bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conspiracy theories in online deliberation on gender identity legislation: Dilemmas of prejudice and political partisanship and implications for LGBTQI+ claims
Authors: Sapountzis Antonis , Figgou Lia , Michos Ioannis
Published: July 2022

Conspiracy theories have recently come under the scrutiny of social psychology. While some theorists have treated them as a deficient way of thinking, others have considered them as a form of political rhetoric with important social implications. We focus on conspiracy theories in the context of online public deliberation on legislation allowing registration of self-defined gender in Greece. Employing the tools of Critical Discursive Psychology, we analyse comments posted on the Ministry of Justice's website created for public consultation about the law change. We focus on the mobilization of conspiracy theories by people who oppose Law 4491/2017 (“Legal Recognition of Gender Identity – National Mechanism for the Development, Monitoring and Evaluation of Action Plans on Children's Rights and Other Provisions”). These commentators often argued that powerful groups are behind the proposed legislation, aiming at decreasing Earth's population, disrupting moral order, and violating humanness. We demonstrate how these constructions helped participants to perform various tasks, such as delegitimizing the legislation while at the same time avoiding the stigma of prejudice, promoting far-right political practices, and rebutting accusations of political partisanship. The results are discussed in relation to conspiracy theories’ role in countering “gender ideology” and in promoting cisgenderism and heteronormativity.
Foraging for the Optimal Dressing Scaffold to Carry Adipose-Derived Stromal/Progenitor Cells for Cell Therapy
Authors: Wu Chia-Chieh , Chen Ying-Che , Wu Yi-Chia , Huang Shu-Hung , Kuo Yur-Ren , Lee Su-Shin
Published: July 2022

In our daily plastic surgery practice, we have seen many chronic wounds that need new biotechnology to help and improve wound healing. Stem cells play a crucial role in regenerative medicine. Many pre-clinical researches had reported the beneficial paracrine effects of stem cell therapy for chronic wounds. Cell-friendly scaffolds may provide the protection and three-dimensional space required for adherence of stem cells, thus allowing these stem cells to proliferate and differentiate for treatment purpose. A successful scaffold may enhance the effects of stem cell therapy. In this presented series, the authors attempted to identify the most suitable scaffolds from several commercially available wound dressings that could sustain adipose-derived stromal/progenitor cells (ADSCs) survival. Therefore, we isolated ADSCs containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from GFP transgenic rats. The GFP (+) ADSCs and their progenies could be easily observed using a fluorescence microscope. Moreover, we analyzed the cytokines secreted in condition medium (CM) to understand the activities of ADSCs in various dressings. Our results showed that the foam dressings, hydrofiber, chitosan, and alginate plus carboxymethylcellulose were identified as the most suitable dressing materials. Higher concentrations of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were observed 48 h after loading them with GFP (+) ADSCs. Therefore, multiple topical cell therapy using ADSCs can be performed by applying suitable dressing scaffolds without repeated needle injections to deliver the stem cells into the wound bed. Based on their fluorescence property, the GFP (+) ADSCs can also possibly be used for testing biocompatibility of medical materials in the future.
Echoes and Antibodies: Legal Veridiction and the Emergence of the Perpetual Hepatitis C Subject
Authors: Seear Kate , Fraser Suzanne , Mulcahy Sean , Kagan Dion , Lenton Emily , Farrugia Adrian , valentine kylie
Published: July 2022

New drugs with the potential to cure hepatitis C have emerged. There is great optimism within medicine about the transformative potential of cure, but this overlooks the entrenched discrimination and stigma associated with both hepatitis C and injecting drug use and the role of law in re/producing it. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders such as policymakers, lawyers, and representatives from peer organisations (N = 30), Latour’s (2013) work on legal veridiction, Fraser and Seear’s (2011) conceptualisation of hepatitis C as a ‘gathering’, and Mol’s (2021) work on being, this paper explores the possibility that legal processes complicate the linear trajectory of progress and transformation cure promises. Our participants’ identify various legal processes that allow hepatitis C to echo or linger in people’s lives after treatment. These processes are remaking hepatitis C, and making perpetual hepatitis C subjects. We argue that we must grapple with these forces in the era of cure.
Vote for Visibility: Talent Hunts, Networked Infrastructures, and the Emergence of Northeast India’s First Reality TV Star
Authors: Singha Sagorika
Published: July 2022

This article explores the relationship between the arrival of early mobile communication technologies and the emergence of reality television (TV) contestants from the Northeast region, particularly Assam. It argues that such networked communication infrastructures enabled marginalised and aspirational publics to mobilise and assert their identities in an evolving mediascape; specifically, how these publics deploy telecommunication and media infrastructures to acquire media visibility. This correlation is examined via the success story of Debojit Saha—the first reality TV star from the Northeast. Significantly, his win was credited to a rigorous, coordinated SMS voting campaign conducted by local student and socio-political unions. Hitherto marginalised regional identities emerged as key players in development of the digital television culture in a neoliberal economy.
Famalismo Primero and Puerta Cerrada in Self-Managing Diabetes Among Hispanics: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Perez-Brescia M. , Beck C. Tatano , Alicea Planas J. , Newlin-Lew K. H. , Whittemore R. , Juarez A.
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence is increasing at concerning rates for Hispanics. Researchers have attempted to understand why through quantitative or qualitative studies. This meta-synthesis examines qualitative studies concerning barriers and facilitators that Hispanics face while managing their diabetes.

Method:

Noblit and Hare’s (1988) defined method of analysis was used to synthesize 15 qualitative studies on Hispanics’ diabetes self-management.

Results:

Findings revealed two themes: (a) famalismo primero and (b) puerta cerrada, translating to family first and closed door, respectively. In famalismo primero, Hispanics with T2D prioritize family, and receive support, motivation, and knowledge from them first; puerta cerrada is tied to barriers such as cost of services and patient–provider relationships.

Discussion:

Inclusion of family in diabetes self-management provides support and motivation for Hispanics. Hispanics experience barriers to access health care that may interfere with diabetes self-management, which need to be addressed to promote health equity.
Influence of Child Externalizing Behavior on Friendship Centrality and Reciprocity in Kindergarten Classrooms
Authors: Chow Jason C. , Granger Kristen L. , Broda Michael D. , Washington-Nortey Princess-Melissa
Published: July 2022

In this study, we examine friendship centrality and reciprocity between kindergarteners who exhibit externalizing classroom behaviors and their classroom peers. Teachers nominated children who display externalizing classroom behaviors, and we collected network data via individual interviews of 411 children (mean age = 6.7 years; SD = .33) from 21 kindergarten classrooms in four U.S. schools. We found that children nominated for elevated levels of externalizing behavior were significantly less central to the classroom friendship network (over and above the contribution of language skills), and this effect was magnified for boys and students in larger classrooms. Moderator analyses revealed a significant gender by behavior interaction, where the difference between boys and girls was conditional on externalizing behavior nomination. Similar main effect results were found when predicting whether or not students had a reciprocal friendship tie. Students who received a teacher nomination for externalizing behavior had 48% lower odds of having a reciprocal friendship tie, after controlling for language skills. We found no significant moderators of the behavior–reciprocity relation. We conclude our study with a discussion of our findings and recommendations for future research and practice.
Examining Latchkey Early Adolescents' Perceptions Related to Their Unsupervised Experiences After School: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study
Authors: Karababa Ali
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to describe the perceptions of latchkey early adolescents related to their unsupervised experiences after school. The sample consisted of 16 early adolescents (8 female-8 male) who accepted to participate in the research voluntarily, aged from 11 to 14 years old, attending a secondary school in the city of Denizli/Turkey. The qualitative research methodology was used in this research and the phenomenological was chosen as a study design. Based on interpretative phenomenological analysis following the semi-structured interviews which were audio-recorded, the results revealed the following six main themes: positive self patterns, negative self patterns, lack of perceived social support, perceived academic achievement, communication, and emotional state.
Measuring Nursing Home Performance Using Administrative Data
Authors: Wouterse Bram , Bakx Pieter , Wong Albert
Published: July 2022

To improve the quality of nursing home care, reliable estimates of outcomes are essential. Obtaining such estimates requires optimal use of limited data, especially for small homes. We analyze the variation in mortality and hospital admissions across nursing homes in the Netherlands during the years 2010–2013. We use administrative data on all nursing home clients. We apply mixed-effects survival models, empirical Bayes estimation, and machine-learning techniques to optimally use the available longitudinal data. We find large differences in both outcomes across nursing homes, yet the estimates are surrounded by substantial uncertainty. We find no correlation between performance on mortality and avoidable hospital admissions, suggesting that these are related to different aspects of quality. Hence, caution is needed when evaluating the performance of individual nursing homes, especially when the number of outcome indicators is limited.
Engaging With Vilifying Stereotypes: The Role of YouTube Algorithmic Use in Perpetuating Misinformation About Muslim Congresswomen
Authors: Ahmed Saifuddin , Gil-Lopez Teresa
Published: July 2022

This study examines the relationship between personal traits, news use via YouTube algorithmic searches, and engagement with misinformation about U.S. Muslim congresswomen. Based on analyses of survey data, we find that those with lower cognitive ability and frequent algorithmic use were more likely to believe and share misinformation. Republicans and those with higher levels of nationalism and prejudice against Muslims were also more likely to believe the misinformation. Moderation findings suggest that higher algorithmic use strengthens belief in misinformation about U.S. Muslim congresswomen. The results highlight the importance of both individual ideologies and systematic factors in understanding misinformation engagement.
‘I Just Don’t Drink’: Examining the Experiences of Young Adult Abstainers in Australia’s Changing Drinking Trends
Authors: Rahman Nicola , Sofija Ernesta , Sebar Bernadette
Published: July 2022

Increasing numbers of young adults in Australia are choosing to abstain from alcohol. Research demonstrates young adults encounter difficulties when choosing to abstain in settings where alcohol consumption is common or expected. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of abstainers aged 18–24 years to understand if the acceptance of their non-drinking practices is changing and how they managed their non-drinking practice in social contexts where alcohol consumption is common in Queensland, Australia. Drawing on the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism, we show how drinking practices are prevalent and powerful, evident through pressure from significant others to drink. Second, we show how young adults enact agency to deal with this pressure and participate as a non-drinker through (a) having a strong sense of being, (b) using an empowered verbal response to deflect pressure and (c) choosing alternative non-alcohol-related activities. The findings offer insight into how young adults wishing to refrain from alcohol may participate openly as abstainers in heterogenous drinking groups.
Acoustical characterization of three Ottoman masjids built in Algeria
Authors: Benferhat Mohamed Ladaoui , Debache Benzagouta Samira , Bouttout Abdelouahab , Martellotta Francesco
Published: July 2022

This paper aims at evaluating the acoustical quality of historical Ottoman masjids in Algeria. Measurements were carried out according to current international standards, allowing calculation of acoustical parameters including reverberation time, speech transmission index and Clarity. Three Ottoman masjids located in Algiers (Jedid, Ali-Bitchin, and Safir) were selected. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the acoustics of the prayer hall in relation to its worship use, assuming as a reference studies of existing masjids. Results showed that two of three worship spaces are generally reverberant under unoccupied conditions (with mid frequency reverberation times of about 3 s), while the other has reverberation time of about 1 s at medium frequencies. Speech intelligibility under unoccupied conditions is between poor and fair for Jedid and Ali-Bitchin masjids, while in Safir masjid values were generally above 0.6. Presence of architectural elements made C50 values quite scattered and characterized by a clear non-symmetrical distribution. Calculations to consider the effect of occupancy were also performed, resulting in significantly drier acoustics with improved clarity.
Phenomenal algorhythms: The sensorial orchestration of “real-time” in the social media manifold
Authors: Lupinacci Ludmila
Published: July 2022

If our sociality is intertwined with the logics of social media, then the examination of the temporalities that are immanent in these technologies contributes to the understanding of our very conditions of existence. And even if algorithmic sorting is increasingly employed to deliver what is “relevant” at the “right-time,” the notion of “real-time” still permeates these platforms’ operations. Through a critical phenomenological approach, I examine the interplay of chronological and algorithmic ordering. To operationalize the idea of temporality as both subjectively experienced and always arranged by the platforms themselves, I use rhythm as an analytical device. Based on accounts of lived experience obtained through the conduction of the diary-interview method with London-based social media users, I foreground how “the algorithm” is used as a vehicle to make sense of platforms’ temporalities, reflecting struggles and negotiations over social coordination and temporal control. I argue that realtimeness is also rhythmic, and can therefore be scrutinized as a “sensorial orchestration.”
The diffusion of international models in China’s Urban Employees’ Social Insurance
Authors: Müller Armin , ten Brink Tobias
Published: July 2022

This study seeks to explain why China’s Urban Employees’ Social Insurance (UESI) features models that can be considered internationally mainstream in three of its branches (pensions, work accidents and unemployment), but fringe models in the other two (healthcare and maternity). Focusing on learning as a mechanism of diffusion, it compares the five insurance programmes of the UESI regarding the influence of domestic and international factors on the outcomes. Compared to previous work on Latin America, the study identifies new factors influencing learning processes, such as economic transition in the case of unemployment insurance. Furthermore, the study finds deviations from previously established connections between the complexity of policy subsystems and the synthesis of different policy options. Nevertheless, the results largely corroborate previous arguments about complexity: policy subsystems with a smaller number of international models are more conducive to adopting simple, neat policy models.
Wave trapping due to composite pile-rock structure coupled with vertical barrier
Authors: Sreebhadra MN , Krishna KR Athul , Karmakar D
Published: July 2022

The wave transformation due to pile-rock porous structure in combination with vertical porous barrier is studied under oblique wave action. The pile-rock breakwaters consists of two rows of closely spaced piles and a rock core between them is effective in dissipating wave energy when compared with traditional rigid breakwaters due to its reduced deadweight of construction materials and additional stability. Three different cases of the vertical barrier configurations such as fully-extended barrier, bottom-standing barrier and surface-piercing barrier placed in front of the pile-rock porous structure are considered for the investigation. The numerical study is performed using the eigenfunction expansion and the associated orthogonal mode-coupling relations considering the continuity of pressure and velocity for the vertical barrier, seaward and leeward structural interfaces. The Darcy’s law is incorporated for the flow through porous media and the porosity factor of the structure is introduced using the complex porous effect parameter. The numerical results for the wave reflection, transmission and dissipation coefficient, wave force on front and rear side of porous structure along with the wave force on the barrier interface are evaluated for different hydraulic characteristics. The analysis is presented for varying structural porosity, angle of incidence, structural thickness, friction factor, length between vertical barrier and porous structure for the three different cconfigurations of vertical barrier. The numerical investigation performed in the present study will be useful for the design and analysis of the composite breakwater system to protect the offshore facility from high waves.
Comorbidities involving parasitic diseases: A look at the benefits and complications
Authors: Oliveira Fabrício Marcus Silva , Cruz Ruth Elizabeth , Pinheiro Guilherme Rafael Gomide , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal
Published: July 2022

Parasitic infections acquired by the population cause substantial morbidity worldwide, with individuals from developing countries being most affected. Some parasites remain in the host for long periods, settling in different organs, manipulating the flow of nutrients and metabolites, and influencing the immune response, favoring their adaptation. The host attempts to counteract the metabolic and immunological alterations and the possible damage caused by infection. These metabolic and immunological changes experienced by the host can influence the progression of other existing morbidities or those that will be acquired in the future. Cancer and metabolic diseases are also frequent causes of morbidity in the world population. The large numbers of individuals affected by cancer and metabolic diseases and the high prevalence of morbidity caused by parasitic diseases favor the development of comorbidity involving these pathologies. This review provides an overview of major advances in research on cancer and metabolic diseases associated with parasitic infections. Information about hosts and parasites such as alterations of the immune response, metabolism and adaptation mechanisms of the parasites, and parasitic molecules with therapeutic potential is provided, as well as the beneficial results or complications related to the comorbidities discussed herein. We emphasize the need to conduct additional studies addressing comorbidities associated with parasitic infections to improve the understanding of the impact of this association on the progression of morbidities, as well as the possibility of the therapeutic use of and therapeutic approaches involving parasites.
hsa-miR-607, lncRNA TUG1 and hsa_circ_0071106 can be combined as biomarkers in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Su Manna , Yu Tongxin , Yu Yongji , Cheng Qiuting , Zheng Yingying , Liao Rifang , Zeng Zhuanping
Published: July 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disorder that leads to alterations in gene regulation. ncRNAs have the characteristics of tissue specificity, disease specificity, timing specificity, high stability and post transcriptional regulation effect. These preconditions are more conducive to promote ncRNA to become a new biomarker for clinical diagnosis. Our study aims to explore the relationship between circRNA, lncRNA, miRNA and T2DM, and to evaluate their diagnostic value for T2DM. A total of 101 pairs of T2DM and controls were conducted in the study. QRT-PCR was used to study the differential expression of circRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs. ROC curve was used to estimate their diagnostic value in T2DM. Compared with healthy controls, the expression levels of hsa_circ_0071106, hsa_circ_0000284, hsa_circ_0071271, hsa-miR-29a-5p, hsa-miR-3690, hsa-miR-607, lncRNA MEG3 and lncRNA TUG1were higher in T2DM (all P < 0.05). The AUCs of hsa_circ_0071106, hsa-miR-607 and lncRNA TUG1 for diagnosis of T2DM were 0.563,0.645 and 0.642, respectively. The combined AUC of hsa-miR-607, lncRNA TUG1 and hsa_circ_0071106 was 0.798 ([0.720~0.875], P < 0.001). Moreover, the sensitivity of combined diagnosis was 75.2% and the specificity was 100.0%. The levels of lncRNA TUG1, hsa-miR-607 and hsa_circ_0071106 in peripheral blood have potential clinical diagnostic value for T2DM.
Acute joint swelling in psoriatic arthritis: Flare or “psout”—A 10-year-monocentric study on synovial fluid
Authors: Galozzi Paola , Oliviero Francesca , Scanu Anna , Lorenzin Mariagrazia , Ortolan Augusta , Favero Marta , Doria Andrea , Ramonda Roberta
Published: July 2022

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a multifaceted inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis that can affect peripheral joints, entheses, and the axial skeleton with a variable clinical course. Acute episodes of joint swelling in PsA patients can have different causes and require specific treatments. We aimed to describe the acute joint swelling in PsA patients via synovial fluid (SF) analyses, assessing in particular the presence of pathogenic crystals, to determine whether it is a flare or an acute episode of gout (“psout”) during the course of the disease. This retrospective study was based on the results of SF analysis of samples collected from unselected adult PsA patients referred to our clinic for acute joint swelling. Demographic characteristics, disease involvement, laboratory findings on SF, and treatment options were recorded and reviewed. Among 5,478 SF samples analyzed in a 10-year time span, 213 complete SF records from PsA patients were evaluated. Overall, after adjustment for the degree of synovial inflammation, significant differences were observed in term of sex ( p = 0.0017) and ongoing therapy ( p = 0.0246). Non-inflammatory SFs, indeed, were mainly described for female PsA patients under therapy. Regarding serum uric acid levels, there were 19/213 (8.9%) PsA with hyperuricemia (HU), who were older, mostly male, patients with mild articular involvement and rare pathogenic crystals in their SF. Although it is known that the risk of gout is higher among patients with PsA (“psout”), monosodium urate crystals were reported only in 5/213 SFs (2.4%) of our cohort and in 2/19 SFs (10.5%) of HU PsA patients. Moreover, hyperuricemia seems not to modify the SF features in PsA patients. This study results seem to suggest that the convergence of gout and PsA, involving the role of urate crystals, is a more intricate relationship, which needs further insights to be unraveled.
A Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy-Related Interventions for Pediatric Chronic Pain
Authors: Suder Ryan , DeBoth Kelle K. , Carrick Anna , Davis Julia , Farrar Brenna
Published: July 2022

Occupational therapists have distinct value providing pediatric chronic pain interventions (e.g., pain management, normalizing sensory responses, increasing participation); however, limited evidence exists. This review appraised empirical studies on occupational therapy pediatric chronic pain management. Three reviewers independently screened 2,401 titles, 250 abstracts, and 71 full-text sources for studies published in English, after 2008, and with sample sizes >10, participants <18 years, with chronic pain >3 months, and outcomes related to pain/function. Studies were assessed for risk of bias. The review included 23 studies on psychological, interprofessional, virtual/telehealth, or biomechanical management, demonstrating significant decreases in pain/disability. Most studies had high risk of bias for lack of randomization and control groups, and homogeneous sampling. The occupational therapists’ role in chronic pain interventions is still unclear. Research including larger, heterogenous samples is warranted to examine occupational therapy’s specific role providing pain interventions as part of a team.
Someone Must be Mindful: Trait Mindfulness as a Boundary Condition for Paradoxical Leader Behaviors
Authors: Qu Yuanmei (Elly) , Todorova Gergana , Dasborough Marie T.
Published: July 2022

Despite increased interest in the role of paradox in organizations, our understanding of paradoxical leader behavior (PLB) remains limited. We analyze PLB through the lens of cognitive dissonance theory and argue that trait mindfulness represents an important boundary condition shaping the effectiveness of PLB as a leadership style. This research sheds light on mindfulness and PLB, by investigating whether leader and follower trait mindfulness changes the impact of PLB on follower performance. Our analyses of multilevel, multisource, and multiphase data from 561 employees working in 54 teams show that PLB is positively related to follower performance when followers have high trait mindfulness. Furthermore, when followers and leaders are both low on trait mindfulness, PLB hurts follower performance. We thereby advance research on managing paradox, trait mindfulness, and the effectiveness of paradoxical leader behaviors for promoting follower performance.
The Role of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Modalities in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Chandra Akhil Avunoori , Vaishnav Avani , Shahi Pratyush , Song Junho , Mok Jung , Alluri R. Kiran , Chen Darren , Gang Catherine Himo , Qureshi Sheeraz
Published: July 2022

Background: Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is frequently used during spine surgery to mitigate the risk of neurological injuries. Yet, its role in anterior cervical spine surgery remains controversial. Without consensus on which anterior cervical spine surgeries would benefit the most from IONM, there is a lack of standardized guidelines for its use in such procedures. Purpose: We sought to assess the alerts generated by each IONM modality for 4 commonly performed anterior cervical spinal surgeries: anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF), anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), cervical disk replacement (CDR), or anterior diskectomy. In doing so, we sought to determine which IONM modalities (electromyography [EMG], motor evoked potentials [MEP], and somatosensory evoked potentials [SSEP]) are associated with alert status when accounting for procedure characteristics (number of levels, operative level). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of IONM data collected by Accurate Neuromonitoring, LLC, a company that supports spine surgeries conducted by 400 surgeons in 8 states, in an internally managed database from December 2009 to September 2018. The database was queried for patients who underwent ACCF, ACDF, anterior CDR, or anterior diskectomy in which at least 1 IONM modality was used. The IONM modalities and incidence of alerts were collected for each procedure. The search identified 8854 patients (average age, 50.6 years) who underwent ACCF (n = 209), ACDF (n = 8006), CDR (n = 423), and anterior diskectomy (n = 216) with at least 1 IONM modality. Results: Electromyography was used in 81.3% (n = 7203) of cases, MEP in 64.8% (n = 5735) of cases, and SSEP in 99.9% (n = 8844) of cases. Alerts were seen in 9.3% (n = 671), 0.5% (n = 30), and 2.7% (n = 241) of cases using EMG, MEP and SSEP, respectively. In ACDF, a significant difference was seen in EMG alerts based on the number of spinal levels involved, with 1-level ACDF (6.9%, n = 202) having a lower rate of alerts than 2-level (10.0%, n = 272), 3-level (15.2%, n = 104), and 4-level (23.4%, n = 15). Likewise, 2-level ACDF had a lower rate of alerts than 3-level and 4-level ACDF. A significant difference by operative level was noted in EMG use for single-level ACDF, with C2-C3 having a lower rate of use than other levels. Conclusions: This retrospective review of anterior cervical spinal surgeries performed with at least 1 IONM modality found that SSEP had the highest rate of use across procedure types, whereas MEP had the highest rate of nonuse. Future studies should focus on determining the most useful IONM modalities by procedure type and further explore the benefit of multimodal IONM in spine surgery.
A retrospective study comparing postoperative opioid prescribing practices in an academic medical centre
Authors: Girard Tanya , Dayan Natalie , Wilson Marnie Goodwin , Harris Miriam , El-Messidi Amira , Gosselin Sophie , Fleiszer David , Bonnici André , Villeneuve Eric , Lee Todd C. , McDonald Emily G.
Published: July 2022

Background:

In the midst of the North American opioid crisis, identifying and intervening on drivers of high-risk opioid prescriptions is an important step towards reducing iatrogenic harm.

Objectives:

We aimed to identify factors associated with variations in high-risk opioid discharge prescriptions, following select surgical procedures, to guide future quality improvement initiatives.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 1322 patients who underwent select open pelvic and open abdominal surgeries between January 1 and December 31, 2017, in a tertiary health care centre in Montreal.

Results:

Patients who underwent open abdominal surgeries were prescribed significantly higher daily doses of morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (45 mg; interquartile range, 30-60), than patients who underwent either a caesarean delivery (20 mg, 20-20) or a hysterectomy (30 mg, 22-30). After adjustment for multiple potential confounders, abdominal surgery was associated with 4 times the odds of receiving more than 50 MME at hospital discharge compared with pelvic surgeries (odds ratio, 3.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-11.97). The availability of postoperative preprinted order sets with fixed high doses of opioids was also highly associated with the outcome.

Conclusion:

In our institution, some surgeries were more likely to receive high-risk opioid prescriptions at discharge. Efforts to optimize safer prescribing practices should address the creation and/or updating of preprinted order sets to reflect current best practice guidelines. This initiative could be overseen by hospital pharmacy and therapeutics committees.
Urban Art in Lisbon: Emerging Opportunities and Career Aspirations
Authors: Campos Ricardo , Barbio Leda , Sequeira Ágata
Published: July 2022

This article focuses on contemporary urban art in the city of Lisbon. We understand urban art as an art world that has developed through a historical process that, in Portugal, is essentially three decades old. It began with the emergence of the subculture of graffiti in Portugal and it culminates in the gradual artification, commodification and institutionalization of graffiti and street art. We believe this was caused by a particular historical arrangement during the previous decade that produced extremely favourable conditions for the emergence of a set of artists in this field. This arrangement is characterized internationally by the expansion and recognition of street art and, on a national level (especially in Lisbon), by the actions of a number of agents (media, municipalities, art world, commercial entities, academia) that contributed to a higher visibility and legitimacy of this artistic community. Thus, we argue that a structure of opportunities was created that a allowed a number of actors to establish and define a strategy of professionalization in this field. In this article we analyse three types of opportunities: practice opportunities, symbolic, and financial. We consider the social actors that generate these opportunities as well as the way in which artists perceive them and adapt.
How reliable are the tactical measures obtained in soccer small-sided games? A test-retest analysis of observational instruments and GPS-based variables
Authors: Praça Gibson Moreira , Abreu Cristóvão de Oliveira , Rochael Marcelo , Moreira Pedro Drumond
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the test-retest reliability in both within and between-session reliability of commonly adopted tactical measures in small-sided games. GPS-based and observational tactical variables from three instruments were collected from a 4 versus 4 small-sided game played by 16 U-17 elite players. The games were played three times in the same training session (within-session reliability) and repeated after 1 week (between-session reliability). The reliability of the data was analyzed by calculating the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) for all dependent variables. Results showed good-to-excellent reliability and a low error for GPS-based tactical variables, mainly the width and length positioning (ICC  > 0.9, SEM < 10%, p < 0.05). Observational variables showed poor-to-moderate reliability, except the offensive performance measured by the FUT-SAT in the between-session analysis. It is concluded that GPS-based tactical variables show acceptable reliability and might be used for talent identification and training outputs assessment in soccer. The variability inherent to small-sided games is associated with both the open nature of the task and poor measurement quality. Increasing the quality of the instruments will likely provide a better view of the actual variability of this training tool.
Is Coronavirus Infection Associated With Musculoskeletal Health Complaints? Results From a Comprehensive Case-Control Study
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Bonna Atia Sharmin , Sarkar Abu-sufian , Islam Ariful
Published: July 2022

Objective:

This case-control study investigated the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and musculoskeletal health complaints (MHC). The specific aims of the study were (1) to compare the 1-month prevalence of MHC among post-acute COVID-19 patients and participants who never tested positive for COVID-19 matched by the former group’s age and gender; (2) to identify the predictors of MHC among all participants, and (3) define the factors independently associated with MHC in post-acute COVID-19 patients.

Methods and Analysis:

The study was conducted in Bangladesh from February 24 to April 7, 2022. The face-to-face interview was taken using a paper-based semi-structured questionnaire. MHC was measured using the musculoskeletal subscale of subjective health complaints produced by Eriksen et al. Descriptive analysis was conducted to compute MHC prevalence and compare them across groups. Multiple logistic analyses were employed to identify MHC predictors for the participants.

Results:

The prevalence of MHC was 38.7%. Adjusted analysis suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 infection was independently associated with MHC (AOR = 3.248,95% CI = 2.307-4.571). Furthermore, unemployment (AOR = 4.156, 95% CI = 1.308-13.208), moderate illness (AOR = 2.947,95% CI = 1.216-7.144), treatment in hospitals’ general word (AOR = 4.388,95% CI = 1.878-10.254) and health complaints after COVID-19 (AOR = 4.796,95% CI = 2.196-10.472) were found to be the predictors of MHC among post-acute COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion:

Our study found a robust association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and MHC and recommends that healthcare authorities be prepared to deal with the high burden of MHC among post-acute COVID-19 patients.
The Role of Ethical Leadership in Psychological Capital and Job Satisfaction of Immigrant Workers: Evidence From the Hotel Industry of Cyprus
Authors: Katircioglu Salih , Arasli Huseyin , Cizreliogullari Mehmet Necati
Published: July 2022

The goal of this research is to figure out the moderating act of ethical leadership on the effects of job satisfaction and psychological capital of employees. The Hotel industry in Northern Cyprus has been preferred with this respect. The study was conducted within the appropriate literature. Research-oriented data collection tools designed and used in accordance with the purposes of the research, research questions and hypotheses are surveyed. The findings of the study revealed the moderating role of ethical leadership (EL) on psychological capital (PsyCap) and job satisfaction (JS). It was also found that the participants were on the idea of working under equal conditions adopted via ethical leadership factors. The current study is a new era for the developmental issues of hospitality in terms of management and it is hoped that it will yield basic basements for further studies.
A Review on Antecedents and Consequences of Leisure Reading and Writing in Children
Authors: Birnbaum Lisa , Kröner Stephan
Published: July 2022

It is desirable that children engage in reading and writing beyond school. What is known about various individual and environmental variables that may be related to children’s leisure reading and writing? And how strong is existing evidence? Our scoping review aims at mapping research on leisure reading and writing in first- to fourth-graders. Using content analysis, we extracted 135 research findings, among them only 6 on leisure writing. In most findings, leisure reading and writing were considered as consequences of variables like reading competence, motivation, and attitudes. Considerably fewer findings included leisure reading and writing as antecedents. We discuss the need for more longitudinal and experimental studies and a stronger focus on the connection between leisure reading and writing.
Conceptualizing Graduates Attributes (GAs) in English Language Teacher Education Programs in Oman During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ali Holi Ibrahim Holi , Al-Saadi Zulaikha , Scatolini Sergio Saleem
Published: July 2022

This study seeks to contribute to the incipient pool of research on graduate attributes (GAs) by reporting on a study of the GAs of Omani English language teacher (ELT) education programs and the role being played in this area by the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA), formerly known as Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA). The study was qualitative and examined stakeholders’ perspectives and aspirations concerning the graduate attributes used in English language teacher education programs in Oman during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The data for the study was generated by (1) reviewing the pertinent literature, including OAAA’s documents and reports, and (2) interviewing online seven experts and practitioners from ELT programs in Oman. The findings reveal that the participants have diverse views of the GAs. Additionally, higher education institutions (or HEIs) encountered several common challenges with the mapping, actualizing, teaching, and assessing of GAs. Moreover, the existing GAs still need to be reviewed to fit the dynamic requirements of the labor market. The findings of the study have the potential to guide and support English teacher education providers in Oman in developing, reviewing, aligning, and mapping their GAs more effectively and impactfully.
Policy Impact Analysis of Housing Policies Using Housing Cycles
Authors: Bang Doo Won , Kwon HyuckShin
Published: July 2022

In Korea, there is a big difference in the rise and fall of apartment prices by region, so it is expected that there will be differences in regional economic indexes. So, to capture the housing market conditions, we developed the housing cycle by using the factor-augmented vector autoregressive model (FAVAR). In addition, we estimated the impacts of the Korean government’s housing policies on the housing cycle. The first is a net policy effect model, and the second is a comprehensive model with macroeconomic variables and regional variables. To estimate the effects of the policies, we considered financial, tax, and housing transaction policies. In the net policy effect model, we found that all policies, including an increase in the DTI (debt to income) ratio, the LTV (loan to value) limit, an acquisition tax reduction, a transfer tax deregulation, deregulation of the housing subscription policy, and a housing purchase right transfer, impacted the housing cycles at the period t − 1. This is why the Korean government announced policy enforcement in advance a month ago before policy implementation. In the comprehensive model, we found that the policies had statistically significant effects on housing cycles at the period t − 1, and we also found that the regional variables had an influence on the housing cycle. Therefore, the Korean government should consider the regional characteristics and time lag when it attempts to intervene in the housing market.
United States Tax Rates and Economic Growth
Authors: Peterson Ted , Bair Zachary
Published: July 2022

American politicians aim to create economic activity that will expand the economy and provide opportunities for citizens. Today (in 2022), President Joseph Biden presents an ambitious tax plan to grow the economy and provide for more equal opportunities. With Biden’s aim for a tax increase, this research examines the impacts of tax and other economic variables on economic wellbeing. In turn, this research provides a timely update on contributing factors to economic growth. Previous academic research shows the impacts of tax rates and common economic variables related to U.S. economic growth. We gather data from 1960 to 2020 to explore U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Through a series of multiple regression models, we find that increases in the highest statutory corporate and personal income tax rates reduce real GDP per capita. Growth in net exports of goods and services, M2 money supply, multifactor productivity and cost, collectively increase real GDP per capita, while, the personal savings rate, and the market value of gross federal debt decrease real GDP per capita. We recommend that if Congress elects to raise tax rates, it should start with the personal income tax rate.
Association of Subchondral Changes With Age and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Osteochondral Fractures in the Knee: MRI Analysis at 1 to 10 Years Postoperatively
Authors: Ackermann Jakob , Waltenspül Manuel , Merkely Gergo , Germann Christoph , Villefort Christina , Aufdenblatten Christoph , Fucentese Sandro F.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Predictive factors influencing outcomes after surgical fixation of osteochondral fractures (OCFs) in the knee, particularly time between injury and surgery, have not been determined.

Purpose:

To report imaging and clinical outcomes after OCF fixation and to assess the association between clinical scores and patient characteristics, lesion morphology, and appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We assessed the clinical and imaging outcomes of 19 patients after screw fixation for OCFs in the knee at a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Patient characteristics, lesion morphology, and time from trauma to surgery were reviewed for each patient. At final follow-up, patients completed a 100-point visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Tegner activity scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and patient satisfaction survey. Postoperative MRI scans were assessed using the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue), Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System, and bone marrow edema (BME) size.

Results:

The mean patient age at surgery was 21.3 ± 11.4 years, and the median time from trauma to surgery was 10 days (range, 0-143 days). The refixed OCF fragment failed in 1 (5.3%) patient on the lateral condyle at 15 months postoperatively. The mean follow-up for the remaining 18 patients was 4.7 ± 3.2 years, and postoperative outcomes were as follows: VAS pain score, 9.5 ± 17.9; Tegner score, 4.8 ± 2.3; KOOS–Pain, 85.9 ± 17.6, KOOS-Symptoms, 76.4 ± 16.1; KOOS–Activities of Daily Living, 90.3 ± 19.0; KOOS–Sport, 74.4 ± 25.4; and KOOS–Quality of Life, 55.9 ± 24.7. Overall, 84.2% were satisfied or very satisfied with outcomes. Patient age was significantly associated with KOOS subscale scores and subchondral imaging parameters including BME and presence of subchondral cysts, which in turn were the only imaging variables linked to clinical outcomes ( P < .05). Time from injury to surgery was not correlated with clinical or imaging outcomes.

Conclusion:

Fixation of OCFs yielded acceptable clinical and imaging outcomes at a mean 5-year follow-up with seemingly little influence of delayed surgical treatment. Postoperative subchondral changes were significantly associated with clinical outcomes and were linked to patient age at surgery.
Effectiveness of Information Sessions About COVID-19 Vaccines in Healthcare Professionals Working in Geriatrics
Authors: Girard Hélène , Bosshard Wanda , Krief Hélène , Büla Christophe J.
Published: July 2022

Objectives: To determine change in (a) perceived knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines; (b) level of confidence in transmitting information about vaccines; and (c) intention to get vaccinated; among healthcare professionals (HCP) working in a Swiss academic geriatric department who attended a 30-minute information session about COVID-19 vaccines. Measurements: At the session’s end, a self-administered questionnaire collected information about socio-demographics, personnel, and/or relatives’ experience with COVID-19. In addition, participants were asked to rate their: (a) perceived knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines; (b) level of confidence in transmitting information about COVID-19 vaccines to patients and relatives; and (c) intention to get vaccinated; before and after the session. Results: Overall, 97 (42.2% of all HCPs) participated to 14 sessions and completed the questionnaire. Improvements were observed in knowledge, confidence in providing information, and intention to be vaccinated after the session (all p < .001). Similar improvements were observed in subgroup analyses by gender, age groups, profession (involved in direct care or not), and previous experience with COVID-19 (all p < .010). However, HCP aged 20 to 29 years were less likely to feel completely confident in providing information than those aged 30 to 49 and 50+ years (17.1% vs. 43.2% vs. 44.0%, respectively, p = .031) and to report being very likely to be vaccinated (31.4% vs. 56.8% vs. 56.0%, respectively, p = .060). Conclusions: These information sessions positively influenced HCP knowledge, confidence in providing information, and, to a lesser extent, intention to be vaccinated. Younger HCP reported similar improvements but remained less likely to consider vaccination. Additional efforts are needed to convince these undecided HCP and enhance COVID-19 vaccines uptake.