bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder Perceptions of Complementary and Integrative Medicines from People Living with Rare Diseases in Northern Ireland: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Crowe Ashleen Laura , Kerr Katie , McAneney Helen , McMullan Julie , Duffy Gavin , McKnight Amy Jayne
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Only 5% of rare diseases have an approved treatment available, therefore patients often utilise complementary and integrative medicines (CIMs) to help manage their condition. Limited high-quality evidence-based studies are available which support the effectiveness of CIM, as it is difficult to show that an outcome is a direct result of the CIM intervention and not due to bias. Patients and healthcare professionals must weigh up the evidence quality, safety, efficacy, practical logistics, and financial implications of utilising CIM for rare diseases. This study aimed to elucidate perspectives of stakeholders (individuals with rare diseases, carers, family members, CIM practitioners and healthcare professionals), on the usage of CIM for rare diseases across Northern Ireland. Methods: This was a mixed methods study. An online survey was open from January to February 2019 (n = 29 responses). Themes identified from the survey were then discussed with stakeholders in a semi-structured discussion workshop in March 2019. Results: A limited number of participants responded to the survey (n = 29). Some individuals with rare diseases reported CIM as effective in the management of their condition, in particular acupuncture, dietary supplements, herbal medicines, homoeopathy, hydrotherapy, kinesiology, mindfulness, pilates, reflexology, tai chi, and yoga. However, a number of respondents (n = 7) experienced a negative side effect from CIM. Workshop participants raised concerns over the lack of information available about CIM and rare disease. Both the survey and workshop identified inequality of access with participants reporting CIM to be expensive. Conclusions: More information, high-quality research, and education about CIM are required for patients and healthcare professionals to help make informed decisions about the usage of CIM for rare diseases. Improved communication, information, and health and social care in general would help individuals be more confident and knowledgeable about therapeutic options in relation to their rare disease(s).
Spousal Harm in the Mālikī Law School: Evidence and Procedure
Authors: Alkiek Tesneem
Published: December 2023

The Mālikī law school grants a wife the right to judicial divorce if her husband harms her. Mālikīs distinguish between harm that is legally actionable and harm that is non-actionable. A husband causes actionable harm (ḍarar) when he violates his wife’s rights, which Mālikī scholars define broadly. By establishing ḍarar as grounds for divorce, Mālikīs demonstrate their willingness to limit a husband’s marital authority and increase opportunities for a woman to leave her marriage. In this study, I highlight the types of evidence and procedures Mālikī jurists use to establish ḍarar and facilitate judicial divorce by examining four cases that deal with emotional, sexual, and physical harm. Through a substantive approach to law, Mālikīs offer several ways for a woman to collect evidence, prove her claim of harm, and receive a divorce.
Fossil woods from Corcovado (Eocene?), Argentinean Patagonia: angiosperm diversity and biodeterioration
Authors: Pujana Roberto R. , García Massini Juan L. , Noetinger Sol , Aramendía Inés
Published: December 2023

Angiosperm fossil woods of putative Eocene age from Corcovado, Chubut Province are described. They are placed in four taxonomic units: Weinmannioxylon trichospermoides and cf. Caldcluvioxylon of the Cunoniaceae, Myrceugenellites maytenoides of the Myrtaceae, and Nothofagoxylon ruei of the Nothofagaceae. The taxa in the assemblage are in accordance with similar fossil wood assemblages previously described from the Eocene and Oligocene of Patagonia. All the taxa are anatomically similar to trees that live today in Patagonia. Some of the woods show decay patterns by different saproxylic organisms. These include arthropod borings with coprolites and fungal remains in fungi-decayed tissues that are consistent with an active saproxylic community involved in the recycling of wood in the depositional paleoenvironment.
Ruehssia bahiensis: a new species of Apocynaceae endemic to a floristically neglected area within the Semi-arid of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: OLIVEIRA ILANA C. , SANTO FÁBIO S. ESPÍRITO , RAPINI ALESSANDRO , DÓREA MARCOS C. , OLIVEIRA REYJANE P.
Published: December 2023

Ruehssia belongs to the Apocynaceae, tribe Marsdeniae, including all neotropical species of this family with erect pollinia. This genus includes about 110 species, 44 of which occur in Brazil. In recent floristic surveys conducted within the Semi-arid region of Bahia state, Northeast Brazil, a new species of Ruehssia was recognised, which is herein described and illustrated. It resembles R. pickelii (Fontella & Morillo) F.Esp.Santo & Rapini, known from the caatinga vegetation in Pernambuco, Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte states, but has the corolla lobes adaxially pubescent (vs glabrous), corona lobes shorter than (vs as high as) the gynostegium and an exserted, conical (vs inserted and subglobose) style-head apex. The newfound species is named R. bahiensis and is known from only three locations, two within the “sisal territory” and one in the region of Feira de Santana. All these locales are floristically underexplored and have undergone an extensive transformation into pasture and agricultural land.
A new species of Pleurothallis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) in subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae found in Carpish Montane Forest Regional Conservation Area, Peru
Authors: OCUPA-HORNA LUIS , WILSON MARK , JIMÉNEZ MARCO M.
Published: December 2023

A new species of Pleurothallis belonging to subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae was discovered in the Carpish Montane Forest Regional Conservation Area, Huánuco, Peru. Pleurothallis carpishensis is described, illustrated, and compared to P. radula, from which it is differentiated by the flowers borne from a depressed spathaceous bract resting on a navicular concavity on the leaf, the oblong-lanceolate, apiculate petals, with large papillae on the margins, the triangular, subacute lip, with a basal, widely ovate and emarginate, papillose-verrucose callus, with two oblique, lateral and marginal keels.
Review of the genus Sympagus Bates, 1881 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Acanthocinini)
Authors: HOVORE FRANK T. , TOLEDO VÍCTOR H.
Published: December 2023

The genus Sympagus Bates, 1881, is redescribed and redefined, with two species described as new, S. cedrelis, from Mexico and Guatemala, and S. monnei, from Panama. The genus Stenopsilus Gilmour, 1959, is synonymized with Sympagus, creating Sympagus bimaculatus, new combination. Comparisons are discussed between Sympagus and other related genera in the tribe Acanthocinini. Characterizations, color images, and a key to all Sympagus species are provided.
Type-O Blood Is Not Associated With Elevated Mortality After Trauma: A North American Cohort Study
Authors: Kwasny Lauren , Adams Meredith , Bovio Nicholas , Rahaman Zakiur , VandenBerg Sheri , Markle Stephanie , Bjerke Scott , Shebrain Saad , Sawyer Robert
Published: December 2023

Background

Recent studies have presented contradictory findings on the relationship between blood type and mortality in trauma patients. Using the largest population in a study of this type to date, we hypothesized that ABO genotype and Rhesus status would influence trauma-related mortality and morbidity given the relationship between blood type and hemostasis.

Methods

Data from all trauma patients admitted to level I and level II trauma centers in one city over a five-year period was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified by ABO type. Patient demographics and outcomes were then assessed. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze categorical variables. Continuous variables were analyzed using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate. Logistic regression was used to determine independent associations for 28-day mortality and complications.

Results

Of 5249 patients, severe injury (ISS >15) was present in 1469. Approximately one-quarter of patients with severe injury received blood products within the first 24 hours. There were no significant variations in demographics or complications between patients of different blood types. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis showed no association between blood type and mortality. However, penetrating injury, lower GCS, higher ISS, blood transfusion within 24 hours, and Asian descent were associated with higher overall mortality.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous studies, we found no evidence of an association between blood type and mortality. However, our findings suggest that patients of Asian descent may be at higher risk for mortality following trauma. Further research is warranted to explore this observation.
Feminist cites: A review of feminist relations to and citations of the canon
Authors: Hovland Ingie
Published: December 2023

What is a feminist citation of the canon in the study of religion? This article reflects on a triangular conversation in Ingie Hovland’s research between Hovland herself, Henny Dons (the Protestant feminist she is studying), and Ludwig Wittgenstein. In broader terms, Hovland uses this as an example of the triangular conversations that are convened in the study of religion between scholars, the people or texts they study, and academic canons. The article wrestles with three big questions: why one cites, who one cites, and how one cites. The author reviews a range of possible feminist responses to these questions and, in conclusion, argues for a feminist citation practice that claims the canon.
Do countries’ freedom status and gender equality level inform gender differences in bribery? Evidence from a multi-country level analysis
Authors: Dim Eugene Emeka , Asomah Joseph Yaw , Li Yiyan
Published: December 2023

Given the continuing debate on whether women are less corrupt than men, this study investigates the socio-political context in which men and women give bribes based on the seventh round of the Afrobarometer multi-country data set. We also seek to understand how a country’s freedom status and gender equality level inform the extent to which women and men are likely to be involved in corruption. In doing so, the study focuses on the influence of gender status, the number of female legislators, gender equality, and political freedom on bribe-giving among men and women. Research results indicate that (1) women in Africa are less likely to pay bribes than men, controlling both macro-level and micro-level factors, (2) women are less likely than men to give bribes in countries with high gender equality, and (3) the tendency for women to give bribes is the lowest in politically free countries. However, the inclination of women’s bribery reached the highest level among countries with partial political freedom. This study extends the theoretical and empirical understanding of the context within which women are more or less likely to give bribes, especially in the global South.
Post Take-Over Performance Varies in Drivers of Automated and Connected Vehicle Technology in Near-Miss Scenarios
Authors: Yamani Yusuke , Glassman Jeffrey , Alruwaili Abdalziz , Yahoodik Sarah E. , Davis Emily , Lugo Samantha , Xie Kun , Ishak Sherif
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study examined the impact of monitoring instructions when using an automated driving system (ADS) and road obstructions on post take-over performance in near-miss scenarios.

Background

Past research indicates partial ADS reduces the driver’s situation awareness and degrades post take-over performance. Connected vehicle technology may alert drivers to impending hazards in time to safely avoid near-miss events.

Method

Forty-eight licensed drivers using ADS were randomly assigned to either the active driving or passive driving condition. Participants navigated eight scenarios with or without a visual obstruction in a distributed driving simulator. The experimenter drove the other simulated vehicle to manually cause near-miss events. Participants’ mean longitudinal velocity, standard deviation of longitudinal velocity, and mean longitudinal acceleration were measured.

Results

Participants in passive ADS group showed greater, and more variable, deceleration rates than those in the active ADS group. Despite a reliable audiovisual warning, participants failed to slow down in the red-light running scenario when the conflict vehicle was occluded. Participant’s trust in the automated driving system did not vary between the beginning and end of the experiment.

Conclusion

Drivers interacting with ADS in a passive manner may continue to show increased and more variable deceleration rates in near-miss scenarios even with reliable connected vehicle technology. Future research may focus on interactive effects of automated and connected driving technologies on drivers’ ability to anticipate and safely navigate near-miss scenarios.

Application

Designers of automated and connected vehicle technologies may consider different timing and types of cues to inform the drivers of imminent hazard in high-risk scenarios for near-miss events.
Assessment of Quality of Life, Grief, and Psychosocial Need Among Bereaved Caregivers of Children with Cancer
Authors: Josephs Isabel , Xi Kevin , Mannix Margaret , Welch Jennifer J. G.
Published: December 2023

Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for children in the United States; however, limited data exists on caregivers’ needs and evidence-based bereavement interventions are lacking. This is a cross-sectional study of primary caregivers of children who died from cancer. Participants completed five surveys assessing well-being and an optional semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interview. Caregiver’s greatest unmet needs were finding meaning in the death, personal wellness, and social activities. Bereaved caregivers with greater unmet needs reported poorer quality of life in the energy/fatigue ( p = .01), role limitations due to emotional problems ( p = .01), pain ( p = .01), and emotional well-being ( p = .02) domains. Interview themes elicited include inadequate bereavement services, support for siblings, desired contact with the medical team, and connections to other bereaved caregivers. Findings support the need for intensive, evidence-based bereavement programs for families of children who died from cancer, to attempt to mitigate poor bereavement-related outcomes.
Turning and Repositioning Frequency to Prevent Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries Among Adult Patients: Systematic Review
Authors: Asiri Saeed
Published: December 2023

Turning and repositioning is considered one of the strategies to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries (PIs) among hospitalized patients, as it helps to redistribute and minimize direct pressure on the targeted skin and enhance blood perfusion in the affected areas. The frequency of turning and repositioning is generally uniform across clinical settings, with most clinical guidelines recommending a substantial change in a patient’s position according to their health status. Notably, the optimal time interval between the position changes has not yet been established. Therefore, this study aimed to review the current literature in relation to the frequency of turning and repositioning adult patients to prevent PIs. The author used a systematic review following Whittemore and Knafl’s review strategy. The author used the following databases: CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, MedLine, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. During the search, Boolean logic operators, MeSH terms, and keywords were utilized. The researcher followed the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-based Practice Grading Scale to evaluate the quality of selected studies. The search yielded 723 articles, of which 10 were included in this review. These 10 articles revealed several frequency intervals for comparison purposes: 2-hourly, 3-hourly, 4-hourly, and 6-hourly depending on the healthcare setting, with a combination of supine, 30° tilt, or 90° tilt. This review shows that the optimal frequency of turning and repositioning to prevent PIs remains unclear and further investigation is necessary. Considering the varying nature of clinical settings, there is a lack of clarity regarding a golden standard for the same. Therefore, patients’ health conditions should be considered when choosing the proper frequency to prevent PIs.
Emotion, Religious Coping, Stigma, and Help-Seeking Attitudes Among Asian Americans: Examination of Moderated Mediation
Authors: Locke Marcella A. , Kim Paul Youngbin
Published: December 2023

While there is an abundance of research on the relationship between stigma and help-seeking attitudes among Asian Americans, few studies have examined how emotion and religious variables influence this relationship. Thus, using a moderated mediation model, we investigated how emotion regulation, emotion socialization, and religious coping might affect the relationship between close others’ stigma, self-stigma, and help-seeking among a sample of Asian American students ( N = 105) from a Christian university. We predicted that (a) self-stigma would positively mediate the association between close others’ stigma and help-seeking attitudes, and (b) emotion regulation, emotion socialization, and religious coping would moderate this relationship. Mediation results showed that close others’ stigma was related to self-stigma, which in turn was associated with help-seeking attitudes. Moreover, this mediating relationship was moderated by religious coping ( n = 70) but not emotion socialization or regulation; emotion regulation and help-seeking attitudes, however, were positively correlated. These findings highlight the influence of religious coping and emotion regulation strategies on views of counseling, and we reflect on some implications of these findings.
Tuning Out (Political and Science) News? A Selective Exposure Study of the News Finds Me Perception
Authors: Skurka Chris , Liao Mengqi , Gil de Zúñiga Homero
Published: December 2023

Individuals harboring perceptions that the “news will find me” (NFM) tend to be less active consuming traditional media, preferring news online and on social media. NFM has also been linked with lower political knowledge and political participation over time. What remains to be seen, however, is whether high-NFM individuals are in fact less likely to expose themselves to news once they do encounter it online. This preregistered study fills this gap in the literature by unobtrusively logging selection behaviors while U.S. adults browsed a mock news website featuring various hard and soft news stories. Consistent with our hypothesizing, NFM was associated with greater exposure to soft news. Additionally, we examined whether genre-specific NFM beliefs would predict less exposure to those news genres. We found support for this hypothesis in the context of science news, but for political news, this relationship depended on the news stories presented.
Exploring Citizen Initiated Contacts and the Role of Local Councilors in Problem Resolution: Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: Farooqi Seemab , Forbes Tom
Published: December 2023

In this study we investigate Citizen Initiated Contacts (CICs) as a common mode of political participation. CICs arise when citizens contact local government departments for services or to make complaints. Yet, increasingly citizens are contacting their political representatives to resolve their issues rather than local government departments. Using a quantitative approach based on questionnaire data collected from two city local governments in Pakistan, we investigate this phenomenon. Our findings reveal that knowledge and accessibility of local government departments supplemented by perceived need juxtaposed between unresponsive and difficult to contact local government services resulted in citizens contacting their political representatives to resolve their issues. Policy and practical considerations are suggested to improve the effectiveness of CICs in public participation exercises.
Where is Mi Gente? Codeswitching (Afro)Latinidad in the music classroom
Authors: Regus Marjoris , Satterfield Teresa
Published: December 2023

Musical codeswitching (CS) entails mixing musical ideas and genres. The term CS originated in linguistics, based on language alternations attested in bilinguals. Switches in sociocultural behaviors also now receive scholarly attention as CS. The current multiple case study explores CS domains (music, language, and behavior) in the context of music education programs, where CS remains under-researched. This study also fills a gap by examining historically underrepresented individuals’ (HURIs) participation in music education. Here, a CS-based account provides a deeper understanding of the complex sociocultural capital, linguistic resources and lived experiences that HURIs navigate. As part of an interpretive qualitative study design, semi-structured interviews were carried out with a HURI subpopulation (bilingual, [Afro]Latina/o/x faculty, and students) in music education. Findings show participants perceive CS to be mandatory for accessing dominant U.S. music school culture. Additional findings reveal HURIs must master CS in musical, linguistic, and behavioral domains to avoid negative outcomes, yet sustained multi-CS scenarios may have psychological and even physical costs. Insights from CS are thus critical for pinpointing institutional barriers to greater HURI involvement in music education.
Relationship quality, COVID stress, and mental health in sexual and gender minority young adults
Authors: Bothwell Sabrina J. , Lawlace Margaret , Newcomb Michael E. , Whitton Sarah W.
Published: December 2023

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, particularly those assigned female at birth (AFAB), have shown poor mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This issue highlights the importance of identifying factors that may promote SGM-AFAB mental health during the pandemic and protect SGM-AFAB individuals against the negative psychological effects of COVID-related stress. Grounded in previous research and theory suggesting that high quality romantic relationships have promotive (i.e., main) and protective (i.e., stress-buffering) effects on partner’s mental health, we explored associations between relationship quality, COVID-related stress, and mental health among SGM-AFAB individuals. Specifically, we tested whether (1) higher relationship quality, as a promotive factor, was directly associated with fewer mental health problems (depressive and anxiety symptoms, problematic alcohol and cannabis use), and (2) relationship quality, as a protective factor, had a stress-buffering effect, reducing the negative effect of COVID stress on mental health within SGM-AFAB young people. Between May 2020-July 2021, 227 SGM-AFAB individuals (ages 19–35; M = 23.5) in current romantic relationships completed measures of pandemic-related stress, relationship quality, depressive and anxious symptoms, and problematic alcohol and cannabis use. As hypothesized, relationship quality was negatively associated with anxious and depressive symptoms and problematic cannabis use. Relationship quality attenuated the positive association between COVID stress and depression, but not the other mental health outcomes. Findings suggest that high-quality romantic relationships may promote mental health and have a stress-buffering effect for depressive symptoms among SGM-AFAB individuals during major society-wide stressors.
Successful implementation of prophylactic veno-venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in high-risk trauma surgery: A case report
Authors: Chico Juan I , Gomez Vanesa , Freita Santiago , Rivas María D , Mosquera David , Menor Eva M , Piñon Miguel A
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly utilized in trauma care, yet its elective use during high-risk surgeries remains unreported.

Case Report

We report a successful instance of prophylactic ECMO support via a Veno-Venoarterial (V-VA) configuration during high-risk surgery in a patient with extensive trauma, including severe thoracic damage and a highly unstable thoracic spine fracture. V-VA ECMO prevented complications such as hemodynamic and respiratory collapse associated with chest compression during the surgical procedure, as the patient should be in a prone position.

Discussion

The potential of ECMO as prophylactic support in high-risk surgery amongst trauma patients underscores a novel application of this technology. Complex configurations must be evaluated to avoid associated ECMO complications.

Conclusion

Our case highlights the potential of prophylactic ECMO hybrid modes, indicating their safe application during high-risk procedures in select trauma patients.
“Be Serious!”: In Memoriam Herb Gintis
Authors: Jayadev Arjun , Naidu Suresh
Published: December 2023

Herb Gintis, who left us in 2023, was a giant of left economics. He believed passionately in ideas and their power, especially in helping deliver a more just and desirable world. In a career spanning six decades, he asked the most profound questions about economics and its aims and possibilities, and inspired a generation of economists in turn. We here recount his work and our interactions with him.

JEL Classification: A11, P00
Injury predictions for an electric-two-wheeler rider in simulated collisions with a car
Authors: Liu Fengyuan , Xing Enhui , Pan Weikai , Wang Xinchao , Chen Nuo , Gao Qi
Published: December 2023

Based on LS-DYNA’s finite element simulation platform and the THUMS (Total Human Model for Safety) human body model, this paper mainly focuses on analyzing and predicting for injury situations of an electric-two-wheeler (E2W) rider in simulated collisions with a car. The effective car-E2W-rider simulation model has been established to conduct simulation tests of riders’ injuries. The simulation test results indicate that there is a linear relationship between car speeds and the severity of injuries to riders across different body parts when the configuration of crash is front of cars to side of E2Ws. While the correlation between E2W speeds and human injury is relatively weak. The edge of the engine hood and the A-pillar are more harmful to the human body under the same car collision speed; The head, chest and abdomen are more likely to suffer serious injuries when speeds of two participating vehicles are relatively high. Even if at the lower speed, there is also a significant risk of tibia fractures when the lower limbs collide with the front bumper.
Understanding Indian Millennials' Awareness Towards Brand Personality of Apparel Brands
Authors: Sikka Simran , Kumar Jitender
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study report is to identify the brand awareness of Indian millennials towards the brand personalities of apparel brands. The idea of brand personality has recently received a lot of attention as it is an essential component of the symbolic and emotional traits of a business. Consumers’ perceptions of a brand’s human qualities are referred to as its ‘brand personality’. The utilisation of brand personality connections by marketers and advertisers can help them create more effective strategies for showcasing products in a way that appeals to consumers on an emotional level. Brand personality is important from both the advertiser’s and the consumer’s perspectives. Because of this, it is now being used more often to change customer behaviour. The primary sources from which the data were acquired were surveyed. Non-probability sampling techniques were used by the researcher. Using a survey technique, the researcher obtained information from the millennials. A total of 450 Generation Y consumers provided data. In this study, Chi-square was used to show the significant disparities in brand personality awareness among millennials. The survey found that urban school and college students and independent earnings individuals who earn a fair living had a propensity to be more aware of brand personality.
Anti-convulsant Effects of Scutellarein in a PTZ Kindling Model in Mice
Authors: Duan Jun , Wang Jiao , Zhao Qian , Wu Dean , Liu Yang
Published: December 2023

Background:

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition with various underlying mechanisms. It is known to affect a multitude of people across the globe, regardless of age and gender. Seizures associated with epilepsy involve the participation of stimulatory glutamatergic mechanisms along with inflammation and oxidative damage.

Objectives:

In this investigation, the anti-epileptic effect of scutellarein, a phytochemical compound isolated from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.), has been evaluated in the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling epilepsy model in mice.

Materials and Methods:

The experimental mice were categorized into six groups with six animals in each. The first control group was given normal saline. The second group was provided only PTZ through an intraperitoneal route to induce seizures. The third and fourth groups received two oral doses of scutellarein (10 and 20 mg/kg) before 30 min of PTZ induction. Diazepam was intraperitoneally administered to the fifth group as a positive control. The impact of scutellarein on the duration and initiation of clonic and tonic convulsion, mortality, kindling, mobility, and immobility duration in PTZ-induced rodents was estimated. Also, the impact of scutellarein on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant and inflammatory marker levels was also evaluated.

Results:

Scutellarein treatment was able to reduce PTZ-induced seizures in mice. In PTZ animals, scutellarein lowered the seizure severity by suppressing the onset and duration of convulsions. Scutellarein successfully modulated the PTZ-provoked changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and dopamine levels, as well as Ca2+ ATPase and Na+ K+ ATPase activity.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, it remarkably reduced the oxidative stress markers and decreased the contents of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in PTZ animal brain tissues, confirming its anti-convulsant potential.
Research on the crossing obstacle ability of wheeled vehicle on soft beach ground
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Huang Xuetao
Published: December 2023

Given the crossing-obstacle problems of wheeled vehicle on soft beaches, the changing rules with driving speeds of the crossing-obstacle ability of wheeled vehicle, soil moisture content, and soil type on soft beach ground were innovatively studied in this paper, with the hook traction force taken as the evaluating index. It showed that the RMS values of wheeled vehicle hook traction force, which was 9484N at 5 km/h and 8859N at 20 km/h, decreased with the increase in driving speed when the wheeled vehicle crossed the horizontal ditch. It collected soft beach ground soil samples and tested the parameters of mechanical properties. By considering specific structural parameters of the wheeled vehicle, this paper constructed the simulating model of the crossing obstacle ability of wheeled vehicle on the soft beach, analyzed the differences between the simulation and test result through full-scale vehicle tests. It discussed the influential factors of the crossing obstacle ability of wheeled vehicle on soft beach ground, indicated that the crossing obstacle ability of wheeled vehicle on soft beach increased with the increase of equipment’s driving speed and soil moisture content. This paper creatively proposed a method to evaluate the equipment’s off-road trafficability based on the combination of soil in-situ collection, soil tank test, dynamic simulation and experimental verification, and proposed the influencing factors and changing rules of equipment’s off-road trafficability on soft beach ground, which laid a theoretical foundation for the research on the off-road trafficability of wheeled vehicle.
Development of the Tiered Onsite Evaluation Tool for Organization-Wide Person-Centered Positive Behavior Support
Authors: Freeman Rachel , Simacek Jessica , Jeffrey-Pearsall Jennifer , Lee Seunghee , Khalif Muna , Oteman Quinn
Published: December 2023

Positive behavior support (PBS) is an evidence-based framework for improving quality of life and preventing challenging behavior that is often implemented in combination with person-centered practices in the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) field. Recently, state agencies and organizations supporting people with IDD have adopted a system-wide approach to PBS, much like multi-tiered school-wide PBS for youth in educational settings (e.g., SW-PBIS). Fidelity tools for guiding team implementation and action planning are essential throughout every phase of implementation in any innovation. Although such tools exist for SW-PBIS, no widely used measure currently exists for assessing the implementation of organization-wide PBS in the adult IDD field. This article describes the initial development of a fidelity of implementation tool used to evaluate organization-wide implementation of PBS and person-centered practices in community settings. A Midwestern state Department of Human Services and a university Center on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in the United States partnered to complete this project. The authors discuss the exploratory and descriptive evaluation process involved in the initial development of the tool and share data for 10 provider organizations over a 6-year period of implementation. A descriptive case study using mixed measures is used to provide more details about the implementation of PBS in one agency to show the types of changes captured by the fidelity tool.
‘Through a kaleidoscope’: A Foucauldian discourse analysis of Belgian policy regarding patients with a migration background and depression in general practices
Authors: Wets Camille , Bracke Piet , Delaruelle Katrijn , Ceuterick Melissa
Published: December 2023

A higher prevalence of depression is found among patients with a migration background within the Belgian population. Nevertheless, this group is underrepresented in ambulant and residential mental health care services. Since general practitioners (GPs) have a crucial gatekeeping role, this led some researchers to investigate the possibility of a provider bias influencing GPs’ assessment and referral of depressed patients with a migration background. However, GPs’ accounts may be influenced by wider professional discourses present at the policy level, which are inevitably linked to institutions regulating the conduct of GPs. Therefore, this study applied a Foucauldian discourse analysis (a) to identify broader professional discourses in Belgian policy documents regarding patients with a migration background and depression in general practices, (b) to examine how patients with a migration background are discursively positioned and (c) to investigate which different balances of power in the relationship between GPs and patients with a migration background are demonstrated in the identified discourses. We identified three recurring discourses: (a) the othering discourse, (b) the health literacy discourse, and (c) the person-centred discourse. Our analysis demonstrated that the former two discourses illustrate the perpetuation of a biomedical discourse. While the last discourse is aligned with a counter-discourse associated with the person-centred care model in health care. Consequently, our analysis demonstrated the construction of a contradictory discursive framework throughout the various policy documents on which GPs might rely when speaking about patients with a migration background suffering from depression.
Information, identity, and action: The messages of the Dutch anti-vaccination community on Telegram
Authors: Schlette Anniek , Van Prooijen Jan-Willem , Blokland Arjan , Thijs Fabienne
Published: December 2023

The anti-vaccination movement has successfully spread its views on social media. This study examined how community building emerges in the messages of Dutch anti-vaccination Telegram groups. Particularly, we investigated the extent to which these groups provide a platform for sharing information, perpetuating a shared identity, and promoting action. As negative emotions are considered a prime driver of collective action, we examined to what extent the messages had a negative valence. We used a mixed-method approach through a quantitative content analysis of 4654 text messages from five Telegram groups, while also examining the nature of the content through a qualitative analysis. The results suggest that most messages contained a form of shared identity (ingroup favoritism and outgroup hostility) or (mis)information, and, to a lesser extent, encouragements for (online) action. Moreover, most content had a negative valence. These findings illustrate how online groups might be sources of (mis)information, polarization, and intergroup hostility.
Sustainable mindsets: Combining traditional indigenous knowledge with non-aboriginal understanding to address environmental risks
Authors: Oliver Rhonda , Sheffield Rachel , Bradshaw Ronita , Hunter Jacqui , Nowers Sarah , Taylor-Ellison Briana
Published: December 2023

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the traditional owners of Australia. It has been predicted that they have been the custodians of these lands for at least 60,000 years. Their traditional lands are inextricably linked to their languages, cultural practices and spiritual being. As the custodians they have used their traditional Indigenous knowledge to care for the land – its plants, animals and waterways, protecting unique ecosystems and maintaining sustainability. In fact, their traditional understanding reflects what has been described in the literature as a sustainable mindset. We come together as non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal educators to explore how environmental threats within the epoc of Anthropocene may be addressed using such a sustainable mindset – one reflecting both indigeneity and posthumanism perspectives. We describe three case studies showing how the use of traditional knowledge held by local Indigenous communities (IPLCs) can be used with non-Indigenous knowledge to address human induced planetary changes to protect important animal species and the land on which they live. We draw on written and oral reports from our Indigenous co-authors and data obtained informally from them by way of ‘yarning’. We describe how in the north-west of Western Australia areas of significant ecological and cultural value are being negatively affected by human-induced change threatening different animal species and ecosystems. We outline the effects of light pollution in Port Hedland and how this is disrupting the life cycle of the flatback sea turtle - culturally significant sea animals. As a point of comparison, we next describe how green back turtle and Dugong populations are being protected and sustained on the Dampier Peninsula using traditional knowledge more recently supplemented through the work of the Bardi Jawi Rangers. Finally, we examine how the Fitzroy River catchment area is increasingly under threat from water extraction and mining, but how a sustainable mindset can be used to obviate these environmental risks.
Accuracy and practical considerations in an RDD text-to-web survey
Authors: Kocar Sebastian
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the accuracy of a survey that combines smartphone completion, random digit dialing (RDD), and text message invitation to a web survey. A benchmarking study was conducted using 26 questionnaire items from a survey on wellbeing, health, and life in general. Additionally, methodological, technical, ethical, and cost considerations of this relatively new approach to web survey data collection were investigated, compared to previous research findings, and discussed with an aim to propose practical solutions. Ultimately, average errors in this survey were compared to average errors in three other probability samples and one nonprobability online panel sample (i.e., reference samples) using nationally representative benchmarks from high-quality government data sources. The results showed that the sample used in this study was similarly accurate to the reference samples from a different benchmarking study. Based on these findings, a very low response rate in the RDD text-to-web survey did not appear to introduce significant nonresponse bias for a majority of survey items, and all large errors can be explained. Hence, in countries where prior consent to text messages is not required, RDD text-to-web should be considered as a cost- and time-effective alternative to probability- and nonprobability-based online panel surveys, telephone, or interactive voice response surveys, and used in market, public opinion, and social research.
Makerspaces and the Characteristics of Effective Learning in the early years
Authors: Kay Louise , Buxton Alison
Published: December 2023

The global growth of makerspaces, focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines, supports participatory child-centred learning and fosters essential skills in areas such as creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. We argue that establishing a makerspace pedagogy in schools fosters children’s engagement in digital/technological learning in a way that is in-keeping with the creative practices of the early years. This paper reports on findings from a research project that took place in one local authority in the north of England focusing on the educational implications of makerspace participation for young children and teachers. The project explored children and teacher engagement with a ‘MakerBox’ containing a story sack, language and maths activities and maker activities in 17 early years classrooms (Nursery and Reception). As a way of recording children’s learning we devised the Makerspace Learning Assessment Framework (MLAF) based on the Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL). This framework has been developed as a way of supporting teachers to assess children’s skills, knowledge and understanding when participating in makerspaces in a child-centred and holistic way. Through interviews with teachers, we explored their perception of the educational implications of makerspaces for children’s learning and their own professional development. Our findings indicate that engagement in makerspaces enhances children’s learning experiences as evidenced by the CoEL and positively impacts teachers’ STEM knowledge and practice. We conclude that makerspaces offer an holistic, child-centred approach to learning and skill development, aligning with early years creative practice and teacher professional growth.
Intervening in the Cancer Care System: An Analysis of Equity-Focused Nurse Navigation and Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Griesemer Ida , Gottfredson Nisha C. , Thatcher Kari , Rini Christine , Birken Sarah A. , Kothari Aneri , John Randall , Guerrab Fatima , Clodfelter Thomas , Lightfoot Alexandra F.
Published: December 2023

Background

Nurse navigation can improve quality of cancer care and reduce racial disparities in care outcomes. Addressing persistent structurally-rooted disparities requires research on strategies that support patients by prompting structural changes to systems of care. We applied a novel conceptualization of social support to an analysis of racial equity-focused navigation and patient-reported outcomes.

Method

We applied an antiracism lens to create a theory-informed definition of system-facing social support: intervening in a care system on a patient’s behalf. Participants were adults with early-stage breast or lung cancer, who racially identified as Black or White, and received specialized nurse navigation (n = 155). We coded navigators’ clinical notes (n = 3,251) to identify instances of system-facing support. We then estimated models to examine system-facing support in relation to race, perceived racism in health care settings, and mental health.

Results

Twelve percent of navigators’ clinical notes documented system-facing support. Black participants received more system-facing support than White participants, on average (b = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.25, 1.31]). The interaction of race*system-facing support was significant in a model predicting perceived racism in health care settings at the end of the study controlling for baseline scores (b = 0.05, 95% CI [0.01, 0.09]). Trends in simple slopes indicated that among Black participants, more system-facing support was associated with slightly more perceived racism; no association among White participants.

Discussion

The term system-facing support highlights navigators’ role in advocating for patients within the care system. More research is needed to validate the construct system-facing support and examine its utility in interventions to advance health care equity.
Talk-Story: Performing an Indigenous Research Methodology With Hesitant Non-Indigenous Participants to Learn Previously Silenced Knowledge
Authors: Cook Paul
Published: December 2023

This article aims to broaden joint performances of talk-story, a form of Indigenous Research Methodology, to give voice to non-indigenous participants who presuppose misrepresentation in qualitative research. Indigenous Research Methodologies emerged to challenge axiological concerns with Western Research Methodologies, which participants perceive to disregard, oppress, and exploit those they claim to represent. Founded on the principle of relational accountability, Indigenous Research Methodologies place learning co-created knowledges and social epistemologies at the center of the study, promoting the publication of authentic explanations and representations that empower participants. In response to grounded theories emerging from talk-story with non-indigenous members of the global surfing tribe, describing their anger and powerlessness against cultural studies researchers who deceive and misrepresent them in a perceived culture war, I explain how non-indigenous researchers and disempowered populations can jointly perform talk-story to co-create depictions that survive participant scrutiny. However, I caution that influential gatekeepers will execute Western a priori assertions and cultural imperialism to silence opposing voices and epistemologies empowered by talk-story. Nonetheless, my article aims to contribute towards promoting performances of talk-story methodology by explaining how an indigenous paradigm enables analytical processes to be shared, thus exposing insights participants perceive to be silenced by Western Research Methodologies.
Determinación social de la obesidad, la diabetes y la hipertensión arterial desde las narrativas de mujeres de una comunidad indígena en el sur de Morelos, México
Authors: Villanueva Borbolla María Ángeles , Pernia Agustín , Campos Rivera Marisol
Published: December 2023

Objetivo :

comprender los procesos críticos (PC) de determinación social de la obesidad, la diabetes y la hipertensión (ODH) en una comunidad nahua de México.

Metodología :

estudio cualitativo de registros de un taller de fotovoz, donde las participantes fotografiaron su entorno y analizaron las causas y posibles soluciones a la ODH. Para analizar los PC de la ODH utilizamos como método la investigación narrativa y, como referente teórico, la epidemiología crítica.

Resultados :

la ODH se reproduce social e históricamente a través de PC destructivos vinculados con las relaciones de producción global y de género. Estas determinan modos de vida deteriorantes que limitan la atención a la salud, comprometen la salud mental, producen contaminación y diferenciación de uso de espacios, y reducen oportunidades para alimentarse nutritivamente y realizar actividad física. Todo ello se expresa como ODH y problemas de salud mental. Los PC protectores ante estas expresiones incluyen la atención estatal, las oportunidades de trabajo, y la promoción de dispositivos culturales y comunitarios.

Conclusiones :

nuestros resultados aportan a la discusión global sobre cómo las condiciones históricas de vida son parte de la determinación social de la ODH. Comprender los PC y sus expresiones locales puede orientarnos hacia la descolonización de la forma de pensar y hacer promoción de la salud.