bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The valuation effects of hotel mergers
Authors: Kim Seongsu David
Published: December 2021

This study aims to evaluate the merger effect of hotel mergers between 1981 and 2019 and assess which theoretical framework mergers in the lodging industry would conform. Previously, no work has been done about the nature of hotel mergers using the combined return, while this lack of thoroughness in assessing the motivation of those mergers has triggered different interpretations. The design of this study follows the traditional framework of an event study by assessing various types of cumulative abnormal returns around the announcement date. The key finding of this study suggests that the nature of hotel mergers strongly supports the synergy hypothesis. In order to explore the causal inferences of this result by bidder and target, an additional analysis was conducted by regressing the cumulative abnormal returns on accounting measures as well as merger- and hotel industry–specific variables. This panel data analysis showed that in a merger where both the bidder and target are affected, the amount of total debt, being engaged in the casino business, and whether the merger was involving a stock swap sent out positive signals to the market, whereby longer duration and higher deal value lifted the undervalued target.

JEL Classifications: G34 (Mergers; Restructuring; Corporate Governance)
How tourist information drives promotional efforts: A case study of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
Authors: Marques de Sousa Roberta , Pinto Mateus José Alves , Nakatani Marcia Shizue Massukado , Gomes Ewerton Lemos
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to analyze how tourist information generated by market research drives destination management and marketing organizations’ promotional efforts, expanding research about tourist information and the destination management and marketing organization's (DMMO) role. The focus is on describing the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's (GMCVB) marketing management that defines Miami/FL as a tourist destination. In this descriptive case study, the authors conducted bibliographic and documentary research and semi-structured interviews with the GMCVB. The results demonstrate the influence of information on the GMCVB's marketing management through four topics: Miami's image, the GMCVB's corporate structure, some GMCVB's initiatives, and the marketing campaigns. In conclusion, the study suggests that data collection through market research should be destination management and marketing organizations’ primary concern since information is the asset that will guide all their functions, strategies, and activities.
Cultural competence in multi-family psychoeducation groups: The experiences of Russian-speaking immigrant mothers of adults with severe mental illness
Authors: Knaifel Evgeny
Published: December 2021

The successful integration of cultural competence with evidence-based practices in mental health services is still limited for particular cultural populations. The current study explored culturally adapted family psychoeducation intervention for immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) in Israel who care for a family member with severe mental illness (SMI). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 immigrant mothers about their experience of taking part in Russian-speaking multi-family psychoeducation groups (MFPGs). Qualitative content analysis revealed five salient processes and changes that participants attributed to their engagement in the intervention: 1) from a language barrier to utilization of and satisfaction with services; 2) from a lack of information to acquiring new mental health knowledge; 3) from harboring a family secret to exposure and sharing; 4) from social isolation to cultural belonging and support; 5) from families blurring boundaries to physical and emotional separation. The results showed that these changes—linguistic, cognitive, emotional, socio-cultural and relational—improved family coping and recovery. Implications for cultural adaptation of family psychoeducation for Russian-speaking immigrants are discussed.
Mental illness, personhood, and transcendence: Spiritual and religious assistance in Catholic psychiatric contexts
Authors: Marques Tiago Pires
Published: December 2021

In recent decades, there have been many calls for the inclusion of spirituality and religion (S/R) in therapeutic contexts. In some contexts, this has been an institutionalized form of spiritual and religious assistance (SRA). This article examines the concepts and practices involved in SRA services at three psychiatric institutions in Portugal, a country with strong Catholic roots but increasing efforts at secularity and recognition of religious diversity. The case of a user who contacted the SRA service allows us to better grasp this new practice in action. Although some SRA practices have similarities with mindfulness, a systematic comparison allows us to explore the links between SRA and the global dynamics related to S/R in mental health and the particularities of Catholic spirituality. In the contexts observed, the transition from the Catholic hospital chaplaincy system to the SRA model is developing through the integration of features of the Catholic spiritual tradition with concepts and practices drawn from the psychology of religious experience. The accompaniment of the ‘whole person’ emerges as the central concept of this form of SRA. Spirituality gains significance as an integrative approach to the subjectivity fragmented by the illness and the fragmentation of care across multiple clinical specialties. Furthermore, the prioritization of the spiritual needs expressed by users suggests that SRA combines well with the individualistic rationales and the technification of care in the field of mental health.
Residual displacement estimation of the bilinear SDOF systems under the near-fault ground motions using the BP neural network
Authors: Wei Mingkang , Hu Xiaobin , Yuan Huanxin
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a comprehensive study of residual displacements of the bilinear single degree of freedom (SDOF) systems under the near-fault ground motions (NFGMs). Five sets of NFGMs were constructed in this study, in which the natural ones as well as the synthesized ones were both considered. By way of the nonlinear time history analyses, three different residual displacement spectrums were obtained and analyzed in detail. Utilizing the calculated data, a back propagation (BP) neural network was established to predict the residual displacements of the bilinear SDOF systems under the NFGMs. The results show that the structural parameters, including the strength reduction factor and the post-yield strength ratio, have significant and relatively consistent impacts on the residual displacement spectrum. However, the ground motion characteristics, including the fault type, the closest distance from the site to the fault rupture, the earthquake magnitude, and the site soil condition, exhibit more complex effects on the residual displacement spectrum. In addition, the proposed BP neural network can fully incorporate the parameters affecting the residual displacements of the bilinear SDOF systems under the NFGMs, while having a fairly good accuracy in predicting the residual displacements.
The role of elite education in social reproduction in France, Belgium and Chile: Towards an analytical model
Authors: Verhoeven Marie , Draelants Hugues , Ilabaca Turri Tomás
Published: December 2021

Using a societal analysis perspective that articulates structural, institutional and cognitive dimensions, this article outlines a model examining the contribution made by the schooling system to the social construction of elites. The model is put to the test by a comparative study of elitist educational pathways and their contrasting organisational modes in France, Belgium and Chile. The article shows that both the education of elites, and the role played by school in providing access to privileged social positions, continue to be marked by the distinctive historical construction of each society and education system, despite cross-cutting trends that are linked to globalisation.
German police recruits’ perception of skill transfer from training to the field
Authors: Staller Mario S , Koerner Swen , Heil Valentina , Abraham Andrew , Poolton Jamie
Published: December 2021

In order optimally to prepare police officers for the demands in the field, police training has to be designed representatively. However, for the German context, there is a scarcity of research investigating to what extent training meets the demands of the field. To fill this gap, the current study examined if police training in Germany meets the field demands of police officers based on the perspective of police recruits. Thirteen recruits from a German police force were interviewed in a semi-structured way to identify possible matches and discrepancies between training and the field. The qualitative were was analysed using content analysis. The results revealed that recruits valued police training very positively because they were able to apply learned skills and tactics in the field. However, results also indicated that: (a) key informational variables present in the field were missing in training, namely chaotic, highly dynamic situations; and (b) police officers need to be adaptable and flexible in the field to cope with the demands. Finally, the results suggested that police training focuses narrowly on dealing with extreme threats, which differs from the experiences recruits had in the field and may have drawbacks because continuously perceiving social situations as threatening and dangerous is a risk factor for aggressive behaviour. Taken together, the current study provides further insights into the wants and needs of recruits in police training.
A typology of alternative online political media in the United Kingdom: A longitudinal content analysis (2015–2018)
Authors: McDowell-Naylor Declan , Cushion Stephen , Thomas Richard
Published: December 2021

Alternative online political media (AOPM) have become increasingly prominent elements of the media system in many countries. In response, numerous academic studies have examined the nature of these newer forms of alternative media. In line with this recent scholarship, in this study we carry out a longitudinal and systematic content analysis of nine AOPM websites in the United Kingdom (UK) ( N = 3452) between 2015 and 2018. Overall, we found a diversity of content, contrasting values and degrees of partisanship, which we develop into a typology of outlets. This includes four overlapping areas: electoral hyperpartisans, cultural partisans, political cycle specialists and vernacular macro-blogs. We conclude by recommending that scholars need to develop more detailed content analyses in order to better understand online alternative media, their interactions with the wider media system, and the system itself.
Removal of Partially Deployed Supera Stents: Case-Based Review and Technical Considerations
Authors: Martin Guy , Antonietti Alberto , Patrone Lorenzo
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

Maldeployment of the Supera stent system can result in primary technical failure, inferior primary patency, and poorer patient outcomes. The purpose of this article is to present a case series illustrating the conditions required to perform optimal stent deployment, and if necessary, undertake successful stent removal following maldeployment.

Technique:

Two key failures of effective Supera deployment are elongation and invagination. Several technical factors should be considered to reduce the risk of maldeployment: aggressive target vessel predilation, the use of multiple fluoroscopic views, slow deployment with controlled forward pressure applied on the delivery device, “sandwich packing” of the stent above and below target lesions, and the “pulling back” of invagination. To successfully retrieve a partially deployed stent, 3 factors should be considered: the percentage of the stent already deployed, the distance from the distal tip of the introducing sheath to the proximal extent of the deployed stent, and the severity of proximal vessel disease. The higher these factors, the greater the risk of stent detachment and failed retrieval.

Conclusion:

In this series of 6 cases of maldeployment, the removal of a partially deployed Supera stent appeared to be feasible and safe, with success dependent on selected technical and anatomical considerations.
Toripalimab Combined With Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Versus Lenvatinib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yu-Jie , Lai Zhi-Cheng , He Min-Ke , Bu Xiao-Yun , Chen Huan-Wei , Zhou Yuan-Min , Xu Li , Wei Wei , Zhang Yao-Jun , Chen Min-Shan , Guo Rong-Ping , Shi Ming , Li Qi-Jiong
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy have synergistic effects in multiple malignancies. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of toripalimab plus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) of oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin versus lenvatinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: We conducted this retrospective study at 3 hospitals in China and eligible patients were 18 years or older and had a primary diagnosis of unresectable HCC with macroscopic vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic spread. These patients were treated with toripalimab plus HAIC or lenvatinib monotherapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease control rate per response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1, and objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST 1.1. The results were compared by Student's test or the chi-square test, and the survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and propensity-score matching (PSM) was used to reduce bias. Results: A total of 118 patients were recruited for this study: 53 in the TorHAIC group and 65 in the lenvatinib group. We found that the TorHAIC group showed a longer PFS (9.3 [95% CI, 7.81-10.8] vs 4.8 months [95% CI, 3.31−6.29]; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.57, 95% CI, 0.38-0.85; p = .006), a longer OS (17.13 [95% CI, 13.99−20.27] vs 10.1 months [95% CI, 8.14−12.06]; HR = 0.5, 95% CI, 0.31 − 0.81; p = .005), a higher disease control rate (86.8% vs 69.2%, p = .002) and a higher ORR (47.2% vs 9.2%, p < .001) by RECIST criteria than the lenvatinib group. Both toripalimab plus HAIC and lenvatinib had acceptable safety profiles. No treatment-related deaths occurred in this study. In the propensity score-matched cohorts (47 pairs), the outcomes in the TorHAIC group were also better than those in the lenvatinib group ( p < .05). Conclusion: Toripalimab plus HAIC was tolerable and effective in advanced HCC and the result needs to be confirmed in the phase III trial.
Financial Barriers to Mental Healthcare Services and Depressive Symptoms among Residents of Washington Heights, New York City
Authors: Pabayo Roman , Benny Claire , Liu Sze Yan , Grinshteyn Erin , Muennig Peter
Published: December 2021

Objectives: In the United States, Hispanics are more likely to experience financial barriers to mental health care than non-Hispanics. We used a unique survey to study the effect of these financial barriers on the severity of depressive symptoms among Hispanics who had previously been diagnosed as having depression. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2015 Washington Heights Community Survey, administered to 2,489 households in Manhattan, New York City. Multiple regression models and propensity score matching were used to estimate the association between financial barriers to mental health care and depressive symptoms and the likelihood of being clinically depressed. Results: Among those diagnosed with depression, those with financial barriers to mental health services or counseling had significantly higher (β = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.70) depressive symptoms. When propensity score matching was utilized, those with financial barriers to mental health services had significantly greater depressive symptoms (β = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.89) and were significantly more likely to be currently depressed (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.46, 3.89), in comparison to those who had access. Conclusions: Making mental health care more affordable and therefore more accessible to Hispanics is one step toward mitigating the burden on mental illness and decreasing health disparities.
The Effects of Concentrative Meditation on the Electroencephalogram in Novice Meditators
Authors: Duda Alexander T. , Clarke Adam R. , De Blasio Frances M. , Rout Thomas W. , Barry Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Following investigations into the benefits of meditation on psychological health and well-being, research is now seeking to understand the mechanisms underlying these outcomes. This study aimed to identify natural alpha and theta frequency components during eyes-closed resting and concentrative meditation states and examined their differences within and between two testing sessions. Novice meditators had their EEG recorded during eyes-closed resting and concentrative meditation conditions, before and after engaging in a brief daily concentrative meditation practice for approximately one-month. Separate frequency Principal Components Analyses (f-PCA) yielded four spectral components of interest, congruent between both conditions and sessions: Delta-Theta-Alpha, Low Alpha, High Alpha, and Alpha-Beta. While all four components showed some increase in the meditation condition at the second session, only Low Alpha (∼9.5-10.0 Hz) showed similar increases while resting. These findings support the use of f-PCA as a novel method of data analysis in the investigation of psychophysiological states in meditation.
A multi-factor integration-based semi-supervised learning for address resolution protocol attack detection in SDIIoT
Authors: Li Zhong , Zhuang Huimin
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, in the industrial Internet of things, address resolution protocol attacks are still rampant. Recently, the idea of applying the software-defined networking paradigm to industrial Internet of things is proposed by many scholars since this paradigm has the advantages of flexible deployment of intelligent algorithms and global coordination capabilities. These advantages prompt us to propose a multi-factor integration-based semi-supervised learning address resolution protocol detection method deployed in software-defined networking, called MIS, to specially solve the problems of limited labeled training data and incomplete features extraction in the traditional address resolution protocol detection methods. In MIS method, we design a multi-factor integration-based feature extraction method and propose a semi-supervised learning framework with differential priority sampling. MIS considers the address resolution protocol attack features from different aspects to help the model make correct judgment. Meanwhile, the differential priority sampling enables the base learner in self-training to learn efficiently from the unlabeled samples with differences. We conduct experiments based on a real data set collected from a deepwater port and a simulated data set. The experiments show that MIS can achieve good performance in detecting address resolution protocol attacks with F1-measure, accuracy, and area under the curve of 97.28%, 99.41%, and 98.36% on average. Meanwhile, compared with fully supervised learning and other popular address resolution protocol detection methods, MIS also shows the best performance.
Autonomy-oriented proximity mobile social network modeling in smart city for emergency rescue
Authors: Chunxiao Zhao , Junjie Guo
Published: December 2021

Nearest neighbor mobile social network means that movers approaching in position communicate through their social sensors, which is called Proximity Mobile Social Network. Proximity Mobile Social Network can provide more social and business opportunities for users. To carry out disaster relief work in post-disaster environment, we need to collect incident information during the search process and report to the sink in time. Proximity Mobile Social Network provides flexible systems for emergency handling and disaster relief. Therefore, how to find a better data forwarding and routing strategy is the key problem of post-disaster rescue, and the research of user mobility model is the basis of the above problems. This article presents an Autonomy-Oriented Proximity Mobile Social Network modeling for emergency rescue in smart city, which simulates the network operating environment. First, we verify the performance of Autonomy-Oriented Proximity Mobile Social Network model in terms of self-organization, scale-free, aggregation, and community structure. Then, the rescue efficiency is discussed through the coverage of mobile sensors. Finally, performance of the routing strategy based on Autonomy-Oriented Proximity Mobile Social Network model is analyzed, and the effectiveness of the method is proved.
Optimization of presser foot and needle bar driving mechanism based on the complex method principle
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Zhien , Chen Jianneng , Huang Shouzhi , Zhai Yibin
Published: December 2021

The rod presser foot and needle bar driving mechanism of the embroidery machine cannot achieve accurate parking time and position at high speed, which limits the development of high speed embroidery machine and make the quality of embroidery decline. Aiming at solving this bottleneck problem, the characteristics of the embroidery machine presser foot and needle bar driving mechanism based on analyzing the mechanism kinematics is developed. These characteristics and influences of each linkage parameters on the presser foot parking time and position are analyzed. Six main parameters are selected to optimize by using the complex method. Taking the parking position and linkage parameters as constraints, the parameters of the main linkages was optimized in order to obtain the maximum parking time of the presser foot mechanism. The results show that the optimized parameters is more reasonable and effective, the pause time of the presser foot mechanism is increased by 15.5%, and the parking position of the embroidery machine is at 100° ± 0.5° as required by the technological requirements, which satisfies the requirements of the coordinate movement of the needle bar-presser foot drive mechanism of the high-speed embroidery machine. The study also provides a method reference for the follow-up high-speed embroidery machine research and development.
An Anishinaabe Research Methodology that Utilizes Indigenous Intelligence as a Conceptual Framework Exploring Humanity’s Relationship to N’bi (Water)
Authors: Chiblow Susan
Published: December 2021

This article presents the utilization of an Anishinaabek Research Paradigm (ARP) that employs Indigenous Intelligence as a conceptual framework for qualitative Anishinaabek analysis of data. The main objective of the research project examines critical insights into Anishinaabek’s relationships to N’bi (water), N’bi governance, reconciliation, Anishinaabek law, and Nokomis Giizis with predominately Anishinaabek kweok, grassroots peoples, mishoomsinaanik (grandfathers), gookmisnaanik (grandmothers), and traditional knowledge holders. Drawing on Anishinaabek protocols, the enlistment of participants moved beyond the University requirements for ethics. This also includes “standing with” the participants in the act of inquiry, in knowledge, and continued relationships. The ARP for research emerged from Indigenous ways of seeing, relating, thinking, and being. This approach did not call for an integration of two knowledge systems but rather recognizes there are multiple ways of gathering knowledge. The article explains how “meaning-making” involves Indigenous Intelligence through Anishinaabek protocols holding the researcher accountable to the participants, the lands, the ancestors, and to those yet to come.
Rongomātau – ‘sensing the knowing’: An Indigenous Methodology Utilising Sensed Knowledge From the Researcher
Authors: Dell Kiri
Published: December 2021

The paper offers a methodology, stimulated by an Indigenous-Māori context, called rongomātau, or ‘sensing the knowing’. Rongomātau recognises the researcher as an absorbent being, with capabilities to feel into the energetic lives of others. More specifically, participant energies can be sensed and imprinted onto researchers. Sensing and identifying the felt world of another is done through recognising the researcher’s own embodied emotions. The intention of this paper is to provide a methodology for interpreting the ‘imprinted’ sensing onto the researcher and for its meaningful analysis. Traditional Western philosophies of knowledge creation have tended to regard bodily ways of knowing other than the five traditional (in Western terms) bodily senses as incapable of contributing to genuine knowledge. However, Indigenous communities have not marginalised their bodies from the generation of knowledge and have paradigms that reflect sensing and its integration into knowledge. The paper demonstrates how Indigenous concepts and language can be utilised to bring new perspectives to sensing in research. To do so, the author provides an insider account of her own imprinted sensed experiences in conducting a specific research project and how these contributed to her findings. The methodology involves the collection and analysis of data through a frame of three dimensions: connecting in (self-inner world), connecting out (external physical world) and connecting to the whole (higher/spiritual consciousness), to achieve holistic ways of theorising. The rongomātau methodology is applicable in non-Indigenous contexts and can help researchers integrate their senses into research. Methodologies that help researchers interpret and give meaning to their sensing experiences remain largely unavailable. This paper begins to address that gap.
Reflective Interviewing—Increasing Social Impact through Research
Authors: Nardon Luciara , Hari Amrita , Aarma Katlin
Published: December 2021

Scholars are increasingly calling for research that “makes a difference” through theoretical, practical, societal, and educational impacts. Recognizing that academic research lags behind practitioners’ issues and that most academic writing is inaccessible to those who need the knowledge, some scholars are calling for embedding social impact in the research process itself. We argue that participant reflection can increase social impact by changing the way individuals think, behave, and perform. Research interviews can be interventionist with the potential to facilitate participant reflection; however, the current literature on the topic is fragmented. We combine this fragmented literature with discussions of social impact and interview techniques to propose interview principles to facilitate participant reflection toward social impact. We hope to stimulate researchers across a broad range of disciplines to think more intentionally about the impactful role of a common qualitative methodological tool, interviews, to support research participants and engage in socially meaningful research.
Fat Studies and Arts-Based Approaches: Positioning the Need for “Movement”
Authors: Haney Carly-Ann , Sitter Kathleen C.
Published: December 2021

Fat studies is a field of study that provides critiques and disrupts western biomedical assumptions about fatness. Various methodologies are taken up within the field of fat studies; however, arts-based methods offer unique and distinct methodological insights to the field. Addressing these important intersections, this methodological paper illuminates three broad arts-based research methods used in fat studies and how these methods highlight important themes of disruption, space, and temporalities. In particular, the importance of temporalities and time captured paper through arts-based methods covered are noteworthy. In the space of fat temporality, we end with a critical invitation for fat studies and arts-based scholars to innovate work using the method of performance art, specifically how performance can facilitate unique insights to create new knowledge at the intersection of fat studies and arts-based research.
Leader–follower formation with reduction of the off-tracking and velocity estimation under visibility constraints
Authors: Arteaga-Escamilla C. Mauricio , Castro-Linares Rafael , Álvarez-Gallegos Jaime
Published: December 2021

This article addresses the time-varying leader–follower formation control problem for nonholonomic mobile robots, under communication and visibility constraints. Although the leader–follower formation control under visibility constraints has been studied, the elimination of the off-tracking effect has not been widely addressed yet. In this work, a new method to eliminate the off-tracking effect, considering the time-invariant formation as a tractor–trailer system, for unknown and circular tractor paths, taking into account the visibility constraints, is proposed. For a time-varying formation with not circular tractor’s path, the proposed method significantly reduces the off-tracking. Only the relative position and the relative orientation, provided by the on board monocular camera, are required. Thus, both the leader robot’s absolute position and the leader robot’s velocities are not needed. Furthermore, to avoid explicit communication among the robots, an extended state observer is implemented to estimate both the translational and the rotational leader’s velocity. In this way, the desired tasks are executed and achieved in a decentralized manner. For a time-varying formation, with constant leader robot’s velocities, the proposed control strategy, based on the kinematic model, guarantees that the formation errors asymptotically converge to the origin. Based on the Lyapunov theory, the stability proof of the formation errors dynamics is shown. Simulation results, considering time-varying leader robot’s velocities, show the efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Healthcare providers perception of therapeutic patient education efficacy according to patient and healthcare provider characteristics
Authors: Loyal Deborah , Ricci Laetitia , Villegente Julie , Ayav Carole , Kivits Joelle , Rat Anne-Christine
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Therapeutic patient education improves numerous health and psychological outcomes in patients with chronic diseases. However, little is known about what makes a therapeutic patient education intervention more effective than another one. This study aims to identify in healthcare professionals the perceived determinants of therapeutic patient education efficacy at the individual level.

Methods

Semi-structured individual interviews have been conducted with healthcare professionals (HCP, n=28, including 20 nurses) involved in therapeutic patient education programs ( n=14) covering various chronic conditions (kidney and cardiovascular diseases, chronic pain, diabetes, etc.). A thematic content analysis following an inductive approach was used (Nvivo.11 software).

Results

Five themes were retrieved for patient characteristics: understanding and education, personality, readiness and motivation, social environment, and misinformation and beliefs. Four themes were retrieved for healthcare professionals’ characteristics: medical knowledge, appropriate attitude and relational skills, pedagogical skills, and training.

Discussion

Patient personality is rarely discussed in the literature. Patients who are introverted, lack curiosity, or are not compliant might benefit from specific therapeutic patient education practices or formats. All these potential determinants regarding patients and healthcare professionals should be routinely assessed in future studies about therapeutic patient education efficacy to understand precisely what makes an intervention successful.
The experience of caregivers of chronically ill patients during the COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ruksakulpiwat Suebsarn , Zhou Wendie , Phianhasin Lalipat , Benjasirisan Chitchanok , Fan Yuying , Su Tingyu , Chiaranai Chantira
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the difficulties that caregivers of chronically ill patients experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide directions for future studies.

Methods

Five electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus Full Text, EMBASE, and Scopus, were systematically searched from January 2019 to February 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were employed for the literature screening, inclusion, and exclusion. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was adopted for qualifying appraisal.

Results

Six studies met the study criteria, including three quantitative studies, two qualitative studies, and one mixed-method study. Mental health, personal experience, financial problems, physical health, and improvement approaches were the major five themes that participants reported regarding the impact of COVID-19 they encountered during the pandemic.

Discussion

The results could heighten healthcare providers, stakeholders, and policy leaders' awareness of providing appropriate support for caregivers. Future research incorporating programs that support caregivers’ needs is recommended.
Endothelin receptor type A is involved in the development of oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia acting through spinal and peripheral mechanisms in rats
Authors: Matsuura Kae , Sakai Atsushi , Watanabe Yuji , Mikahara Yasunori , Sakamoto Atsuhiro , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: December 2021

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, frequently causes severe neuropathic pain typically encompassing cold allodynia and long-lasting mechanical allodynia. Endothelin has been shown to modulate nociceptive transmission in a variety of pain disorders. However, the action of endothelin varies greatly depending on many variables, including pain causes, receptor types (endothelin type A (ETA) and B (ETB) receptors) and organs (periphery and spinal cord). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of endothelin in a Sprague–Dawley rat model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. Intraperitoneal administration of bosentan, a dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, effectively blocked the development or prevented the onset of both cold allodynia and mechanical allodynia. The preventive effects were exclusively mediated by ETA receptor antagonism. Intrathecal administration of an ETA receptor antagonist prevented development of long-lasting mechanical allodynia but not cold allodynia. In marked contrast, an intraplantar ETA receptor antagonist had a suppressive effect on cold allodynia but only had a partial and transient effect on mechanical allodynia. In conclusion, ETA receptor antagonism effectively prevented long-lasting mechanical allodynia through spinal and peripheral actions, while cold allodynia was prevented through peripheral actions.
Development of the Scientific Research Competency Scale for nurses
Authors: Duru Pınar , Örsal Özlem
Published: December 2021

Background

The planning, implementation, finalisation and reporting of high-quality research depends on the knowledge, skills and competencies of the many individuals who make carrying out the research possible.

Aims

This study aims to develop a valid and reliable scale in order to identify the scientific research competencies of nursing professionals at undergraduate and graduate level.

Methods

This methodological study was carried out on 937 nursing personnel, 422 (45%) of whom were academic members and 515 (55%) were undergraduate students. The Anxiety Scale Towards Research and the Attitude Scale Towards Scientific Research were used for the criterion validity.

Results

The Scientific Research Competency Scale comprises 57 items in four sub-dimensions named as ‘technical skills’, ‘attitude and behaviours’, ‘estimation capacity’ and ‘foreign language skill’. The Cronbach alpha, Guttmann split-half and Spearman Brown reliability coefficients for the scientific research competency scale were, respectively, 0.98, 0.96 and 0.96. The sensitivity and specificity value, by which the research competency of individuals could be determined with minimum error, was indicated to be at 190 breakpoints of the scientific research competency scale.

Conclusions

As a result, the scientific research competency scale developed is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to determine the scientific research competencies of nursing professionals.
The ‘Cruciform Test’: A diagnostic tool to detect pectoralis major rupture
Authors: Cobb Timothy E , Alexander Susan , Reynolds Andy P , Wallace Andrew L
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Pectoralis major (PM) rupture is a severe injury that untreated can lead to a profound functional deficit. Early surgical repair can greatly improve outcomes and give a more predictable timetable for recovery, making this the goal of current treatment. Surgical intervention is also essential to return professional athletes to their previous level of competition. However, there is no single, reliable and easily reproducible test that can be used to establish the diagnosis. We describe ‘The Cruciform Test’; a method of identifying PM rupture that can be used for initial diagnosis either in clinic or a pitch-side environment, or to assess restoration of normal anatomy and function post-operatively.

Methods

We studied a series of 14 patients who underwent open PM repair in order to evaluate this method of assessment.

Results

All patients had a positive test pre-operatively. 5 were formally tested at post-operative follow-up and all had a negative result.

Discussion

The Cruciform Test is a simple and reproducible diagnostic tool that has potential as a clinical indicator of both PM rupture and successful repair. It can therefore contribute to earlier diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention and facilitate return to play at the earliest opportunity.
Angled BIO-RSA leads to better inclination and clinical outcomes compared to Standard BIO-RSA and eccentric reaming: A comparative study
Authors: Franceschetti Edoardo , Giovannetti de Sanctis Edoardo , Gregori Pietro , Paciotti Michele , Palumbo Alessio , Franceschi Francesco
Published: December 2021

Background

Two surgical techniques were compared : Standard BIO-RSA, performed with a glenoid eccentric reaming along with a cylindric bone graft augmentation vs. the Angled BIO-RSA, performed with a glenoid concentric reaming and a defect correction with an angled bone graft.

Methods

Patients undergoing RSA from January 2016 to April 2019, with one of the two techniques being performed, were retrospectively reviewed. Glenoids were classified according to Favard. Clinical (Constant-Murley, VAS and ROM) and radiographic (superior tilt correction) data were collected pre-operatively and at 12 months post-operatively.

Results

141 shoulders were included. Angled BIO-RSA group showed statistically significant better outcomes in terms of forward flexion (149.9° Vs 139.3°) and abduction (136.4° Vs 126.7°). The use of an Angled BIO-RSA showed a statistically significant better superior tilt correction (1.252° Vs 4.09°). Angled BIO-RSA, leads to a better inclination correction and a mean postoperative tilt value inferior to 5° in E1 and E3 differently from standard BIO-RSA.

Discussion

Both techniques were able to correct glenoid superior inclination with excellent postoperative short-term results. However, angled BIO-RSA technique appears to be more effective in ensuring a correct inclination of the prosthetic glenoid component with better clinical outcomes.
An effect of value co-creation on student benefits in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Leem Byung–Hak
Published: December 2021

The study is to propose a theoretical framework for a value co-creation process based on Service Dominant logic and to explore the effect of value co-creation on student benefits in a higher education environment. We applied value co-creation in an online education platform during the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted an empirical analysis on the value co-creation theory in higher education. We found the following results. First, co-production not only directly affects the value-in-use, but also affects student benefits, consisting of satisfaction and loyalty. Second, value-in-use also has a direct effect on student benefits and is more important than co-production in increasing student benefits in an online education platform. This study extends the Service Dominant logic theory by applying the Service Dominant logic, which has been widely studied in service marketing, to the higher education environment. This study also helps university stakeholders to understand the value of online education platform, understand the diversification of online education modalities, and understand the perspective of students as co-creator.
The Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Phlorotannins from the Edible Brown Algae, Ecklonia sp. and Eisenia sp
Authors: Sugiura Yoshimasa , Katsuzaki Hirotaka , Imai Kunio , Amano Hideomi
Published: December 2021

Because the number of people suffering from allergies has significantly increased, improved ways of treating these conditions by medical, pharmaceutical, and dietary means are required. Large numbers of studies on allergy have been conducted, and many anti-allergic compounds have been found. Phenolic compounds from terrestrial plants, including catechins and flavonoids, possess anti-allergic properties. Although polyphenols are present in some brown algae, their anti-allergic activities were not studied in detail before the 1990s. The focus was on the algal polyphenols, collectively called phlorotannins (eg., eckol, 6,6′-bieckol, 8,8′-bieckol, dieckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol-A), and research was conducted to clarify their anti-allergic activities. This review summarizes the anti-allergic effects of phlorotannins isolated from the brown alga, Eisenia nipponica, and related reports by other research groups.
The Populist Communication Strategy in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Cassell Kaitlen J.
Published: December 2021

Populism has captured the world's attention, especially during election campaigns where the starkness of populist messages comes into sharper focus. While most research focuses either on the content that actors communicate or their delivery of that content, I situate my research among the few studies that do both. I refer to this combination as a communication strategy. I evaluate two research questions: how is the populist communication strategy used and how do the communication strategies of populist and non-populist actors differ? To assess these questions, I collect original data during five national elections that occurred between 2018 and 2019: Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Italy, and Spain ( N = 1,577). I measure different elements of communication strategies, including both content and style, in the Tweets of national-level candidates. I find stark differences in communication styles in both what actors talk about and how they convey their messages. This finding suggests that how actors convey their ideas is critical to advancing our understanding of actors’ overall communication strategies.
Funding Democracy: Public Media and Democratic Health in 33 Countries
Authors: Neff Timothy , Pickard Victor
Published: December 2021

This study examines whether and how public media systems contribute to the health of democracies in 33 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, the Middle East, Latin America, and South America. We gather national economic data and public media funding levels, audience shares, and regulatory data, primarily for 2018 and 2019 but in some cases earlier, due to lack of available data. We then assess correlations with strength of democracy indices and extend Hallin and Mancini's typology of North American and European media systems through hierarchical cluster analysis of these 33 countries. We find five models of public media systems around the world, ranging from “state-administered” systems with low levels of independence (Botswana and Tunisia) to systems aligning with Hallin and Mancini's “Democratic Corporatist” model, with strong and secure (multiyear) funding, large audience shares, and strong regulatory protection for their independence. In between, we identify three mixed models: a “Liberal-Pluralist” model, a “Direct Funding” model, and a “Commercial–Public” model. Correlations and cluster analyses show that high levels of secure funding for public media systems and strong structural protections for the political and economic independence of those systems are consistently and positively correlated with healthy democracies.
Of waters and bridges
Authors: Houssay-Holzschuch Myriam
Published: December 2021

The commentaries in this forum provide thoughtful and stimulating responses to my article, ‘Keeping You Post-ed’. My answer will first focus on naming specific periods of time, after which I focus on the impact that the designation ‘post’ has, and for how long, before moving to the question of new languages. Finally, I suggest that we should relinquish the optimism too often nested in a ‘post’ situation and rather concentrate on labors that convey hope.
The risk of being culpable for or involved in a road crash after using cannabis: A systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: White Michael A. , Burns Nicholas R.
Published: December 2021

Background

The development of drug driving policies should rest on sound epidemiological evidence as to the crash risks of driving after using psychoactive drugs. The findings from individual studies of the increased risk of crashing from the acute use of cannabis range in size from no increase (and perhaps even a protective effect) to a 10-fold increase. Coherent cannabis-driving policies cannot readily be developed from such an incoherent evidence base. A weighted average measure of risk, as provided by a meta-analysis, might be useful. However, if the range of risks found in the cannabis-crash studies reflects the different ways that a variety of biases are being expressed, then the simple application of a meta-analysis might provide little more than an average measure of bias. In other words, if the biases were predominantly inflationary, the meta-analysis would give an inflated estimate of crash risk; and if the biases were predominantly deflationary, the meta-analysis would give a deflated estimate of risk.

Review

We undertook a systematic search of electronic databases, and identified 13 culpability studies and 4 case–control studies from which cannabis-crash odds ratios could be extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses gave summary odds ratios of 1.37 (1.10–1.69) for the culpability studies and 1.45 (0.94–2.25) for the case–control studies. A tool was designed to identify and score biases arising from: confounding by uncontrolled covariates; inappropriate selection of cases and controls; and the inappropriate measurement of the exposure and outcome variables. Each study was scrutinised for the presence of those biases, and given a total ‘directional bias score’. Most of the biases were inflationary. A meta-regression against the total directional bias scores was performed for the culpability studies, giving a bias-adjusted summary odds ratio of 0.68 (0.45–1.05). The same analysis could not be performed for the case–control studies because there were only four such studies. Nonetheless, a monotonic relationship was found between the total bias scores and the cannabis-crash odds ratios, with Spearman's rho  =  0.95, p  =  0.05, indicating that the summary odds ratio of 1.45 is an overestimate. It is evident that the risks from driving after using cannabis are much lower than from other behaviours such as drink-driving, speeding or using mobile phones while driving. With the medical and recreational use of cannabis becoming more prevalent, the removal of cannabis-presence driving offences should be considered (while impairment-based offences would remain).