bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lexical Stress Identification in Cochlear Implant-Simulated Speech by Non-Native Listeners
Authors: Everhardt Marita K. , Sarampalis Anastasios , Coler Matt , Bașkent Deniz , Lowie Wander
Published: January 2024

This study investigates whether a presumed difference in the perceptibility of cues to lexical stress in spectro-temporally degraded simulated cochlear implant (CI) speech affects how listeners weight these cues during a lexical stress identification task, specifically in their non-native language. Previous research suggests that in English, listeners predominantly rely on a reduction in vowel quality as a cue to lexical stress. In Dutch, changes in the fundamental frequency (F0) contour seem to have a greater functional weight than the vowel quality contrast. Generally, non-native listeners use the cue-weighting strategies from their native language in the non-native language. Moreover, few studies have suggested that these cues to lexical stress are differently perceptible in spectro-temporally degraded electric hearing, as CI users appear to make more effective use of changes in vowel quality than of changes in the F0 contour as cues to linguistic phenomena. In this study, native Dutch learners of English identified stressed syllables in CI-simulated and non-CI-simulated Dutch and English words that contained changes in the F0 contour and vowel quality as cues to lexical stress. The results indicate that neither the cue-weighting strategies in the native language nor in the non-native language are influenced by the perceptibility of cues in the spectro-temporally degraded speech signal. These results are in contrast to our expectations based on previous research and support the idea that cue weighting is a flexible and transferable process.
Effect of the Visual Illusion on Stepping-Over Action and Its Association with Gaze Behavior
Authors: Sakurai Ryota , Kodama Kentaro , Ozawa Yu , Kobayashi-Cuya Kimi Estela
Published: January 2024

An adequate foot clearance height while stepping over an obstacle is important for safety in daily life. In the present study, we examined whether visual illusions affect foot clearance during a stepping-over action, and whether this is further influenced by gaze behavior. Twelve participants stepped over an obstacle placed four meters away under conditions of three different obstacle characteristics: white, horizontal, or vertical lines. We measured the participants’ foot clearances during the step-over action and their gaze behavior during the approaching phase. Participants stepped significantly higher over the obstacles in the vertical lines (illusion) condition. The duration of gaze fixation on the obstacle positively correlated with increased foot clearance in the vertical condition, suggesting that the effect of the visual illusion on foot clearance was enhanced by prolonged gaze fixation. Conversely, prolonged fixation negatively correlated with foot clearance in the white (control) condition, implying that a cautious perception of an obstacle may contribute to efficient stepping-over action.
Fluidity in Reporting Gender Identity Labels in a Sample of Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults, Los Angeles, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana, 2017-2019
Authors: Ocasio Manuel A. , Fernandez M. Isabel , Ward Demi H.S. , Lightfoot Marguerita , Swendeman Dallas , Harper Gary W.
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Treating gender identity as a fixed characteristic may contribute to considerable misclassification and hinder accurate characterization of health inequities and the design of effective preventive interventions for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents and young adults. We examined changes in how an ethnically and racially diverse sample of TGD adolescents and young adults reported their gender identity over time, the implications of this fluidity on public health, and the potential effects of misclassification of gender identity.

Methods:

We recruited 235 TGD adolescents and young adults (aged 15-24 y) in Los Angeles, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana, from May 2017 through August 2019 to participate in an HIV intervention study. We asked participants to self-report their gender identity and sex assigned at birth every 4 months for 24 months. We used a quantitative content analysis framework to catalog changes in responses over time and classified the changes into 3 main patterns: consistent, fluctuating, and moving in 1 direction. We then calculated the distribution of gender identity labels at baseline (initial assessment) and 12 and 24 months and described the overall sample by age, race, ethnicity, and study site.

Results:

Of 235 TGD participants, 162 (69%) were from Los Angeles, 89 (38%) were Latinx, and 80 (34%) were non-Latinx Black or African American. Changes in self-reported gender identity were common (n = 181; 77%); in fact, 39 (17%) changed gender identities more than twice. More than 50% (n = 131; 56%) showed a fluctuating pattern.

Conclusions:

Gender identity labels varied over time, suggesting that misclassification may occur if data from a single time point are used to define gender identity. Our study lays the foundation for launching studies to elucidate the associations between shifting gender identities and health outcomes.
Choice Preference of Middle-Aged and Elderly People on Integrated Medical Services and Elderly Care Model: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Qin Shangren , Zhou Mengqiu , Cheng Yenuan , Zhao Junjie , Ding Ye
Published: January 2024

Facing the increasingly severe aging situation, China has started to implement the “integrated medical services and elderly care (IMSEC)” policy, which covers a variety of IMSEC models. However, there is currently little research on middle-aged and elderly people’s choice preference for these IMSEC models and their associated factors. Through the face-to-face questionnaire method, the choice preference of middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 years and over in Zhejiang Province, China, to the IMSEC model is explored. Through the multinomial logistic regression model, the influencing factors of choice preference are analyzed. A total of 1034 people are included in 2022. Their choice preference for the 4 major types of IMSEC models are Home IMSEC model (48.07%), Community IMSEC model (23.79%), Institutional IMSEC model (21.76%), and Internet Plus IMSEC model (6.38%). “C1. Home elderly care and contracted with a family doctor” is the most chosen subtype, accounting for 34.53%. The rural elderly are more likely to choose “Home IMSEC model” (OR(95%CI) = 2.977(1.343-6.601)). Elderly people with relatively large life care needs are more likely to choose “Institutional IMSEC model” (OR(95%CI) = 1.114(1.042-1.190)). Moreover, age, education, and self-reported health status are also influencing factors of choice preference. The government should focus on promoting the development of the “Home IMSEC model” and increase the promotion of “Internet Plus IMSEC model.” In addition, the life care service capacity and spiritual comfort capacity of IMSEC institutions, as well as the medical service capacity of the community, need to be enhanced.
Psychosexual dysfunction in male patients with cannabis dependence and synthetic cannabinoid dependence
Authors: Asal Abdelrahman A , Ayoub Doaa R , Mazen Mohamed E , El Makawi Shirin M
Published: January 2024

Objective

There are inconsistent reports regarding the relationship between cannabis use and male sexual function with almost no data about synthetic cannabinoids (SC) and their effect on male sexual functions. This study investigated psychological concerns related to male sexual functions among cannabis and SC users. The research assessed different sexual functions and aspects of sexual psychopathology in cannabis and SCs dependent men compared to controls.

Method

Thirty male patients with cannabis dependence, thirty male patients with SCs dependence, and thirty matched controls from the outpatient clinic at Kasr Al Ainy hospital, Egypt, were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Sexuality scale.

Results

The means of IIEF questionnaire in the cannabis and SC group were significant lower (worse) than the means of the control group ( P < .001) except the orgasmic function in cannabis group ( P = .052). In the SCs group, sexual depression was higher and preoccupation lower than in the cannabis group ( P < .020; P < .003, respectively) and control groups ( P < .001; P < .001, respectively). The duration and dose of cannabis and SCs correlated significantly with sexual esteem, sexual preoccupation and all domains of IIEF.

Conclusion

Cannabis and SC dependence were associated with lower erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction, and lower orgasmic functions in the SC group than controls. Both groups showed higher sexual depression, lower sexual esteem and sexual preoccupation than controls. SC has a higher negative impact on male sexual functions and psychopathology than does cannabis.
Optimized Nomogram for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Prognosis Prediction in Younger Patients (Aged 18-59): Development and Validation
Authors: Zhai Xiaomin , Yuan Jun , Su Xiaolei , Zhang Honglei , Guo Rui
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

To develop a nomogram model for the predicted overall survival (OS) in patients aged 18 to 59 years with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and assess the value of the clinical application.

Methods:

In total, 1334 registers of NPC patients from 2010 to 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to screen out independent risk factors affecting patients. Cox analysis predicted OS for patients with NPC at 3, 5, and 8 years. Nomogram performance was validated using the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results:

Age, sex, race, marital, histological type, tumor size, AJCC stage, and radiotherapy were independent risk factors. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68-0.71] for the training set, and the C-index of the AJCC stage was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.62-0.65), both statistically significant ( P < .01). The area under the curve for the nomogram at these intervals (0.755, 0.729, and 0.729, respectively) was higher than that of the AJCC stage (0.667, 0.646, and 0.646, respectively), indicating better predictive accuracy. The calibration curves revealed a high degree of agreement between the observation and the prediction. Compared to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, DCA showed better clinical utility.

Conclusion:

The nomogram as novel predictor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients’ survival.
Order Matters When Using Two-Sided Messages to Influence Morally Based Attitudes
Authors: Xu Mengran , Petty Richard E.
Published: January 2024

Contrary to common beliefs, sometimes downplaying or even undermining one’s case can enhance impact, especially for people with strong attitudes. Across four studies ( N = 1,548), we demonstrate that the placement of the undermining information within a two-sided message matters. By manipulating message order within a two-sided message, Study 1 showed that the relative effectiveness of two- over one-sided messages for people with a moral attitude primarily occurred when the two-sided message acknowledged the recipient’s side at the end rather than at the beginning of the message. Studies 2A/B showed that this effect was associated with positive source perceptions, such that placing the acknowledgment at the end results in people with a higher moral basis perceiving the source as more thoughtful and sincere. Furthermore, this inference process was more likely to occur when motivation to think was relatively high. Study 3, a preregistered experiment, replicated these findings using a different topic.
Experiences and perceptions of multidisciplinary paediatric teams of blended tube feeding in children
Authors: Clancy Orlaith , McCormack Siobhan , Graham Meave , O’Sullivan Katie , Bennett Annemarie E.
Published: January 2024

Background: Blended tube feeding (BTF) is the administration of pureed whole foods via gastric feeding tubes. There is some evidence to suggest that BTF may have clinical and psychosocial benefits when compared to commercial formula, but further investigation of how BTF is understood and recommended by health professionals is needed. This study aims to investigate awareness and knowledge of BTF among multi-disciplinary paediatric staff in Ireland. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among paediatric staff in Children's Health Ireland (CHI). The 16-item anonymous online survey gathered information on awareness of BTF, willingness to recommend BTF, confidence in BTF knowledge, and self-assessed competence in managing BTF. Results: Of the 207 responses, doctors ( n68), nurses ( n66), and dietitians ( n32) provided 80.3% of responses. Two-thirds ( n136, 66%) of the total group were aware of BTF. Of these, 68.1% had cared for a child on BTF and 70% ( n = 63/90) were willing to recommend BTF. Three in five ( n = 39/63, 61.9%) stated they were somewhat confident in their BTF knowledge and one in five ( n = 12/56, 21.4%) were not yet competent in managing children on BTF. The most common reasons for recommending BTF were parental desire ( n17, 39.5%) and commercial formula intolerance ( n15, 34.9%). The most common barrier to recommending BTF was family logistics ( n18, 41.9%). The most valuable sources of information on BTF for two-thirds (68.3%) of participants were other healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients/caregivers. Conclusion: Healthcare settings should provide evidence-based training to HCPs on BTF to optimise the treatment and safety of children under their care.
Perceived Pressure for Perfection Within Friendships Triggers Conflict Behaviors, Depressive Symptoms, and Problematic Drinking: A Longitudinal Actor–Partner Interdependence Model
Authors: Kim Andy J. , Sherry Simon B. , Mackinnon Sean P. , Kehayes Ivy-Lee , Smith Martin M. , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: January 2024

Friendships are important for the mental well-being of emerging adults. Socially prescribed perfectionism, where individuals feel pressured to be perfect by others, can be destructive, leading to conflict with others, depressive symptoms, and problematic drinking. However, its impact on friendships is not well-explored. This study examined 174 emerging adult friendship dyads using a 4-wave, 4-month dyadic design. Data were analyzed using longitudinal actor–partner interdependence models. Using a novel friend-specific measure of socially prescribed perfectionism, we found that an individual’s perceived expectation to be perfect from a friend was positively associated with increased conflict between friends, as well as with higher levels of depressive symptoms and problematic drinking in the individual. Findings lend credence to longstanding theoretical accounts and case histories suggesting socially prescribed perfectionism leads to harmful individual and relational outcomes and extends them to the specific context of friendships.
Relationship between phthalates exposure, risk of decreased ovarian reserve, and oxidative stress levels
Authors: Hu Weihuan , Jin Zheng , Wang Huihua , Wang Fangfang , Qu Fan
Published: January 2024

Phthalates (PAEs), a group of environmental endocrine disruptors, are associated with oxidative stress and have adverse effects on female ovarian reserves. However, this association has been poorly investigated, particularly with respect to clinical evidence. In this study, we provided clinical evidence of a relationship between exposure levels of PAEs, oxidative stress and decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Firstly, the urinary concentrations of metabolites of PAEs were measured by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and the biomarkers of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), were determined. Finally, statistical analyses were conducted to describe the relationship between the PAEs exposure, oxidative stress and DOR. We found that the levels of monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) in the DOR group were significantly higher than those in the control group. There was a significant negative association between AMH and MMP, MiBP levels. and a significant positive association between FSH and MMP levels. PAEs exposure was also associated with a significant increase in MDA levels and decrease in SOD levels. In conclusion, the exposure of PAEs was closely associated with DOR, potentially mediated by oxidative stress pathways; however, small sample size was a limitation in this study.
Three dimensional path planning for flying car based on improved A* algorithm and Bezier curve fusion
Authors: Yan Jifa , Deng Tao , Xu Binhao
Published: January 2024

Flying car is a new type of vehicle with high obstacle avoidance ability for urban air traffic and future smart travel. In order to plan feasible paths for flying cars in urban environments, a three dimensional path planning strategy for flying cars based on the fusion of improved A* algorithm and Bezier curves is proposed. Firstly, the search neighborhood of the A* algorithm is improved, and the node expansion is carried out by using the ground mode 9 neighborhood and the low-altitude flight mode 10 neighborhood to quickly obtain feasible path options. Secondly, the energy consumption, time and mode switching loss cost of different motion processes are considered in the heuristic function to achieve unified planning of motion paths and motion modes. Finally, the path is smoothed using piecewise Bezier curves according to the planned path. The results show that in complex maps, compared with traditional vehicles that only consider energy consumption, this strategy effectively reduces the path length by 94.5 m and reduces the weighted cost by 33.1%. Compared with the strategy that comprehensively weighs energy consumption and time, the path length is reduced by 4.31 m and the weighted cost is reduced by 13.6%.
Synchrony Influences Estimates of Cooperation in a Public-Goods Game
Authors: McEllin Luke , Sebanz Natalie
Published: January 2024

Benefiting from a cooperative interaction requires people to estimate how cooperatively other members of a group will act so that they can calibrate their own behavior accordingly. We investigated whether the synchrony of a group’s actions influences observers’ estimates of cooperation. Participants (recruited through Prolific) watched animations of actors deciding how much to donate in a public-goods game and using a mouse to drag donations to a public pot. Participants then estimated how much was in the pot in total (as an index of how cooperative they thought the group members were). Experiment 1 ( N = 136 adults) manipulated the synchrony between players’ decision-making time, and Experiment 2 ( N = 136 adults) manipulated the synchrony between players’ decision-implementing movements. For both experiments, estimates of how much was in the pot were higher for synchronous than asynchronous groups, demonstrating that the temporal dynamics of an interaction contain signals of a group’s level of cooperativity.
Devaluation by Omission: Limited Identity Options Elicit Anger and Increase Identification
Authors: Fath Sean , Proudfoot Devon
Published: January 2024

In the present research, we explored social-identity threat caused by subtle acts of omission, specifically situations in which social-identity information is requested but one’s identity is not among the options provided. We predicted that being unable to identify with one’s group—that is, in the demographics section of a survey—may signal social-identity devaluation, eliciting negative affect (e.g., anger) and increasing the importance of the omitted identity to group members’ sense of self. Six preregistered experiments ( N = 2,964 adults) sampling members of two minority-identity groups (i.e., gender minorities and members of a minority political party) support these predictions. Our findings document the existence of a subtle but likely pervasive form of social-identity threat.
Development of intelligent system of global bibliographic search
Authors: Boryaev A. A.
Published: January 2024

The paper presents scientifically grounded principles of formation and algorithms of a global bibliographic retrieval system based on modern intelligent technologies (intelligent linguistic analysis of texts and database management) and Internet search methods. Within the framework of theoretical bibliography, for the first time taking into account the specifics of modern intelligent software, a new algorithm of an integrated automated system for global bibliographic retrieval as well as search for specialized publications to publish research papers was developed. The developed methods include the formation of a normalized database of keywords based on the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) categories and the automatic assignment of keywords from this normalized database to research papers by an intelligent system for linguistic analysis of texts. The proposed use of keywords as data labels in the form of UDC categories, covering all branches of knowledge, makes it possible to precisely label and describe research papers and scientific publications (journals, proceedings of scientific conferences) to the fullest extent possible. The search for research papers by the proposed bibliographic retrieval system as well as the search for specialized publications to publish those research papers is carried out automatically by normalized keywords assigned to research papers and scientific journals based on intelligent linguistic analysis of the content of those research papers. The study makes a social contribution and shows how it is important to create and utilize best practices, processes and strategies of bibliographic retrieval, which are essential in the development of science in modern society. Besides, in social terms, the search for bibliographic information is one of the methods to solve the problem of finding a relation between personal and public knowledge. The implementation of the study results in accordance with the presented algorithms consists in designing a special global public Internet search resource.
Systemic lupus erythematosus with chronic persistent intracranial hypertension: A case report
Authors: Zou Minchao , Jiang Xinyu , Chen Haifeng , Yuan Fenghong
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim is to investigate the clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus with intracranial hypertension.

Methods

The clinical characteristics of one case of systemic lupus erythematosus with chronic persistent intracranial hypertension were analyzed, and related literature was reviewed by searching Medline and Wanfang databases.

Results

Intracranial hypertension in SLE patients may occur at the onset or during the course of the disease. Our patient was diagnosed with IH 3 years after the onset of SLE. Headache and papilledema were the most common symptoms of intracranial hypertension, followed by nausea or vomiting, vision changes, and cerebral palsy. Our patient had a headache and cranial hypertension that lasted for years, but no papilledema was found. Corticosteroid is currently the mainstay of the treatment of IIH in patients with SLE, and immunosuppressive agents, acetazolamide, intravenous mannitol and furosemide are also used. However, our patient did not respond to these treatments and presents the characteristics of chronic persistent intracranial hypertension.

Conclusion

Systemic lupus erythematosus with intracranial hypertension is a rare manifestation of SLE, which is not completely parallel to SLE activity. Headache and papilledema were the most common presenting symptoms. Different from previous reported cases, our patient had poor response to treatments, showing chronic and persistent characteristics.
Assessment of Radiation Hazard Indices Due to Natural Radionuclides in Soil Samples from Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Eke Benedict Chukwudi , Akomolafe Idowu Richard , Ukewuihe Udoka Mathias , Onyenegecha Chibueze Paul
Published: January 2024

A total of 30 soil samples from different sampling points at Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Nigeria were collected for the study. The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) were measured in the samples by gamma-ray spectrometry using NaI (TI) detector. Absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose (AED), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), and radiological hazard index parameters (activity utilization index [AUI], external hazard index [Hex], internal hazard index [Hin], and excess lifetime cancer risk [ELCR]) due to the naturally occurring radionuclides were determined. The mean activity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K were found to be 20.32 ± 3.22, 22.55 ± 0.68, and 91.63 ± 1.54 Bqkg−1 which were lower than the world average reference mean values of 33, 45, and 420 Bqkg−1for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, as reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The average value of D, Raeq, AUI, ELCR, Hex, and Hin in the soil samples was 26.86 ± 1.97 nGyh−1, 59.62 ± 4.14 Bqkg−1, 0.42 ± 0.03, 0.14 ± 0.01 (×10−3), 0.16 ± 0.01, and 0.22 ± 0.02, respectively. The annual effective dose to the general public was 33.07 ± 2.40 μSvy−1. This value lies well below the average worldwide reference value of 0.7 mSvy−1, as reported by UNSCEAR. Soil samples from IMSU pose no significant radiological health hazards to the university community.
Psychometric evaluation of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-Short Form (DSQ-SF) among adults with Long COVID, ME/CFS, and healthy controls: A machine learning approach
Authors: McGarrigle William J , Furst Jacob , Jason Leonard A
Published: January 2024

Long COVID shares a number of clinical features with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), including post-exertional malaise, severe fatigue, and neurocognitive deficits. Utilizing validated assessment tools that accurately and efficiently screen for these conditions can facilitate diagnostic and treatment efforts, thereby improving patient outcomes. In this study, we generated a series of random forest machine learning algorithms to evaluate the psychometric properties of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-Short Form (DSQ-SF) in classifying large groups of adults with Long COVID, ME/CFS (without Long COVID), and healthy controls. We demonstrated that the DSQ-SF can accurately classify these populations with high degrees of sensitivity and specificity. In turn, we identified the particular DSQ-SF symptom items that best distinguish Long COVID from ME/CFS, as well as those that differentiate these illness groups from healthy controls.
Reflection over compliance: Critiquing mandatory data sharing policies for qualitative research
Authors: Prosser Annayah MB , Bagnall Ralph , Higson-Sweeney Nina
Published: January 2024

Many journals are moving towards a ‘Mandatory Inclusion of Raw Data’ (MIRD) model of data sharing, where it is expected that raw data be publicly accessible at article submission. While open data sharing is beneficial for some research topics and methodologies within health psychology, in other cases it may be ethically and epistemologically questionable. Here, we outline several questions that qualitative researchers might consider surrounding the ethics of open data sharing. Overall, we argue that universal open raw data mandates cannot adequately represent the diversity of qualitative research, and that MIRD may harm rigorous and ethical research practice within health psychology and beyond. Researchers should instead find ways to demonstrate rigour thorough engagement with questions surrounding data sharing. We propose that all researchers utilise the increasingly common ‘data availability statement’ to demonstrate reflexive engagement with issues of ethics, epistemology and participant protection when considering whether to open data.
Bi-directional associations of core affect and physical activity in adults with higher body weight: An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Seiferth Caroline , Fiedler Janis , Färber Tanja , Pape Magdalena , Schroeder Stefanie , Herpertz Stephan , Steins-Loeber Sabine , Wolstein Jörg
Published: January 2024

Affect is known to be predictive of and enhanced by higher physical activity (PA) levels in the general population. This secondary analysis aimed to increase the understanding of the bi-directional relationship between PA and core affect (i.e. valence, energetic arousal, and calmness) among adults with higher body weight. Affect and PA were assessed in naturalistic settings via ecological momentary assessment using a mixed sampling scheme from 157 participants (body mass index: 32.99 ± 3.78 kg/m2). Multilevel models revealed that being more physically active in the 15 minutes prior to the assessment predicted an increase in energetic arousal and a decrease in calmness. Subsequently, feeling more energetic and agitated was associated with increased PA within the following 15 minutes. Valence (i.e. pleasure–displeasure) was not associated with PA nor predictive of subsequent PA. Digital PA interventions may target the enhancement of feelings of energy and present psychoeducation about these distinct psychological benefits.
The female entrepreneur: Fragments of a genealogy
Authors: Littler Jo
Published: January 2024

This short article, based on a lecture, offers fragments for a genealogy of female entrepreneurship in the Global North. It argues that in business and management books and social texts, the entrepreneur has historically been overwhelmingly figured as male – as ‘entrepreneurial man’. Yet, over the past few decades, encouraged by both gender mainstreaming and neoliberal feminism, the symbolic locus of entrepreneurialism in popular culture has increasingly gravitated towards women. It shows how we might trace a mediatised evolution of female entrepreneurialism and its ideologies: from tragic 1950s entrepreneurial stars, through to the plucky shoulder-padded heroines of women’s magazines and films of the 1980s, through to the girlbosses, Instagram entrepreneurs and hustle culture of the present. What, it asks, is happening to the female entrepreneur in an era of neoliberal crisis? And what ‘left feminist’ alternatives to, or intersections with, this figure might be in our midst, or on the horizon?
Algorithmic personalization and brand loyalty: An experiential perspective
Authors: Obiegbu Chinedu James , Larsen Gretchen
Published: January 2024

This article explores the relationship between algorithmic personalization and brand loyalty by examining how personalization experiences are articulated within the context of music streaming consumption. Despite previous acknowledgement of the link between personalization and brand loyalty, an experientially grounded understanding of how this works has yet to be articulated. Building upon the concept of ‘experiential brand loyalty’, the Algorithmic Personalization/Depersonalization Loop highlights the development of brand loyalty through consumers’ interactions with algorithm-backed brands. Being seen and understood by the algorithm sets off an iterative, two-way learning relationship that ultimately heightens the consumers’ experience, activates positive emotions, and deepens the relational bond with the brand, leading to brand loyalty. If, however, the algorithm is unsuccessful in personalizing the service experience, a ‘depersonalization’ process can occur that erodes brand loyalty and can lead to brand switching or even consumer activism.
Crafting innovation: Discrete timber pavilions and fabrication-driven approaches
Authors: Cáceres Corvalán Katherine , Calvo Castillo Francisco Javier
Published: January 2024

In regions with limited access to CAD/CAM machines like Latin America, academic experiences have adapted digital tools to local capabilities, aiming to enhance project creativity through digital technology. This article examines the use of timber as a material, addressing the technical, spatial, and cultural aspects related to its use, while intertwining the educational narrative of learning through doing and adapting. The structures designed in this research are based on three key parameters: timber as the main material, framing as a discrete design system and side-by-side joints as a vital component of the traditional fabrication process. Through the integration of digital and traditional techniques, the aim is to adapt methods frequently used in digital design and manufacturing processes. This study emphasizes that merging digital tools with traditional construction knowledge can lead to innovative solutions, especially in areas with limited digital resources, showing that digital fabrication can broaden and enrich traditional building methods beyond just being a numerical alternative.
When an Automation Fails in the System, Who Hears? A Response to Skraaning and Jamieson
Authors: Caldwell Barrett S.
Published: January 2024

The concept of the “lumberjack effect” addresses important concerns regarding the role of automation (and impact of automation failure) in complex engineering systems such as aviation, power plant control rooms, and others. Conflicts between “narrow” and “broad” definitions of automation failures uncover logical inconsistencies regarding human-automation interactions processes in maintaining system performance. However, the “lumberjack effect” debate obscures essential considerations that automation tools exist as components in complex systems with multiple levels of abstraction hierarchies (Rasmussen). A sole focus on automation failure conflates the automation components with the overall system function. Elaborating operating conditions associated with human-automation interaction conflicts and failures supports an improved approach to failure mode and effects analysis techniques for improving system safety. Detecting system failure modes and operating conditions, poorly quantified in other risk priority determinations, are important contributions at the overall system analysis level, not as an isolated emphasis on the automation itself.
Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Decompression Alone Versus Fusion for Predominant Back Pain
Authors: Shahi Pratyush , Subramanian Tejas , Maayan Omri , Singh Nishtha , Araghi Kasra , Singh Sumedha , Asada Tomoyuki , Korsun Maximilian , Tuma Olivia , Pajak Anthony , Sheha Evan , Dowdell James , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Iyer Sravisht
Published: January 2024

Background:

Although a few recent studies showed good outcomes in back pain-predominant patients following decompression alone, none of the studies had a comparative fusion group.

Purpose:

We sought to compare outcomes of minimally invasive decompression alone versus fusion in patients with predominant back pain.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent minimally invasive decompression alone or fusion and had preoperative back pain > leg pain. Outcome measures were (1) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), (2) minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement, (3) patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) achievement, and (4) global rating change (GRC). As a subgroup analysis, MCID, PASS, and GRC rates were also compared between the decompression and fusion groups for patients with preoperative back pain < leg pain.

Results:

Of 510 patients included, there were statistically significant improvements in all PROMs in both groups at <6 and >6 months with no significant difference in the magnitude of improvement. The fusion group showed significantly higher MCID achievement rates for Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back at <6 months (85% vs 70%) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at >6 months (67% vs 51%). Proportion of patients achieving PASS and feeling better after surgery based on response to GRC showed no difference between the groups. The subgroup analysis for decompression versus fusion in patients with preoperative back pain < leg pain showed no differences in MCID, PASS, or GRC rates.

Conclusions:

This retrospective cohort study found that in patients with predominant back pain, minimally invasive decompression alone had significantly less MCID achievement rates in VAS back at <6 months and ODI at >6 months. However, it did lead to an overall significant improvement in PROMs, similar PASS achievement rates, and similar responses on the GRC scale.
Prospective cohort study of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy: Prevalence and limited effectiveness of 1000 IU vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Abdelmageed Rasha Mohammed , Hussein Suha Majeed Mohammed , Anamangadan Shamil Mohamed , Abdullah Rola Walid Mahmoud , Rauf Lubna , AlFehaidi AlAnoud Saleh , Hamed Ehab
Published: January 2024

Background:

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent worldwide among pregnant women. Although vitamin D supplementation is effective in improving vitamin D status, the safety and optimal dosing of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy remain less well understood.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in improving vitamin D status during pregnancy.

Design:

This prospective cohort study assessed the impact of a 16-week daily vitamin D supplementation 1000 IU regimen on vitamin D status among pregnant women.

Methods:

A total of 365 pregnant women were recruited, and their baseline total circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were measured. Of these, 249 participants completed the study, which involved oral daily supplementation with 1000 IU of vitamin D and a repeat of total circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations after 16 weeks.

Results:

The study found that 57.7% of the participants had vitamin D deficiency, consistent with the rates reported in other studies. However, vitamin D supplementation at a dose of 1000 IU had a small effect size and was not clinically significant. However, 67% of participants with vitamin D deficiency remained deficient; among participants initially with vitamin D insufficiency, 30% became deficient. Moreover, 26.5% of individuals with sufficient vitamin D status at 12 weeks showed insufficient levels by 28 weeks.

Conclusion:

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread among pregnant women, and vitamin D supplementation at a daily dose of 1000 IU may not adequately address this problem. Although the study has limitations, its results align with previous research and may apply to other populations with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. Further research is necessary to determine the most effective approach for addressing prenatal vitamin D deficiency.
Innovative strategy for enhancing nature-based solutions during climate technology transfer process
Authors: Lee Woo-Jin , Song Jaeryoung
Published: January 2024

Recently, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have increasingly been regarded as a new opportunity to maximize the synergies between nature, society, and the economy. In addition, especially for policymakers and practitioners engaged in climate technology transfer activities from developed to developing countries, this concept is promoted as a cost-effective, agile, and innovative way of tackling various climate challenges to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Thus, in the present work, to enhance NbS as an innovative implement during the climate technology transfer, we first analyze previous NbS cases during the technical assistance activities for some SDGs accomplished by the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), such as coastal risk protection (to maximize ecosystems, Type 1), agroforestry (to restore ecosystems, Type 2) and green urban design (to create ecosystems, Type 3). Then, through in-depth interviews with NbS stakeholders, we identify dominant barriers to implementing each NbS Type in terms of innovation element: technology, market, and regulation. Finally, based on our staged innovation model considering the two-sided networks, we propose novel strategy for enhancing NbS by overcoming each barrier during the three stages of the climate technology transfer process: NbS technology assessment in the first eco-maximizing stage, blended finances for market creation in the second eco-restoring stage, and regulation incentivization in the third eco-creating stage.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the pre‑hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) program for the management of trauma patients in the pre-hospital emergency based on Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model
Authors: Kamgar Amaleh Mohammad Hadi , Heydari Sara , Nazari Peyman , Bakhshi Fatemeh
Published: January 2024

Background

Pre-hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) training courses have been developed and widely adopted to enhance the proficiency of pre-hospital personnel in handling trauma patients. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the educational program for managing trauma patients in the pre-hospital emergency setting, utilizing Kirkpatrick’s educational evaluation model.

Methods

This is an observational approach, consisting of four sub-studies. The PHTLS course was conducted over a 2-day period, encompassing both theoretical and practical components. For this study, we selected pre-hospital personnel from three emergency aid stations using a convenient sampling method. These personnel underwent their first-ever PHTLS course training, and we subsequently analyzed the effectiveness of the training program using Kirkpatrick’s four levels of evaluation: satisfaction, learning, behavior, and results.

Results

The study conducted on Kirkpatrick’s first-level analysis revealed that participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the quality of all aspects of the course. Moving on to the second and third levels, namely learning and behavior, significant improvements were observed in the average scores of various skills that were examined both immediately after the course and 2 months later (P < 0.05). However, when it comes to the fourth level and the impact of the course on indicators such as mortality rate and permanent disability, no significant changes were observed even after an average of 3 months since the course was introduced.

Conclusion

The implementation of PHTLS has been linked to the enhancement of participants’ skills in treating trauma patients, leading to the application of acquired knowledge in real-life scenarios and a positive change in participants’ behavior. The evaluation of PHTLS courses in Iran, as in other countries, highlights the need for specialized training in pre-hospital trauma care. To ensure the continued effectiveness of the PHTLS course, it is advisable for managers and policymakers to encourage regular participation of PHTLS employees in the program.
CrustyBase v.2.0: new features and enhanced utilities to support open science
Authors: Hyde Cameron J. , Ventura Tomer
Published: January 2024

Background

Transcriptomes present a rich, multi-dimensional subset of genomics data. They provide broad insights into genetic sequence, and more significantly gene expression, across biological samples. This technology is frequently employed for describing the genetic response to experimental conditions and has created vast libraries of datasets which shed light on gene function across different tissues, diseases, diets and developmental stages in many species. However, public accessibility of these data is impeded by a lack of suitable software interfaces and databases with which to locate and analyse them.

Body

Here we present an update on the status of CrustyBase.org, an online resource for analysing and sharing crustacean transcriptome datasets. Since its release in October 2020, the resource has provided many thousands of transcriptome sequences and expression profiles to its users and received 19 new dataset imports from researchers across the globe. In this article we discuss user analytics which point towards the utilization of this resource. The architecture of the application has proven robust with over 99.5% uptime and effective reporting of bugs through both user engagement and the error logging mechanism.

We also introduce several new features that have been developed as part of a new release of CrustyBase.org. Two significant features are described in detail, which allow users to navigate through transcripts directly by submission of transcript identifiers, and then more broadly by searching for encoded protein domains by keyword. The latter is a novel and experimental feature, and grants users the ability to curate gene families from any dataset hosted on CrustyBase in a matter of minutes. We present case studies to demonstrate the utility of these features.

Conclusion

Community engagement with this resource has been very positive, and we hope that improvements to the service will further enable the research of users of the platform. Web-based platforms such as CrustyBase have many potential applications across life science domains, including the health sector, which are yet to be realised. This leads to a wider discussion around the role of web-based resources in facilitating an open and collaborative research community.
Study on the characteristics of genetic diversity of different populations of Guizhou endemic plant Rhododendron pudingense based on microsatellite markers
Authors: He Shuang , Yuan Congjun , Zhang Panli , Wang Haodong , Luo Dali , Dai Xiaoyong
Published: January 2024

Background

Rhododendron pudingense, firstly discovered in Puding county of Guizhou province in 2020, have adapted to living in rocky fissure habitat, which has important ornamental and economic values. However, the genetic diversity and population structure of this species have been rarely described, which seriously affects the collection and protection of wild germplasm resources.

Results

In the present study, 13 pairs of primers for polymorphic microsatellite were used to investigate the genetic diversity of 65 R. pudingense accessions from six different geographic populations. A total of 254 alleles (Na) were obtained with an average of 19.5 alleles per locus. The average values of polymorphic information content (PIC), observed heterozygosity (Ho), and expected heterozygosity (He) were 0.8826, 0.4501, and 0.8993, respectively, These results indicate that the microsatellite primers adopted demonstrate good polymorphism, and the R. pudingense exhibits a high level of genetic diversity at the species level. The average genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) was 0.1325, suggested that moderate divergence occurred in R. pudingense populations. The average values of genetic differentiation coefficient and gene flow among populations were 0.1165 and 3.1281, respectively. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most of the population differences (88%) were attributed to within-population variation. The PCoA results are consistent with the findings of the UPGMA clustering analysis, supporting the conclusion that the six populations of R. pudingense can be clearly grouped into two separate clusters. Based on Mantel analysis, we speculate that the PD population may have migrated from WM-1 and WM-2. Therefore, it is advised to protect the natural habitat of R. pudingense in situ as much as possible, in order to maximize the preservation of its genetic diversity.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of R. pudingense in Guizhou province. The research results revealed the high genetic diversity and moderate population diferentiation in this horticulture plant. This study provide a theoretical basis for the conservation of wild resources of the R. pudingense and lay the foundation for the breeding or cultivation of this new species.