bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The right to science or to Wissenschaft? Five lessons from the travaux préparatoires
Authors: Porsdam Mann Sebastian
Published: April 2024

This article identifies novel insights from a detailed analysis of the travaux préparatoires of the right to science provisions in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). It makes five main contributions. First, it demonstrates the bidirectional influence between the UDHR and the earlier American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man in the formulation of the right to science, as opposed to unidirectional borrowing. Second, it traces the origins of Article 15 ICESCR to the UNESCO Constitution and argues that Article 15, specifically subclauses 2–4, were intended as implementation measures, though Article 15(3) was elevated into a separate and additional obligation due to its perceived importance for scientific and creative progress. Third, it clarifies an apparent conflict between drafting history and subsequent instruments concerning scientific purpose by distinguishing the development and use of science. Fourth, it suggests facilitating the search for truth as an unarticulated object and purpose of these provisions. Finally, it shows that many drafters acknowledged a broad scope of ‘science’ beyond the natural sciences. Overall, this article elucidates overlooked aspects of the travaux to inform contemporary debates on this important yet obscure right.
People Endorse Harsher Policies in Principle Than in Practice: Asymmetric Beliefs About Which Errors to Prevent Versus Fix
Authors: Rude Eitan D. , Shaddy Franklin
Published: April 2024

Countless policies are crafted with the intention of punishing all who do wrong or rewarding only those who do right. However, this requires accommodating certain mistakes: some who do not deserve to be punished might be, and some who deserve to be rewarded might not be. Six preregistered experiments ( N = 3,484 U.S. adults) reveal that people are more willing to accept this trade-off in principle, before errors occur, than in practice, after errors occur. The result is an asymmetry such that for punishments, people believe it is more important to prevent false negatives (e.g., criminals escaping justice) than to fix them, and more important to fix false positives (e.g., wrongful convictions) than to prevent them. For rewards, people believe it is more important to prevent false positives (e.g., welfare fraud) than to fix them and more important to fix false negatives (e.g., improperly denied benefits) than to prevent them.
“The Children Are Not Okay”: Choir Teachers’ Perceptions of Students Post Shutdowns
Authors: Rinn Thomas J.
Published: April 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most students in the United States experienced full school closure followed by a hybrid of online and in-person learning before ultimately returning to fully in-person instruction in the Fall of 2021. I investigated the experiences of three high school choir teachers during the 2021–2022 academic year to examine their perceptions of students’ engagement before, during, and post-pandemic school shutdowns. Analysis revealed common themes of (a) concerns about student attrition, (b) learning loss, (c) psychological impacts, (d) teaching accommodations, and (e) learning inequities. Choir teachers perceived the most significant difference in students post-shutdown to be their psychological health. Positive accommodations include a focus on student psychological well-being, engagement in retention and recruitment strategies, and new uses of technology in the choral context. The results provide guidance to music teacher educators preparing preservice educators to enter the workforce post-pandemic.
Exposure to Electronic Waterpipes Increases the Risk of Occlusive Cardiovascular Disease in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Badejo Precious O. , Umphres Shelby S. , Ali Hamdy E.A. , Alarabi Ahmed B. , Qadri Shahnaz , Alshbool Fatima Z. , Khasawneh Fadi T.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

It is well documented that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US and worldwide, with smoking being the most preventable cause. Additionally, most smokers die from thrombotic-based diseases, in which platelets play a major role. To this end, because of the proven harm of smoking, several novel tobacco products such as electronic(e)-waterpipe have been gaining popularity among different sectors of the population, partly due to their “false” safety claims. While many investigators have focused on the negative health effects of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes on the cardiovascular system, virtually little or nothing is known about e-waterpipes, which we investigated herein.

Methods and Materials

To investigate their occlusive CVD effects, we employed a whole-body mouse exposure model of e-waterpipe vape/smoke and exposed C57BL/6J male mice (starting at 7 weeks of age) for 1 month, with the controls exposed to clean air. Exposures took place seven times a week, according to the well-known Beirut protocol, which has been employed in many studies, as it mimics real-life waterpipe exposure scenarios; specifically, 171 puffs of 530 ml volume of the e-liquid at 2.6 s puff duration and 17 s puff interval.

Results

The e-waterpipe exposed mice had shortened bleeding and occlusion times, when compared to the clean air controls, indicating a prothrombotic phenotype. As for the mechanism underlying this phenotype, we found that e-waterpipe exposed platelets exhibited enhanced agonist-triggered aggregation and dense granule secretion. Also, flow cytometry analysis of surface markers of platelet activation showed that both P-selectin and integrin GPIIb-IIIa activation were enhanced in the e-waterpipe exposed platelets, relative to the controls. Finally, platelet spreading and Akt phosphorylation were also more pronounced in the exposed mice.

Conclusion

We document that e-waterpipe exposure does exert untoward effects in the context of thrombosis-based CVD, in part, via promoting platelet hyperreactivity.
Detection of a Prethrombotic State in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Using a Clot Waveform Analysis
Authors: Fukui Shunsuke , Wada Hideo , Ikeda Kohei , Kobayashi Mayu , Shimada Yasuaki , Nakazawa Yuuichi , Mizutani Hiroki , Ichikawa Yuhuko , Nishiura Yuuki , Moritani Isao , Yamanaka Yutaka , Inoue Hidekazu , Shimaoka Motomu , Shimpo Hideto , Shiraki Katsuya
Published: April 2024

Background: Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently associated with thrombosis, it is also associated with liver cirrhosis (LC) which causes hemostatic abnormalities. Therefore, hemostatic abnormalities in patients with HCC were examined using a clot waveform analysis (CWA). Methods: Hemostatic abnormalities in 88 samples from HCC patients, 48 samples from LC patients and 153 samples from patients with chronic liver diseases (CH) were examined using a CWA-activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and small amount of tissue factor induced FIX activation (sTF/FIXa) assay. Results: There were no significant differences in the peak time on CWA-APTT among HCC, LC, and CH, and the peak heights of CWA-APTT were significantly higher in HCC and CH than in HVs and LC. The peak heights of the CWA-sTF/FIXa were significantly higher in HCC than in LC. The peak times of the CWA-APTT were significantly longer in stages B, C, and D than in stage A or cases of response. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the fibrin formation height (FFH) of the CWA-APTT and CWA-sTF/FIXa showed the highest diagnostic ability for HCC and LC, respectively. Thrombosis was observed in 13 HCC patients, and arterial thrombosis and portal vein thrombosis were frequently associated with HCC without LC and HCC with LC, respectively. In ROC, the peak time×peak height of the first derivative on the CWA-sTF/FIXa showed the highest diagnostic ability for thrombosis. Conclusion: The CWA-APTT and CWA-sTF/FIXa can increase the evaluability of HCC including the association with LC and thrombotic complications.
Tensions Between Local Embeddedness and Scaling up: Insights from Grassroots Sustainability Initiatives in the Renewable Energy Transition
Authors: Baileche Lea , Marais Magalie , Palpacuer Florence
Published: April 2024

Although grassroots initiatives in the renewable energy transition are flourishing, their embeddedness in local contexts challenges their capacity to spread their impact on a broader scale. Certainly, while scaling up has been described as difficult to combine with local embeddedness, little is known on the specific nature of the tensions involved in combining the two. Studying a federation of citizen renewable energy (RE) cooperatives in the south of France, we show that the engagement in a scaling-up process at a regional level generates three main kinds of tensions associated with specific dimensions of local embeddedness: natural, cultural, and political. We emphasize how these dimensions are likely to be threatened when the federation engages the cooperatives in a rapid scaling-up dynamic in which the drive to industrialize projects and find funding is dominant. We acknowledge the effects of these tensions on grassroots sustainability initiatives and collective organizing processes.
‘Me, us, and Them’: Policing and the Dynamics of Identity Work
Authors: Workman-Stark Angela
Published: April 2024

The study of identity work has grown exponentially in the past decade; however, little research has been undertaken in challenging occupational contexts, such as policing. Existing studies have focused on tensions between personal and work identities, such as being a woman in a male-dominated workplace, or how officers have responded to threats to their occupational identities. Using data collected from interviews with 32 Canadian police officers, this study examines the circumstances that compel officers to engage in identity work and the processes undertaken to alleviate these identity conflicts or threats. The findings illustrate that police officer identity work is prompted by four primary triggers, defined as: (1) identity strain; (2) work-identity stigma; (3) identity maturation; and (4) organizational indifference. The findings also suggest that these triggers are influenced by police culture and the related socialization processes that continue to emphasize traditional masculine attributes (e.g., aggression, physical strength and toughness).
‘They don’t know what to do with our children’: Experiences and views on feeding and swallowing from parents of children who use long-term ventilation
Authors: Lee Sabrena , Marshall Jeanne , Clarke Michael , Smith Christina
Published: April 2024

Increasing use of paediatric long-term ventilation (LTV) has been reported around the world over the last two decades and it is anticipated that use of this medical intervention will continue to grow. Research has shown that children who use LTV have risk factors for feeding and swallowing difficulties which result in long-term reliance on non-oral feeding methods. This Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) activity explored experiences of parents of children with LTV on their children’s feeding and swallowing journeys. Individual and group interviews with seven parents were conducted. Interview data was then analysed using content analysis. Families discussed a range of themes including impacts on their family, facilitators and barriers to feeding and swallowing journeys, speech and language therapy (SLT) support, their family’s healthcare journey in relation to quality of life and future directions for research. This study highlighted potential key areas to explore when identifying ways to improve SLT care and research in feeding and swallowing for children who use LTV.
Disablism, racism and the spectre of eugenics in digital welfare
Authors: van Toorn Georgia , Soldatić Karen
Published: April 2024

This article explores the historical ties between the digital welfare state and eugenics, highlighting how the use of data infrastructures for classification and governance in the digital era has roots in eugenic data practices and ideas. Through an analysis of three domains of automated decision-making – child welfare, immigration and disability benefits – the article demonstrates how these automated systems perpetuate hierarchical divisions originally shaped by ableist eugenic race science. It underscores the importance of critically engaging with this historical context of data utilisation, emphasising its entanglement with eugenic perspectives on racial, physical and mental superiority, individual and social worth, and the categorisation of data subjects as deserving or undeserving. By engaging with this history, the article provides a deeper understanding of the contemporary digital welfare state, particularly in terms of its discriminatory divisions based on race and disability, which are deeply intertwined.
Investigating the effect of ambient light conditions on road traffic crashes: The case of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Nteziyaremye P , Sinclair M
Published: April 2024

Investigating the risk of road crashes associated with ambient light is often challenged by bias resulting from confounding effects of other risk factors. The study used the odds ratio and the risk ratio methods to isolate the effect of ambient light from other risk factors. This was possible in this research using the ‘whole-year’ approach adopted in previous research and utilising seasonal variations in ambient light in Cape Town. The analysis was based on crash and ambient light data collected between 2014 and 2018 in Cape Town. A total of 361 452 crashes were reported during this period. With only minor exceptions, the results confirm a higher crash risk in both twilight and dark conditions. The increase in the risk was different depending on the ambient light level, the crash type (total and pedestrian crashes) and the time of the day (morning and evening times). The results suggest that more efforts need to be made to assist road users to travel safely under twilight and dark conditions.
Respiratory and locomotor muscle blood flow measurements using near-infrared spectroscopy and indocyanine green dye in health and disease
Authors: Megaritis Dimitrios , Echevarria Carlos , Vogiatzis Ioannis
Published: April 2024

Measuring respiratory and locomotor muscle blood flow during exercise is pivotal for understanding the factors limiting exercise tolerance in health and disease. Traditional methods to measure muscle blood flow present limitations for exercise testing. This article reviews a method utilising near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in combination with the light-absorbing tracer indocyanine green dye (ICG) to simultaneously assess respiratory and locomotor muscle blood flow during exercise in health and disease. NIRS provides high spatiotemporal resolution and can detect chromophore concentrations. Intravenously administered ICG binds to albumin and undergoes rapid metabolism, making it suitable for repeated measurements. NIRS-ICG allows calculation of local muscle blood flow based on the rate of ICG accumulation in the muscle over time. Studies presented in this review provide evidence of the technical and clinical validity of the NIRS-ICG method in quantifying respiratory and locomotor muscle blood flow. Over the past decade, use of this method during exercise has provided insights into respiratory and locomotor muscle blood flow competition theory and the effect of ergogenic aids and pharmacological agents on local muscle blood flow distribution in COPD. Originally, arterial blood sampling was required via a photodensitometer, though the method has subsequently been adapted to provide a local muscle blood flow index using venous cannulation. In summary, the significance of the NIRS-ICG method is that it provides a minimally invasive tool to simultaneously assess respiratory and locomotor muscle blood flow at rest and during exercise in health and disease to better appreciate the impact of ergogenic aids or pharmacological treatments.
Move and Thrive: Development of an Adolescent Friendly and Inclusive Online Fitness Resource
Authors: Miller Kathleen K. , Hooper Laura , Kaja Sarah M.
Published: April 2024

While physical activity (PA) is a strong protective factor for adolescents, many youth experience discrimination and intimidation in traditional fitness spaces. This is especially true for youth of color, youth in larger bodies, and transgender youth. This manuscript describes the development of Move and Thrive, an online resource for PA promotion designed specifically for adolescents prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. Working with Community and Youth Advisory Boards, we developed guiding principles of Move and Thrive: to create resources that are 1) youth and community driven; 2) inclusive of diverse representation; 3) body and weight neutral; 4) trauma informed; and 5) accessible. We developed a guide for PA instructors to use trauma informed approaches; avoid mention of weight talk or physical appearance; use gender inclusive language; and offer multiple options to improve accessibility. Specific care was taken to hire instructors diverse in body size, race, ethnicity, and gender identity. The first iteration of Move and Thrive was launched in March 2021, and the current resource contains 72 PA videos. Over the course of 12 months, the site had more than the site had over 9,000 views in over 40 countries, including six continents. Users have reported high levels of satisfaction with Move and Thrive, and physicians have responded enthusiastically to sharing Move and Thrive as a free resource for adolescents. University of Minnesota Move and Thrive Project is currently available on an ad-free YouTube Channel. We believe that Move and Thrive has the potential to reach populations historically excluded from PA resources.
Optimal Timing of Pre-emptive Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Naito Noritsugu , Takagi Hisato
Published: April 2024

Background:

This network meta-analysis compares outcomes of optimal medical therapy (OMT) and pre-emptive thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection at different phases of chronicity.

Methods:

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through November 2023. Pooled short-term outcomes (short-term mortality, perioperative complications) and long-term outcomes (all-cause mortality, aortic-related mortality, aortic re-intervention rates) were calculated.

Results:

Systematic review identified 17 studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 3 propensity score matching, and 2 inverse probability weighting). Subacute-phase intervention had lower short-term mortality than the acute-phase (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval [CI]]=0.60 [0.38-0.94], p=0.027). No significant differences were observed in aortic rupture and paraplegia. Acute-phase TEVAR had a higher stroke incidence than subacute-phase intervention (HR [95% CI]=2.63 [1.36-5.09], p=0.042), chronic (HR [95% CI]=2.5 [1.03-6.2], p=0.043), and OMT (HR [95% CI]=1.57 [1.12-2.18], p=0.008). Acute-phase TEVAR had higher long-term all-cause mortality than subacute-phase intervention (HR [95% CI]=1.34 [1.03-1.74], p=0.03). Optimal medical therapy had elevated long-term all-cause mortality compared with subacute-phase TEVAR (HR [95% CI]=1.67 [1.25-2.33], p<0.001) and increased long-term aortic-related mortality vs acute-phase (HR [95% CI]=2.08 [1.31-3.31], p=0.002) and subacute-phase (HR [95% CI]=2.6 [1.62-4.18], p<0.01) interventions. No significant differences were observed in aortic re-intervention rates.

Conclusions:

Pre-emptive TEVAR may offer lower all-cause mortality and aortic-related mortality than OMT. Considering lower short-term mortality, perioperative stroke rate, and long-term mortality, our findings support pre-emptive TEVAR during the subacute phase.

Clinical Impact

The optimal timing of pre-emptive thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection remains uncertain. This network meta-analysis suggests that the subacute phase (14-90 days from symptom onset) emerges as the optimal timing for pre-emptive TEVAR. This window is associated with lower rates of short-term complications and higher long-term survival rates compared with alternative strategies.
Timing of acute carotid artery stenting for tandem lesions in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A Maastricht Stroke Quality Registry (MaSQ-Registry) study
Authors: Simon Sorina R. , Knapen Robrecht R.M.M. , Truijman Martine T.B. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Wagemans Bart A.J.M. , van Zwam Wim H. , van der Leij Christiaan
Published: April 2024

Background

To better understand the influence of treatment strategies on outcomes for patients with tandem lesions undergoing acute internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting during endovascular treatment (EVT), this study compared clinical, technical, and safety outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to a large vessel occlusion (LVO) who underwent ICA stenting before versus after intracranial thrombectomy.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent EVT due to a LVO and periprocedural ICA stenting for significant ICA stenosis or occlusion between September 2020 and January 2023. Data were extracted from the Maastricht Stroke Quality Registry (MaSQ-Registry). Primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included procedure times, number of total thrombectomy attempts, first-attempt excellent recanalization rates (extended Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) ≥ 2C after one thrombectomy attempt), and safety outcomes.

Results

This study included 50 patients. Thirty-one patients (62%) underwent ICA stenting before intracranial thrombectomy. No significant differences between both groups were found regarding mRS, total procedure time, number of total thrombectomy attempts, first-attempt excellent recanalization, or complications. Time between groin puncture and recanalization (reperfusion time) was significantly longer in patients who had ICA stenting before intracranial thrombectomy versus after intracranial thrombectomy (45 min versus 28 min, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

ICA stenting after intracranial thrombectomy in patients with tandem lesions undergoing EVT did not lead to better patient outcomes compared to stenting before intracranial thrombectomy, despite shorter reperfusion times.
Structural analysis and application research for controlled strand length cutting blade of rotary guillotine cutter
Authors: Yang Zhongpan , Wu Lianlian , Qin Guoxin , Xie Liming , Zhai Yujun
Published: April 2024

In the tobacco processing stage leading to the production of cigarettes, there are strict technical requirements for the structure and proportion of different lengths of cut tobacco following the cutting process. Moreover, the lightweight design of the high-speed rotary-cutting blades is of significant importance during this stage. To better address issues related to the rational design of the blade structure in rotary-cutting cutters and the effective control of size proportion of cut tobacco, this paper establishes a CLSC blade design method featuring concave-convex edges and inter-edge grooves, and provides specific structural schemes. By introducing the structure of the cutting components of the cutter and the cutting process, and by analyzing the differences in layout features between RSEC and CLSC blade structures, as well as their relevance to tobacco cutting and shaping, this paper establishes the installation constraints and mechanical load model for cutter blades under rated conditions. Finite element methods were used to model and analyze both types of cutter blade structures, yielding static and modal analysis data. Furthermore, production verification was conducted on an SD EVO cutter, and data on the rate of different lengths of cut tobacco were obtained. The results show that the mass of the CLSC concave-convex edge cutter blade was reduced by 4.33%, and the static stiffness efficiency was increased by 2.37 times. Although the first-six natural frequencies of the CSLC blade showed degradation in modal analysis, it still met the equipment vibration usage condition. The production verification results indicated that the use of CLSC concave-convex edge cutter blades reduced the long cut rate by 2.48%, increased the medium cut rate by 2.29%, broken cut rate increased by 0.08%, and increased the short cut rate by 0.12%, with an overall reduction in the whole cut rate by 0.19%, achieving the objectives of reducing the long cut rate, controlling the whole cut rate, and not increasing the broken cut rate. The CLSC blades were able to operate continuously, stably, and safely on the rotary-cutting cutter machine. The research presented in this paper can provide a reference for the analysis and design of cutter blade structures in tobacco cutter machines.
Dose optimization for cancer treatments with considerations for late-onset toxicities
Authors: Biard Lucie , Andrillon Anaïs , Silva Rebecca B , Lee Shing M
Published: April 2024

Given that novel anticancer therapies have different toxicity profiles and mechanisms of action, it is important to reconsider the current approaches for dose selection. In an effort to move away from considering the maximum tolerated dose as the optimal dose, the Food and Drug Administration Project Optimus points to the need of incorporating long-term toxicity evaluation, given that many of these novel agents lead to late-onset or cumulative toxicities and there are no guidelines on how to handle them. Numerous methods have been proposed to handle late-onset toxicities in dose-finding clinical trials. A summary and comparison of these methods are provided. Moreover, using PI3K inhibitors as a case study, we show how late-onset toxicity can be integrated into the dose-optimization strategy using current available approaches. We illustrate a re-design of this trial to compare the approach to those that only consider early toxicity outcomes and disregard late-onset toxicities. We also provide proposals going forward for dose optimization in early development of novel anticancer agents with considerations for late-onset toxicities.
Hygrothermal response of a wood-frame thick-wall assembly to rainwater wetting under future climate scenarios in Canada
Authors: Conroy Alison , Mukhopadhyaya Phalguni , Wimmers Guido
Published: April 2024

Current exterior wall assembly designs for new low-rise residential buildings targeting low-energy demand in heating dominated countries include split-insulation wall and thick-wall assembly designs. Both have been shown to result in thermal efficiency gains compared to building-code minimum assemblies, however long-term hygrothermal performance can vary depending on boundary conditions and the presence of construction deficiencies. Future climate scenarios estimate many heating-dominated climates will experience a reduction in heating-degree day hours and an increase in annual rainfall. Using validated assembly performance data from a Passive House certified facility, a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the impact of rainwater wetting, air exfiltration and insulation material properties on the hygrothermal response of a thick-wall assembly. Results show that rainwater leakage values of 0.50% and greater of the adhering rainfall on the exterior surface of the assembly results in the greatest risk for failure. The hygrothermal response of the assembly is then examined under a global temperature rise scenario of 3.5°C for five geographic locations across Canada. Results show that an increase in average annual total rainfall does not directly result in an increase in the failure rate of the assembly when a rainwater leak is present. Additional climatic factors, including outdoor air temperature, driving rain and solar radiation received will influence the hygrothermal response of the assembly and need to be considered when modelling the performance under future climate change scenarios.
Ethics and integrity challenges during COVID-19 in China
Authors: Zhu Wei , Yan Fei , Zhu Jianfeng , Zhu Linzi , Liu Fengyu
Published: April 2024

This paper describes a scoping review of China’s academic resource databases, relevant official websites, news reports and public accounts spanning a period from the end of 2019 to the end of 2022, to investigate the challenges in scientific integrity and ethical soundness of research conducted during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic in China. By conducting the scoping review with keywords related to the research questions in Chinese, relevant data were extracted and classified into four categories: challenges in research, challenges in ethics review, challenges in publishing academic work, and research ethics guidelines during and after the pandemic. The paper points out that problematic studies and findings increased with the escalation in medical research projects during the pandemic in China. The situation faced by researchers was more difficult than before the pandemic. The mode of informed consent, and ethics review and oversight systems also underwent changes. In addition, Traditional Chinese Medicine as an alternative medical treatment for COVID-19, attracted attention from the research community and became a topic of discussion. We conclude that the various challenges and concerns identified indicate a need for a proper and timely response system be formulated in preparation for possible future occurrences of new pandemics or other critical situations.
Comparative study of venous thromboembolic prophylaxis strategies in hemorrhagic stroke: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Maraziti Giorgio , Mosconi Maria Giulia , Paciaroni Maurizio
Published: April 2024

Background:

Venous thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), are frequent complications in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Various prophylactic strategies have been employed to mitigate this risk, such as heparin, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), and graduated compression stockings (GCS). The optimal thromboembolic prophylaxis approach remains uncertain due to the lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing all interventions.

Aims:

We conducted a network meta-analysis and meta-analysis to systematically review and synthesize evidence from RCTs and non-randomized studies on the efficacy and safety of thromboembolic prophylaxis strategies in hospitalized ICH patients.

Summary of findings:

Our study followed a registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42023489217) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines incorporating the extension for network meta-analyses. Search for eligible studies was performed up to December 2023. We considered the occurrence of DVT, PE, hematoma expansion (HE), and all-cause mortality as outcome measures. A total of 16 studies, including 7 RCTs and 9 non-randomized studies, were included in the analysis. Network meta-analysis revealed that IPC demonstrated the highest efficacy in reducing DVT incidence (odds ratios (OR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08–1.16), particularly considering only RCTs (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16–0.67). GCS showed the highest safety profile for HE (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.14–3.13), but without efficacy. Chemoprophylaxis did not reduce the risk of PE events (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.17–7.19) with a higher occurrence of HE (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.60–2.96), but the differences were not significant.

Conclusion:

Our study supports the use of IPC as the primary thromboembolic prophylaxis measure in ICH patients. Further research, including head-to-head RCTs, is needed to strengthen the evidence base and optimize clinical decision-making for thromboembolic prophylaxis in this vulnerable patient population.
Prevention of accidental awareness under general anaesthesia: A regional service evaluation
Authors: Preston Katie L , Jackson Alexander IR ,   the SPARC investigators
Published: April 2024

The United Kingdom’s Fifth National Audit Project investigated the incidence and causes of accidental awareness during general anaesthesia. Subsequently, guidelines produced by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland provide key recommendations to minimise awareness. These include using processed electroencephalogram for patients receiving total intravenous anaesthesia while paralysed and using audible low end-tidal anaesthetic concentration alarms. The Southcoast Perioperative Audit and Research Collaboration undertook a five-day regional service evaluation, assessing the measures in place to minimise awareness and conducting a practitioner survey. Eight hospitals participated with 382 theatre attendances were analysed. Processed electroencephalograph monitoring for patients receiving total intravenous anaesthesia with neuromuscular blockade has been widely adopted into regional practice, from 23% of cases in the Fifth National Audit Project, to 85% in this snapshot. During volatile anaesthesia, age-adjusted low end-tidal anaesthetic concentration alarms were used in 34% cases. The range was 0–97% at different hospitals, suggesting heterogeneity in practice. Seventy-six per cent of anaesthetists rarely alter the default anaesthetic machine alarm settings. Therefore, instigating default low end-tidal anaesthetic concentration alarms could improve compliance with guidelines and reduce the risk of awareness for patients.
Analysis of predictors of fever after aortic valve replacement: Diabetic patients are less likely to develop fever after aortic valve replacement, a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Ishibashi Hiroshi , Enomoto Yoshiharu , Takaoka Shohei , Aoki Kazuhiro , Nagai Hiroki , Yamagata Kenji , Ishibashi-Kanno Naomi , Uchida Fumihiko , Fukuzawa Satoshi , Tabuchi Katsuhiko , Bukawa Hiroki , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Yanagawa Toru
Published: April 2024

Background:

Postoperative temperature dysregulation affects the length of hospital stay and prognosis. This study evaluated the factors that influence the occurrence of fever in patients after aortic valve replacement surgery.

Methods:

Eighty-seven consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve replacement surgery were included. Patients’ age, sex and body mass index; presence of diabetes mellitus; operation time; blood loss; blood transfusion volume; preoperative and postoperative laboratory findings; presence or absence of oral function management; and fever >38°C were retrospectively analysed through univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Among the variables, only diabetes mellitus status was significantly associated with fever ⩾38°C. Postoperatively, patients with diabetes mellitus were significantly less likely to develop fever above 38°C and a fever rising to 38°C.

Conclusions:

This study shows that the presence of comorbid diabetes mellitus decreases the frequency of developing fever >38°C after aortic valve replacement surgery.
Reliability and validity of the new portable Nordic hamstring test device (IVMES H-Bord)
Authors: Akarçeşme Cengiz , Cengizel Elif , Alvurdu Sümer , Bağcı Emre , Altundağ Emre , Cengizel Çağdaş Özgür , Şenel Ömer
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and validity of the IVMES H-Bord eccentric hamstring strength measurement device. Thirty-eight healthy male athletes (age: 20.9 ± 2.11 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.03 m, body weight: 76.6 kg, body mass index: 22.6 ± 0.69 kg/m2) participated in this study. Each test protocol was applied in eccentric mode and isometric mode respectively. Between-session test-retest reliability of the IVMES H-Bord was analyzed for the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% coefficient intervals (CI). Validity of the IVMES H-Bord was examined for eccentric mode (NHTecc), and isometric mode (NHTiso) using Pearson’s correlation coefficient with 95% CI and limits of agreement. Bland-Altman plots were also created to provide a representation of the agreement between two test devices. Strong correlations, good ICC values and acceptable typical errors of the estimate were observed between the NHT and isokinetic strength testing (IST) during both limbs with no proportional bias for validity analysis. In conclusion, the “IVMES H-Bord” is a reliable and valid measurement device for eccentric hamstring muscle strength and it provides important advantages for medical staff, fitness coaches and practitioners because it is portable, low cost, and field-based assessment.
Healing Architecture in Birthing Rooms: A Scoping Review
Authors: Eidhammer Anya , Glavind Julie , Skrubbeltrang Conni , Melgaard Dorte
Published: April 2024

Aim:

The purpose of this scoping review is to map the knowledge about the multisensory birthing room regarding the birth experience and birth outcomes.

Background:

The concept of multisensory birthing rooms is relatively novel, making it relevant to explore its impact.

Methods:

Five databases were searched. The search was limited to articles in English, Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish. There were no time limitations. Fourteen relevant articles were identified providing knowledge about multisensory birthing rooms.

Results:

Eight articles focused on birth experience, six articles focused on birth outcome, and one on the organization of the maternity care. Seven of the studies identified that sensory birthing rooms have a positive impact on the birth experience and one qualitative study could not demonstrate a better overall birth experience. Five articles described an improvement for selected birth outcomes. On the other hand, a randomized controlled trial study could not demonstrate an effect on either the use of oxytocin or birth outcomes such as pain and cesarean section. The definition and description of the concept weaken the existing studies scientifically.

Conclusions:

This scoping review revealed that multisensory birthing rooms have many definitions and variations in the content of the sensory exposure; therefore, it is difficult to standardize and evaluate the effect of its use. There is limited knowledge concerning the multisensory birthing room and its impact on the birth experience and the birth outcome. Multisensory birthing rooms may have a positive impact on the birth experience. Whereas there are conflicting results regarding birth outcomes.
Competency-Based Education Reform of Thailand's Basic Education System: A Policy Review
Authors: Sangwanglao (จตุพล สังวังเลาว์) Jatupol
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study was conducted to review the ongoing competency-based education reform in Thailand during the 21st century. In particular, the historical development of Thai competency-based education and the ideological foundation of its competency-based curriculum were explored.

Design/Approach/Methods

Publicly available policy-related documents addressing competency-based education reform in Thailand were reviewed, and key points that established the ideological foundation of the Thai competency-based curriculum were examined.

Findings

The development of competency-based education reform in Thailand has changed over time in response to government direction and societal conditions. However, unified ideologies for developing competency-based education are lacking, potentially leading to confusion among the various stakeholders involved. The results of this study indicate that although Thailand's competency-based education system has been developed systematically, it lacks clear communication regarding the driving forces behind the curriculum.

Originality/Value

This policy review investigated the foundations of Thailand's competency-based education reform to highlight the direction and trends of competency-based education in the country. Competency-based education reforms in Thailand differ from international education reforms—they are founded on a standards-based curriculum and are developed further. This distinction should be considered when assessing the necessity of a competency-based curriculum.
Consonantal Debuccalization and Deletion in Minangkabau
Authors: Batais Saleh Saeed
Published: April 2024

While there are many useful studies on Indonesian native phonology and loanword phonology, none has yet explored Minangkabau loanword phonology in depth. Therefore, based on a list of 52 well-established native Indonesian loanwords elicited from 10 adult native speakers of Minangkabau and verified by native speakers and transcribed in IPA, and within the ambit of Optimality Theory, this paper aims to investigate the following research questions: What are the phonotactic repair strategies employed in Minangkabau to adapt these words? Why are they triggered? Are they phonologically or phonetically driven? And why? The study finds that the two observed repairs are consonantal debuccalization and consonantal deletion, which are both employed in order to fulfill the phonotactic conditions of Minangkabau. In Minangkabau, obstruent and liquid consonants are disallowed word-finally; as a result, word-final voiceless stops /p, t, k/ in native Indonesian words are debuccalized into the glottal stop /ʔ/, and the voiceless fricative /s/ into the glottal fricative /h/. However, unlike word-final obstruents, the word-final liquid consonants /r, l/ in native Indonesian words are adapted through deletion when entering Minangkabau. The results, moreover, show that that the above repair strategies are guided by phonology rather than phonetics; that is to say, among others, they are guided by coda restrictions in Minangkabau phonotactics in terms of word-final obstruent and liquid consonants. Finally, by presenting evidence from Minangkabau in favor of the phonological stance, it is believed that the paper contributes to the significant debate as to whether loanword adaptation is phonological or phonetic.
An Examination of Chinese Physical Education Teachers’ Teaching Efficacy and Technology Self-Efficacy at the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Song Xiao-Long , Cheong Jadeera Phaik Geok
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to examine teaching and technology status of physical education (PE) teachers under the ongoing influence of COVID-19. A total of 1,005 in-service PE teachers completed the Physical Education Teaching Efficacy Scale (PETES) and Educator Technology Self-Efficacy Survey (ETS-ES) electronically to measure current teaching efficacy and perceived technology self-efficacy. The findings revealed that the teachers’ overall PE teaching efficacy level was high (8.08 ± 1.27) whereas, technological self-efficacy was at a moderate level (3.45 ± 0.44). Meanwhile, Efficacy for Using Technology significantly and positively predicted Technology Self-Efficacy ( p < .001). In conclusion, Chinese in-service PE teachers in primary and secondary schools exhibited a high level of competence in PE teaching. However, their proficiency in utilizing technology for educational purposes needed improvement. While these educators possessed fundamental online teaching skills, they often encountered challenges in adapting to technology-enhanced teaching methods. Education and training institutions should improve their existing curriculum, and schools need to continue to develop and train in-service teachers.
The Perception of Undergraduate Students From Different Educational Systems on Sustainability
Authors: Taboada-González Paul , Aguilar-Virgen Quetzalli
Published: April 2024

Sustainable education is key to advancing environmental awareness and global responsibility. Institutional procedures can provide pressure points and opportunities to help foster the mainstreaming of sustainable development. This study aims to analyze how higher-level educational institutions influence environmental awareness and global responsibility in engineering students by evaluating the perception and knowledge of sustainability issues in three universities with different educational systems. This study considers the results of a questionnaire from a sample of 620 industrial engineering students from a Higher Education Institution in northern Mexico. The application of the instrument was random among students from the fourth to ninth semester. The survey included items on demographic aspects, behavior, knowledge, attitudes, and how the educational institution fosters sustainable practices. Only 16% understand sustainable development in the three axes, and 50% recognize that they play an essential role in promoting a sustainable culture. The results show that students do not clearly understand the scope and environmental benefits of implementing, creatively and assertively, environmental innovation through savings and optimization in the matter, time, and natural resources. The findings offer an opportunity for educational institutions to raise awareness and incorporate new measures and strategies to implement sustainability among their students.
A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Investigation of Hopelessness Among University Students in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Deveci Şirin Hatice , Şen Doğan Rana , Serçe Hüseyin , Bayrakcı Eda , Alan Selahattin
Published: April 2024

Under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of vital importance to explore its impact on the psychological wellbeing of the students in higher education. Accordingly, this research investigated hopelessness among students at a state university in Turkey throughout the pandemic. The research was conducted in two separate studies, one cross-sectional and the other longitudinal. Study I examined students’ hopelessness level in relation to gender, job or income loss, social media use, academic unit, and grade. Study II compared students’ hopelessness level during the distance and hybrid education periods. The data were collected online through Personal Information Form and Beck Hopelessness Scale in both studies. The findings of Study I indicated significantly higher hopelessness scores in females, students who experienced job or income loss, and seniors at faculties. It was also found that the level of hopelessness increased as the duration of social media use rose. In addition, Study II revealed that students’ hopelessness scores significantly decreased during the hybrid education in contrast to the distance education. Based on these findings, we suggest that during distance education in times of crisis, psychological counseling and career guidance interventions should be planned and coordinated according to the characteristics of risk groups, and e-learning models offering the highest social interaction should be preferred.