bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond mothers’ time in childcare: Worlds of care and connection in the early life course
Authors: Milkie Melissa A , Wray Dana
Published: November 2023

Family scholars examining time spent on children's care focus heavily on mothers’ allocations to a specific sphere of active caregiving activities . But children's needs for care and supervision involve connection to others; and many others beyond mothers can and do provide care, especially as children grow. Using a “linked lives” approach that centers relationality, we show how time diaries can illuminate children's time spent in “socially connected” care. Using recent (2014–2019) time diary data from the American and the United Kingdom Time Use Surveys, we examine mothers', children's, and teenagers' days to assess two forms of connected care time. First, results show that in addition to childcare time as traditionally measured by time use studies, mothers spend considerable further time providing connected care through social and community time in which children are included, religious activities with their children present, and mealtime with children. Second, looking from the child's perspective also underscores time in the larger “village” of carers within which children and youth are embedded. Fully two-thirds of 8–14-year-olds' and three-quarters of 15–17-year-olds’ waking time is not with mothers—it is spent alone or in social connection to fathers, extended family, teachers, neighbors, and friends. A “linked lives” approach shifts attention to assessing care time in diverse activities with others and to measuring mothers’ and children's time in social connections within the larger world. This analytic frame also moves away from maternal determinism to highlight the contours of children's care and social time occurring within the community at large, as well as the roles and responsibilities of those outside of the mother–child dyad across the child's early life course.
Multilateralism in Global Health: A New Paradigm
Authors: Kumar Preeti , Ganesh Senthil , Singh Shreepee
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragile state of the global economy and the impact of newly emerging diseases can have. As the World Health Organisation (WHO) declares the pandemic over, there is a need to re-think the prevalent ideas of multilateralism and enable global cooperation in preventing and managing future pandemics and impacts of climate change. The global multilateral institutions have developed since their inception after World War II into large-scale organisations which route funds towards development in social, economic and health of the member nations. However, they continue to be helmed by the Global North, with priorities being increasingly influenced by private individuals and multinational corporations which provide funds. The G20 and its member nations seek equitable representation in the global institutions. With India at its presidency as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the need of the hour is a reformed and equitable multilateralism with provisions for international cooperation, knowledge and data sharing in case of global emergencies, and pharmaceutical and vaccine supply chains that can work around the WTO’s TRIPS regulations in emergency conditions. The use of technology in healthcare services has gained momentum in the last decade and India’s call to declare digital health tools a public good is expected to be a major milestone in healthcare.
Postcapitalist Planning and Urban Revolution
Authors: Thompson Matthew , Nishat-Botero Yousaf
Published: November 2023

Through what kind of spaces might postcapitalist planning emerge? How will the process of wresting collective control over the relations of production and reproduction, and over our metabolic exchange with the rest of nature, unfold through struggle? In seeking answers to such questions, this article reviews the literature on democratic economic planning beyond capitalism and makes the case for a renewed engagement with issues of space and the urban through a closer reading of Henri Lefebvre’s work on planetary urbanization and the production of space. We argue that, to date, the economic planning literature has tended to focus on overcoming abstract labour time rather than abstract space – an oversight that prevents us from fully apprehending the urban form through which capitalism produces and reproduces its conditions of possibility and carries the seeds of its own destruction and potential supersession. Engaging with recent critical theorizing on the logistics revolution and the logistical state, we argue that postcapitalist forms of planning will arrive through an urban revolution, through struggles over urban everyday life. We suggest that future investigations into the possibilities for a democratic economic planning beyond capitalism should attend to actually existing empirical struggles over the urban – as the mediator of capitalist relations – and look for inspiration to historical and contemporary examples of municipalist praxis aiming to reinvent the commune.
Position statements of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists: An historical perspective
Authors: Bloch Sidney , Kenn Felicity , Bajurny Laura , Griffiths Morgan , Lim Izaak , Smith Jennifer , Wright Nicola
Published: November 2023

Objective

To review the concept, purpose, and subjects of Position Statements of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists since their inception in 1971, and to consider changes to enhance their value.

Method

We scrutinised the procedure in producing, revising, and rescinding Position Statements, and the nature of the subjects covered.

Results

Position Statements were initiated by the College Board, various College committees and members. The format and procedures of revising and rescinding them varied considerably. We identified 11 subject areas encompassing professional practice and research, their association with societal developments, and the implications for College policy.

Conclusion

Position Statements have proved to be a dynamic vehicle to keep abreast of significant changes in psychiatry. Methodical appraisal is required to optimise their objective in conveying College policies to members and relevant stakeholders.
The Experiences of Asian Americans Who Intermarry in the United States: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Greif Geoffrey L. , Chung Yoonzie , Lee Haelim , Zhang Peiyuan
Published: November 2023

Intermarriage is noted to be a difficult adjustment as culture, language, and family expectations can clash. Given the rising intermarried population and the challenges they may face, social workers need an up-to-date understanding of these couples’ experiences to better provide services. Surveys and interviews with 10 Asian women and 3 Asian men who intermarried were conducted from 2020 to 2021. Using grounded theory coding, each author on our biracial (Asian and white) team read interviews and identified themes. We identified five themes from the data: Societal Press, White Privilege, Family Relations, Communication, and Parental Responsibilities. Social work practitioners may employ these results in providing culturally sensitive strength-based services for interracial families.
Black Fathers’ Perspectives About Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress: Results From Focus Groups
Authors: Powe Paula Marie , VanHook Cortney , Collier Allison , Nakhla Mark , Crum Isaiah , Hamm Megan , Miller Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Black children in the United States disproportionately experience early childhood adversity and toxic stress, which can lead to long-term negative physical and mental health outcomes. Mothers are traditionally enrolled in intervention programs to help address this while fathers typically are not. This study assessed Black fathers’ perspectives about early childhood adversity and toxic stress to begin to understand this public health concern through their lens. Sixteen self-identified Black fathers watched a six-minute animation about toxic stress, neurodevelopment, and resilience, and engaged in focus group discussions. Fathers identified unique and culture-specific contributors to early childhood adversity and toxic stress, as well as their inherent strengths and needs to help protect children. Implications for social work practice, particularly related to Black father engagement in early childhood prevention and intervention programs, are discussed.
Associations Between Family Resilience, Child Flourishing, and School Engagement Among Children in Kinship Care
Authors: Gómez Anthony , Guo Sofia , Lau Caitlin
Published: November 2023

While family resilience can diminish the risk of negative health outcomes among children in kinship care, less research examines if family resilience shapes positive indicators of development. Given previous studies have reported lower social-emotional competence and school engagement among children in relative care, additional research is needed to understand how kinship families support the flourishing and school engagement of their children. Using data from the 2017–2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, this study examines associations between family resilience and two positive indicators of developmental well-being, child flourishing and school engagement. Analyses showed family resilience was positively associated with child flourishing and school engagement. Findings suggest adapting family resilience interventions to the needs of kinship families may be an effective way of promoting the holistic well-being of children in kinship care.
Features of Experiential Learning Environments in Relation to Generic Learning Outcomes in Higher Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Duchatelet Dorothy , Cornelissen Frank , Volman Monique
Published: November 2023

Background: Experiential learning environments are beneficial for the development of generic learning outcomes, such as critical thinking, communication, and self-regulation. However, research about the variation in experiential learning activities and their benefits is scattered across several bodies of discipline-specific literature. Purpose: The aim is to map the design elements of experiential learning environments across domains and to uncover their relation with generic learning outcomes. Methodology/Approach: Using a scoping review study, 22 studies were subjected to qualitative analysis. Findings/Conclusions: The design elements were related to authenticity, structure, and agency, and learning outcomes in the cognitive, affective, metacognitive, and socio-communicative domain. Confidence and communication skills were the most often included learning outcomes, followed by teamwork and problem-solving. The design elements that were most prominently present across learning outcomes were related to individual agency within group work during the activity and authenticity represented in interactions with peers. Further, we identified seven patterns about how design elements relate to generic learning outcomes. Implications: Addressing the design of experiential learning environments on a more fine-grained level is needed to increase insights of which generic learning outcomes are being fostered, and to enhance comparability of research findings within and between types of experiential learning environments.
Evaluation of the Change in Halitosis with the Improvement in Oral Health in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Authors: Aslan Belma Isık , Uzuner Fatma Denız , Taskaldıran Ezgi Sila , Tuter Gulay , Gulsen Ayse , Güngör Kahraman , Ucuncu Neslihan
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study aimed to assess the effects of hygiene education on periodontal health and mouth/nasal halitosis in patients with cleft.

Materials and Methods

39 patients with cleft who were accepted for orthodontic treatment divided into two groups as with (Group1; n = 24) and without braces (Group2; n = 15). Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Tongue coating Index (TCI) values were recorded. The BANA test microbiological kit, was used to determine the amount of anaerobic bacteria. Values of volatile sulfur components (VSC) for the measurement of oral and nasal halitosis were measured with a Halimeter device. After the initial measurements, oral hygiene instructions were given to eliminate the plaque production on teeth, periodontal structure, tongue and palate. All measurements were repeated 4 weeks after the hygiene instructions. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

In both groups, the PI, GI, values were significantly decreased ( P < .05). Tongue coating area, thickness and TCI were significantly reduced ( P < .05). Oral halitosis values decreased significantly ( P < .05). The PI values decreased significantly more in the Group 1 ( P < .05). Non significant difference was detected in nasal halitosis in both groups. In unilateral cleft lip and palate cases cases (n = 23), no significant difference was found in nasal halitosis values between the cleft and the healthy sides ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In patients with clet cases, periodontal health was improved and oral halitosis was reduced by the given hygiene education; brushing the teeth, especially the tongue and palate. However, hygiene education did not have a significant effect on nasal halitosis. Key Words: Cleft lip and palate, Halitosis, BANA test, Periodontal index.
A Novel Method for one-Stage Repair of the lip Vermilion Defects in Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy
Authors: Feng Shi , Ma Lun-kun , Zhang Zhi-yong , Tang Xiao-jun , Xu Xi , Zhao Shan-baga , Liu Bing-yang , Zang Tian-ying , Li Hong-wen , Liang Ying-xiang , Liu Wei
Published: November 2023

Background

Progressive hemifacial atrophy often causes lip vermilion defects in patients. In this study, we described a one-stage repair method for lip defects in progressive hemifacial atrophy using a lip vermilion mucosal flap or combined dermal fat flap graft.

Patients and Methods

Patients diagnosed with progressive hemifacial atrophy with lip vermilion defects from 2010 to 2022 were included in this study. Based on the severity and location of the patient's lip defect, a lip vermilion mucosal flap was designed and transferred to the lip defect or combined with a hip dermal fat flap for one-stage repair of the lip morphology. Lip morphology and function of patients were followed up after surgery.

Results

A total of 22 patients were enrolled in this study, including 15 patients with lip defects on the upper lip alone and 7 patients with both upper and lower lip defects. Follow-up six months to two years postoperatively, all patients recovered uneventfully without complications. The repaired lips of the patient had a full and symmetrical morphology with no visible scarring. Two patients experienced transient dysesthesia of the lips postoperatively and both returned to normal after three months. All patients had good lip closure with normal dietary and speech function.

Conclusions

The method we described for repairing lip defects in progressive hemifacial atrophy can achieve satisfactory aesthetic and functional lip results. The distinct advantage of this approach is that the patients undergo only one-stage operation and it can be used to repair both upper and lower lip defects.
Strategizing Together for a Better World: Institutional, Paradox and Practice Theories in Conversation
Authors: Albertsen Rikke Rønholt , Ansari Shahzad (Shaz) , Heucher Katrin , Krautzberger Marc , Langley Ann , Reinecke Pauline Charlotte , Slawinski Natalie , Vaara Eero
Published: November 2023

In this article, based on a Symposium held at the 2022 Academy of Management Meeting, we present a moderated discussion between established scholars in the field of grand challenges—Shahzad (Shaz) Ansari, Natalie Slawinski, and Eero Vaara—focusing on the role of institutional, paradox, and practice theories in research on grand challenges. Our goal for the symposium was to bring these theoretical perspectives into conversation, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the lenses, and discuss potential intersections for future research on grand challenges. We present the panelists’ prepared remarks as well as the interactive discussion covering four topics: the limitations of existing concepts and theories, materiality, impact, and relations between theory and practice. As part of these four discussion topics, we also present questions and reflections from the audience. We conclude by summarizing insights gleaned from the symposium about critical gaps and avenues for future research.
Optimization and biodynamic modelling of a 3D-printed honeycomb cushion and double-diamond seating suspension system for vibration isolation
Authors: Guo Linchuan , Zhao Yuli , Wang Xu
Published: November 2023

Extended periods of driving, lasting up to 8 hours, can have a severe impact on a driver's health due to the presence of low-frequency vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces. This paper presents a novel biodynamic system modelling method for investigating how the human body responds to low-frequency vibrations. The lumped biodynamic parameter model predicts time-domain head acceleration and frequency-domain transmissibility ratio. This paper's design innovation involves a three-dimensional printed cushion composed of honeycomb cells and a seating suspension system featuring six double-diamond isolators. Using the Design of Experiments, Response Surface Method, and Genetic Algorithm methods, the structural parameters of the seating suspension system and cushion in the model are optimized for the minimum peak transmissibility ratio. The uniqueness of this paper's approach lies in its sensitivity analysis and optimization of the seat cushion and seating suspension system design parameters within a quarter-vehicle suspension system environment, which sets it apart from other literature. Furthermore, this paper explores the connection between the negative Poisson's ratio and quasi-zero stiffness as a means of reducing vibration transmission.
How Culture Impacts Health: The Hispanic Narrative
Authors: Da Costa Mariana
Published: November 2023

The Hispanic population is the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States, and is disproportionately impacted by health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and unintentional injuries. Factors contributing to these disparities include cultural practices, lack of access to health care, language barriers, and a lack of cultural competence by health-care providers. Family, religion, and gender roles play an essential part in the cultural heritage of Hispanic people, which heavily impacts health outcomes in this population. Nurses must be knowledgeable about the impact of culture on health to dismantle racial/ethnic health disparities and deliver equitable and high-quality care to individuals, families, and communities. This narrative aims to introduce some fundamental cultural factors and beliefs in the Hispanic culture that impact health. It also seeks to provide insights into culturally sensitive practices, to promote quality nursing care and address health disparities within this population.
Measuring party system institutionalization in democracies
Authors: Kim Wooseok
Published: November 2023

Party system institutionalization (PSI) is regarded as a critical underpinning of democracy. However, the systematic study of PSI in democracies is constrained by weaknesses in existing measures, which are limited in coverage or comprehensiveness, and do not account for the latent nature of the concept, measurement error, and non-random missing data. This article presents a novel measure of PSI that uses a Bayesian latent variable measurement strategy to overcome extant measurement issues. The subsequent measure not only offers unmatched coverage and has demonstrated validity, but also exhibits more robust empirical associations with a range of outcomes related to the performance of democracy than existing measures. The measure should facilitate more integrated research on the causes and consequences of PSI in democracies around the world.
The hospitality industry and COVID-19: Stock price crash risk
Authors: Hasman Augusto , Borzillo Stefano
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we analyze the factors that have determined why certain companies in the hospitality industry managed to buffer themselves from the effects of COVID-19 more consistently than others. In particular, we focus on downside risk measures. We found that hotel companies quoted in the United States were the most affected and that investors were less willing to hold shares in those companies during the pandemic. We also observe that, although hotels obtained lower returns during the period of analysis, restaurants were more affected by extreme events.
USA states’ COVID policy impacts upon tourism: “Let no good deed go unpunished”
Authors: Litvin Stephen W
Published: November 2023

The 50 USA states each approached the challenges of COVID-19 as they felt best for their people and their economy. This research evaluates the impacts of the decisions made by the individual states as this relates to their hospitality and tourism industry. As the title of this paper suggests, those states making the hard decision to impose strict restrictions often found their tourism industry to have suffered most during the pandemic.
Expected wait times for access to a disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatment in England: A modelling study
Authors: Mattke Soeren , Tang Yu , Hanson Mark
Published: November 2023

Objectives

We previously analysed the preparedness to deliver a disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatment in the United Kingdom and predicted substantial wait times. This study updates the prediction for the National Health Service (NHS) in England, using an improved model and newer data.

Methods

We reviewed published data on capacity for diagnosis of cognitive impairment combined with expert input and constructed a model for wait times to access from 2023 to 2043. The model tracks patients from initial evaluation in primary care, cognitive testing by a dementia specialist, confirmatory biomarker testing with positron emission tomography (PET) scans or examination of cerebrospinal fluid and infusion delivery. Capacity for specialist visits and PET scans are assumed to be capacity constrained, and cerebrospinal fluid testing and infusion delivery to be scalable.

Results

Capacity constraints were projected to result in substantial wait times: patients referred to specialists based on a brief cognitive test, which is the current standard of care, would expect an overall initial wait times of 56 months in 2023, increasing to 129 months in 2029 and then falling slowly to around 100 months. Use of a blood test for the confirmation of Alzheimer’s pathology as an additional triage step, would reduce wait times to around 17 to 25 months.

Discussion

The NHS England lacks capacity to provide timely access to a disease-modifying treatment, which is estimated to result in significant wait times and potentially avoidable disease progression. Better diagnostic tools at initial evaluation may reduce delays.
Docetaxel Plus Nedaplatin or Carboplatin as Second-Line Chemotherapy for Advanced Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Real-World Practice: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Zhong Jian , Zhang Qian , Li Li , Xu ChunHua
Published: November 2023

Although single-drug chemotherapy regimens were used as second-line chemotherapy for advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients, there are still no standard guidelines for second-line chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of docetaxel combined with nedaplatin or carboplatin in the second-line treatment of advanced LSCC patients. One hundred and ninety-six LSCC patients receiving docetaxel plus nedaplatin (DN, n = 96) or carboplatin (DC, n = 100) were retrospectively collected until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed in the two groups. The ORR was 18.8% versus 16.0%, and the DCR was 39.6% versus 34.0% in DN group and DC group ( P > .05 and P > .05), respectively. The PFS was 5.3 versus 3.8 months, and the OS was 8.5 and 6.7 months in DN group and DC group ( P = .013 and P = .404), respectively. The rate of digestive reaction and hepatotoxicity was similar in DN and DC groups, whereas more patients in DC group than in DN group suffered from leucopenia ( P < .05). Docetaxel combined with nedaplatin is an effective regimen for advanced LSCC patients. Compared with a similar regimen with carboplatin, the response rate was similar; however, nedaplatin regimen shows some superiority as regards survival and some treatment side effect.
Role of C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Anees Khadija , Faizan Muhammad , Siddiqui Sarush Ahmed , Anees Ayesha , Faheem Komal , Shoaib Umer
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Cholelithiasis is one of the most common diseases encountered in gastroenterology. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be labelled as difficult if the surgery continues for more than 60 minutes or if the cystic artery is injured before ligation or clipping. Predicting difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy can help the surgeon to be prepared for intraoperative challenges such as adhesions in triangle of Calot, injury to cystic artery or gall stone spillage; and improve patient counseling.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 269 patients with diagnosed cholelithiasis and planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the general surgery department of Civil Hospital Karachi. After approval of the institution review board of the Civil Hospital, the data of all the patients was collected along with informed consent. The patients were selected via nonprobability, consecutive sampling.

Results

The prevalence of difficult LC during procedure was 14.5% (39/269). Contingency table showed the true positive, negative and false positive and negative observation and using these observation to compute accuracy. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of serum c-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting the difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients of cholelithiasis was 87.2%, 97%, 82.9%, 97.8% and 95.5% respectively. Effect modifiers like age, gender and BMI were controlled by stratification analysis and observed that diagnostic accuracy was above 90% in all stratified groups as presented in the following tables. 175 (65.06%) of 279 patients were females indicating female predominance. In general, 41 patients (15.05%) had CRP serum levels greater than 11 mg/dL out of which 34 patients had to undergo difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC), while 223 out of 228 patients with serum CRP levels of less than 11 mg/dL did not face any difficulty during their cholecystectomy. Similar results have been acquired across all age groups and both genders.

Conclusion

C Reactive Protein is a potent predictor of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its conversion preoperatively. Patients with preoperatively high C Reactive Protein CRP levels in serum have more chances of complication intraoperatively and increased chances of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. Preoperative C Reactive Protein (CRP) with values >11 mg/dL was associated with the highest odds of presenting difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) in our study. This value possesses good sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for predicting DLC in our population.
Becoming a Xia: Constructing Cultural Identity in the History of Wuxia Games in China
Authors: Cao Tianming , Zhou Hongya , Feng Anqi
Published: November 2023

This study examines Chinese Wuxia games (martial arts) as cultural artifacts, utilizing a cultural historical approach to analyze their textual content and gameplay in order to explore the construction of cultural identity. I investigate the localization of early games and identify the cultural consciousness of early producers between 1990 and 1995. Through decoding cultural symbols, this research reveals the fixed cultural sources and components of cultural identity from 1995 to 2003. From 2004 to 2009, I examine how the industry's overall decline resulted in fatalism being projected onto the game design, leading to the integration of Wuxia games with contemporary culture and historical characteristics. Between 2010 and 2021, with the growth of player subjectivities, the construction of player identity reveals the fluid nature of cultural identity. This study also identifies three layers of Xia (martial arts hero) identity, including group affiliation, judgment, and creed.
Unresolved issues with noninferiority pragmatic trials: Results of a literature survey
Authors: Ciarleglio Maria M , Li Jiaxuan , Peduzzi Peter
Published: November 2023

Background

Issues with specification of margins, adherence, and analytic population can potentially bias results toward the alternative in randomized noninferiority pragmatic trials. To investigate this potential for bias, we conducted a targeted search of the medical literature to examine how noninferiority pragmatic trials address these issues.

Methods

An Ovid MEDLINE database search was performed identifying publications in New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, Lancet, or British Medical Journal published between 2015 and 2021 that included the words “pragmatic” or “comparative effectiveness” and “noninferiority” or “non-inferiority.” Our search identified 14 potential trials, 12 meeting our inclusion criteria (11 individually randomized, 1 cluster-randomized).

Results

Eleven trials had results that met the criteria established for noninferiority. Noninferiority margins were prespecified for all trials; all but two trials provided justification of the margin. Most trials did some monitoring of treatment adherence. All trials conducted intent-to-treat or modified intent-to-treat analyses along with per-protocol analyses and these analyses reached similar conclusions. Only two trials included all randomized participants in the primary analysis, one used multiple imputation for missing data. The percentage excluded from primary analyses ranged from ∼2% to 30%. Reasons for exclusion included randomization in error, nonadherence, not receiving assigned treatment, death, withdrawal, lost to follow-up, and incomplete data.

Conclusion

Specification of margins, adherence, and analytic population require careful consideration to prevent bias toward the alternative in noninferiority pragmatic trials. Although separate guidance has been developed for noninferiority and pragmatic trials, it is not compatible with conducting a noninferiority pragmatic trial. Hence, these trials should probably not be done in their current format without developing new guidelines.
Configuring effects of learning-centred leadership in promoting teacher professional learning and teacher self-efficacy
Authors: Thien Lei Mee , Yeap Sock Beei
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive investigation of configuring effects of the learning-centred leadership that could sufficiently explain teacher outcomes has not been adequately addressed in the literature. Drawing on complexity theory, this study aims to investigate how the four dimensions of learning-centred leadership combine to lead to increased teacher professional learning and teacher self-efficacy using a combination of symmetric and asymmetric approaches. Data were collected from 453 secondary school teachers in Penang, Malaysia. The partial least squares structural equation modelling revealed the leadership support dimension has a significant positive effect on teacher professional learning. The modelling dimension has a significant positive effect on teacher professional learning and teacher self-efficacy. Fuzzy set-qualitative comparative analysis informed four configuring effects of learning-centred leadership dimensions on teacher professional learning, including a combination of high level of managing the learning programme and low level of building a learning vision leads to generate a high level of teacher professional learning. Likewise, there are four configuring effects of learning-centred leadership dimensions on teacher self-efficacy. This study contributes to the literature by advancing the theoretical foundation of how the learning-centred leadership dimensions combine to better explain high level of teacher professional learning and teacher self-efficacy.
Diminished State Space Theory of Human Aging
Authors: Eppinger Ben , Ruel Alexa , Bolenz Florian
Published: November 2023

Many new technologies, such as smartphones, computers, or public-access systems (like ticket-vending machines), are a challenge for older adults. One feature that these technologies have in common is that they involve underlying, partially observable, structures ( state spaces) that determine the actions that are necessary to reach a certain goal (e.g., to move from one menu to another, to change a function, or to activate a new service). In this work we provide a theoretical, neurocomputational account to explain these behavioral difficulties in older adults. Based on recent findings from age-comparative computational- and cognitive-neuroscience studies, we propose that age-related impairments in complex goal-directed behavior result from an underlying deficit in the representation of state spaces of cognitive tasks. Furthermore, we suggest that these age-related deficits in adaptive decision-making are due to impoverished neural representations in the orbitofrontal cortex and hippocampus.
‘I’m a red-blooded male’: Understanding men’s experiences of domestic abuse through a feminist lens
Authors: Westmarland Nicole , Burrell Stephen R
Published: November 2023

The ways in which gendered expectations of women are used to maintain power and control by male perpetrators of domestic abuse are now well understood. It is also increasingly recognised that men can be victims of domestic abuse. This has led to calls to de-gender theories of violence and abuse, and arguments that the feminist theories which underpin many interventions are outdated. We draw on the experiences of 344 men using a helpline for male victim–survivors of domestic abuse to show that patriarchal constructions of relationships, femininity and masculinity, which underpin women’s experiences of domestic abuse by men are also central to understanding men’s experiences of domestic abuse by women. We propose that men’s victimisation by women perpetrators is not incompatible with feminist understandings of domestic abuse. Rather, that the influence of patriarchal norms in men’s victimisation accentuates the importance of gender in understanding and responding to domestic abuse.
Observational study on the evolution of systemic treatments for advanced renal cell carcinoma in Southwest Finland between 2010 and 2021
Authors: Hölsä Olivia , Teittinen Kaisa , Anttalainen Anna , Ukkola-Vuoti Liisa , Summanen Milla , Mattila Kalle E
Published: November 2023

Background:

Novel receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been introduced to the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) during the past decade. However, the adoption of novel treatments into clinical practice has been unknown in Finland.

Objectives:

Our aim was to evaluate the use of systemic treatments and treatment outcomes of aRCC patients in Southwest Finland during 2010–2021.

Design and Methods:

Clinical characteristics, treatments for aRCC, healthcare resource utilization, and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively obtained from electronic medical records. Patients were stratified using the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk classification.

Results:

In total, 1112 RCC patients were identified, 336 (30%) patients presented with aRCC, and 57% of them ( n = 191) had received systemic treatment. Pre-2018, sunitinib (79%) was the most common first-line treatment, and pazopanib (17%), axitinib (17%), and cabozantinib (5%) were frequently used in the second-line. Post-2018, sunitinib (52%), cabozantinib (31%), and the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab (10%) were most commonly used in the first-line, and cabozantinib (23%) in the second-line. Median OS for patients with favorable, intermediate, and poor risk were 61.9, 28.6, and 8.1 months, respectively. A total of 73%, 74%, and 35% of the patients with favorable, intermediate, and poor risk had received second-line systemic treatment. In poor-risk patients, the number of hospital inpatient days was twofold higher compared to intermediate and fourfold higher compared to favorable-risk patients.

Conclusion:

New treatment options were readily adopted into routine clinical practice after becoming reimbursed in Finland. OS and the need for hospitalization depended significantly on the IMDC risk category. Upfront combination treatments are warranted for poor-risk patients as the proportion of patients receiving second-line treatment is low.

Registration:

Clinical trial identifier: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05363072.
Lessons from a Late Adopter: Feminist Advocacy, Democratizing Reforms, and Gender Quotas in Chile
Authors: Piscopo Jennifer M. , Thomas Gwynn , Siavelis Peter , Hinojosa Magda
Published: November 2023

Many Latin American and other Global South countries adopted gender quotas during democratic transitions. What explains late-adopting cases like Chile? We analyze two instances: the 2015–2016 electoral reforms, which finally introduced a 40-percent gender quota, and the 2020–2023 constitutional process, which introduced gender parity. Using a qualitative analysis that draws on 39 elite interviews, we posit that efforts to redesign national political institutions in order to address democratic deficits create transition-like moments. In turn, these moments create windows of opportunity for quota advocates. We show how quota advocates in the parties, congress, and civil society leveraged growing voter discontent to pressure their resistant colleagues and ultimately secure gender quotas (and later gender parity) as part of larger reform efforts. Our analysis of the Chilean case elevates two factors explaining quota adoption: the long arc of democratization and women's role as protagonists in electoral reforms.
“Biological Fixation” of Flexor Digitorum Longus: A New Modification of Tendon Transfer for Treatment of Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction
Authors: Sabaghzadeh Amir , Biglari Farsad , Sadighi Mehrdad , Jafari Kafiabadi Meisam , Ebrahimpour Adel
Published: November 2023

Numerous surgical procedures for the treatment of posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) dysfunction have been developed, including tendon transfers, osteotomies, and arthrodesis. Among these methods, foot and ankle surgeons most frequently use flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer in conjunction with medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus. Formerly, some less invasive techniques have been described to reduce surgical-related complications after FDL tendon transfer. Herein, we introduced a new modification of short-stump FDL tendon fixation to the navicular bone and reported the functional outcomes of the current technique in a patient with PTT dysfunction. In the current technique, the FDL tendon was fixed to the navicular bone via a trans-osseous tunnel using a split PTT stump. This method does not require any kind of fixation devices, such as an interference screw or anchor suture.

Level of Evidence: V
Bihemispheric Seizure Without Generalization
Authors: Neth Bryan J. , Mustafa Rafid
Published: November 2023

A 70-year-old male without prior psychiatric history presented with recurrent episodes (<60 seconds each, every 5-10 minutes) of left hemibody and right lower extremity jerking movements concerning for seizure with preserved awareness (Video). Examination showed left hemiparesis (leg > arm) in addition to right lower extremity weakness. Computed tomography showed a right parafalcine acute subdural hematoma (SDH). Clinical events did not recur after intravenous lorazepam (4 mg) and levetiracetam load (3500 mg), and his weakness improved. He was continued on levetiracetam and has since remained seizure free for 16 months. A 60-minute awake/sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) obtained 12 hours after administration of antiseizure medications showed low amplitude theta slowing (posterior predominant) in the range of 5-7 Hz. There was no apparent epileptiform activity or other abnormalities during the awake and sleep recording or photic stimulation. Focal seizures originate from pathologic disruption of neuronal activity within an isolated brain region, almost exclusively from a single hemisphere. Focal seizures may generalize bilaterally with associated impaired awareness. This is the first visual report demonstrating focal, bihemispheric clinical seizures, without generalization or impaired awareness. Rarely patients with generalized motor involvement from seizures have had retained consciousness and memory. The parafalcine SDH likely promoted epileptogenicity of the bilateral hemispheres. Acute and chronic SDH commonly present with seizures. Although there were no supportive electrographic findings, parasagittal epileptogenic lesions may be difficult for both clinical and electrographic localization. Post-event paresis with clinical improvement in the hours after event cessation supports clinical seizure.
Champions for School Health—An NASN Initiative to Increase Vaccine Confidence, Equity, and Uptake in COVID-19 and School-Required Vaccinations: Part 2
Authors: D’Souza-Vazirani Deborah , Behrmann Erin , Alvarez Cindy , Walsh Carol , Griffin A. Renee , White Stephanye
Published: November 2023

NASN, with generous funding from Kaiser Permanente (KP) and partnered with the Institute for Educational Leadership, developed and implemented the Champions for School Health (CSH) grant initiative. The CSH initiative awarded 54 Implementation Grants in two funding cycles in 2022, funding school districts and community-based organizations (CBOs) to increase access to the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine as well as school-required immunizations and to increase vaccine confidence among underserved populations in KP’s footprint: California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. These grantees administered a total of 17,630 COVID-19 vaccines to individuals ages 5 or older and 34,025 routine immunizations, of which 8,233 school-required vaccinations went to children of ages 5–11 years. Over 851,000 people were reached by vaccine education events in all nine KP markets. A notable takeaway from the project’s results was the new partnerships created and the continuation of existing partnerships by the grantees. NASN’s implementation of the CSH initiative and results provides a model and a source of critical data on how school health services and community-based organizations can partner to provide hyper-local responses to community/public health crises. This Part 2 article provides an overview of the key results of the project.
Social media: A tool for collective action in food for Chennai, India – A case study
Authors: Jayakumar M Dominic , Aiswarya B , Jenifer Arokia Selvi
Published: November 2023

Ubiquitous emergent technologies including social media (SM) dramatically impact human lives: the way we live, learn, communicate and do our business. Despite its darker side, people make use of social media’s transformative potential to advance socio-economic-political narratives and for catalysing public engagement for social causes. This case study illustrates how a group of women social entrepreneurs in Food For Chennai (FFC), India, innovatively used social media, mobilized more than 250 volunteers, and saved more than 40,000 COVID-19 patients in a month through efficient and virtual operation. Data were collected via telephonic interviews using semi-structured questionnaires with founders and 20 other volunteers. While the findings can demonstrate that social media can serve as a catalyst for social change, especially in times of crisis, they may not be generalizable. Future researchers could employ a comparative, quantitative approach for broader validation.
First results from the lessons learnt from the deployment of the Med Safety App for reporting adverse drug reactions in Ghana
Authors: Seaneke Seth Kwaku , Darko Delese Mimi , Nkansah Edwin , Asamoa-Amoakohene Abena , Ashie Adela , Sampson Ewudzie Jeremiah , Tregunno Phil , Raguenaud Marie-Eve , Merle Corinne S. , Hennig Branwen J , Sabblah George Tsey
Published: November 2023

Background

The use of mobile phone technology for reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in pharmacovigilance is relatively new. The objective of the study was to explore challenges and facilitators for the use of the Med Safety App for reporting ADRs in Ghana. A comparative evaluation of ADR reports received through the app and the standard paper-based form was also conducted.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with a purposive sampling technique. The study population was persons who had downloaded the Med Safety App launched in Ghana 18 months before the study.

Results

Of the 350 participants, 121 provided answers to the questionnaire sent as a Google form, representing a response rate of 34.6%. Ninety-five (78.5%) of the participants were healthcare professionals, and the remaining were patients. Seventy-five (64.7%) of the participants were using the app after initial installation because they thought it had helpful features. However, only 33 (27.3%) participants used the app to report ADRs, and of these, seven (21.2%) participants indicated that they would continue to use the app because it was easier than the other means of reporting ADRs. Most of the respondents, 109 (94%), indicated that they would recommend the app to someone else. There were some differences between the reports received through the app and between the paper-based Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) 1 form and the app, which warrant further exploration.

Conclusion

Most participants indicated that the app is a useful tool and easy to use, and they were satisfied with the features of the app. Given that only just under one-third of participants had used the app to report ADRs, more time and training may be required to fully evaluate the feasibility of the use of the app going forward. The findings will help improve introduction of the app in other countries.