were positively associated with healthcare workers' knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019.