bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reclaiming and remediating space: The dynamics of queer presence in audio drama platform
Authors: Hu Tingting , Liu Tingting
Published: November 2024

The censorship of Boys’ Love (BL) content in mainland China is marked by inconsistencies in both its intensity and scope. Amid these shifting regulatory boundaries, this study analyzes the systematic removal and occasional reappearance of visual BL content from the public sphere. We found that as visual channels are most susceptible to suppression, audio – though still monitored – emerges as a crucial medium, leveraging the agentive power of sound and media remediation to sustain fan engagement with BL narratives. Focusing on Miss Evan, a Chinese audio streaming platform, we explore how it navigates state censorship and market marginalization while restoring the BL subculture through innovative design features, sexually appealing voice performances, and provocative sound effects. Additionally, we investigate the agency of Chinese BL fans in reclaiming BL’s presence through polymedia engagement. We argue that the dynamic negotiation between the platform, state censorship, and fandom reveals an ongoing contest between queer marginalization and restoration. While the platform seeks mainstream acceptance by conforming to censorship through the minimization of queer visual representation, the BL fandom employs counterstrategies to sustain the subculture in audio form. This tension highlights the cultural resilience and technological adaptability of queer subcultures as they navigate and resist the censorship imposed by state and societal norms.
Aligning to ambivalence: White petty bourgeois masculinities, leisure and the contemporary cultural politics of gender in the UK
Authors: Hoff Isaac
Published: November 2024

Drawing on an ethnography of 12 white, young, petty bourgeois, heterosexual men between the ages of 20–26 from Leicester, UK, and utilising Raymond Williams concept of ‘structure of feeling’, this article will critically explore how their masculinities are performed, constituted and articulated in games of five-a-side football and house parties. This will further understanding of white masculinities, the intersecting gendered, classed and racial identities of the petty bourgeoisie, and the gender politics of the current conjuncture in the United Kingdom in three ways. First, it will make an explicit link between the broader cultural politics of gender in the United Kingdom and petty bourgeois masculinities through leisure. Second, it will critically build upon recent insights into the ‘both ways’ politics of the petty bourgeoisie in the United Kingdom by focussing on how gender and race factor into this. Finally, it will show how ‘aligning’ to this broader politics of gender is enabled by intersecting social locations of advantage, primarily in terms of class, race and sexuality, showing how alignment to ambivalence can articulate and reinforce inequalities between men, while feeding into broader gendered inequalities.
The impact of Fitspiration content on women’s body shame and sexual assertiveness: A PLS-SEM and multigroup analysis
Authors: Guo Yu , Wang Duorui , Xiang Hongzhe
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of Fitspiration on women’s body shame and sexual assertiveness. By integrating the tripartite influence model’s focus on media influence with self-objectification theory, we explore the mechanisms connecting Fitspiration consumption to female sexual autonomy. Specifically, we examine the mediating roles of perceived realism, ideal body internalization, appearance comparison, and body shame, as well as the moderating effect of social media usage habits. Data from 818 Chinese women were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results indicate that exposure to Fitspiration content increases perceived realism, which in turn influences ideal body internalization and appearance comparison, leading to heightened body shame and reduced sexual assertiveness. In addition, social media usage habits further shape the relationship between media exposure and perceived realism.
Impact of laser shock peening on microstructure hardness and corrosion properties of AA6061 alloy
Authors: Girish G.
Published: November 2024

In recent times, laser shock peening (LSP) has emerged as a pioneering technique to modify the surface properties of various aluminium-based alloys. In this study, AA6061 was treated by single and multi-pass LSP, and its microstructure, hardness, and corrosion behaviour were investigated. Microstructural studies were performed using X-ray diffraction, electron back-scattered diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy methods. Texture studies were conducted using the neutron diffraction method, while hardness measurements were carried out using a Vickers hardness tester. Corrosion studies were conducted using the potentiodynamic method, and surface examination was performed using scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that laser peening led to the dissolution of strengthening precipitates, resulting in a microstructure characterized by a greater volume of low-angle grain boundaries and dense dislocations. The texture index of laser-peened specimens decreased drastically to 1.1952 and 1.0970, with a significant rise in the volume fraction of Goss, S, and brass components. Specimens subjected to a single LSP pass exhibited a maximum hardness of 132.4 HV and better resistance to pitting, with Ecorr and Icorr values of −0.6721 V and 0.0043 A/cm2, respectively, while multiple LSP passes resulted in reduced hardness and pitting resistance due to excess heat.
From a toy to a tool: the reception of Barbie and cultural ambiguity in contemporary Pakistan
Authors: Farooqui Javaria
Published: November 2024

Barbie (2023) garnered enormous international box office success, stirring arguments about women's empowerment in popular media and academic circles. This article investigates the challenging reception of Barbie in urban Pakistan, where its global success and partial screening ban sparked debates about cultural values and identity. The study investigates the socioeconomic, religious and gendered aspects of Pakistani audiences’ diverse reactions to the film. By analysing viewer reactions and the implications of the partial ban, the study offers insights into the subtle and often unclear processes by which culture and values are established. It reveals how negative perceptions of Barbie serve as markers of national identity, while acknowledging that some women find the film relatable and significant. This analysis contributes to scholarly discussions on the sociocultural impact of transnational media and the ongoing construction of cultural identities in Pakistan.
Making the transition from medical student to junior doctor
Authors: Ng Isaac KS
Published: November 2024

The transition between medical students and junior doctors is known to be a notoriously challenging period of time, contributed by heavy clinical responsibilities, steep learning curves, poor working conditions and various psychological stressors. In addition, there is often a significant lack of support at the organisational or health systems level for fledgling junior physicians in their transition to work life. In this article, I hope to offer several important guiding principles from the perspectives of a medical resident-in-training that I hope will be useful for graduating medical students to ease their transition into the foundational year of practice, such that they can optimise their training and work experience within what is in their control and maintain a sense of purpose even in difficult times.
Examining Community Preferences for Adaption and Dissemination of an Efficacious Brief Intervention on Alcohol Use and Sexual Behavior
Authors: Griner Stacey B. , Akpan Idara , Johnson Kaeli C. , Maynard Grace , Alkhatib Sarah A. , Webb Nathaniel J. , Galvin Annalynn , Kline Nolan , Litt Dana M. , Lewis Melissa A. , Thompson Erika L.
Published: November 2024

Compared to other age groups, 18- to 25-year olds (young adults) are more likely to engage in heavy alcohol use and inconsistent contraceptive use, increasing their susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. The Studying Alcohol and Related Risks (STARR) intervention was efficacious in reducing young adult alcohol-related risky sexual behavior, including reducing the number of casual sexual partners and alcohol use prior to sex. We conducted a qualitative study to guide the adaptation of the STARR intervention to include additional content on contraceptive use and prepare for dissemination of the intervention to a community audience. We conducted 10 focus groups with young adults (n = 16) and semistructured interviews with local community stakeholders (n = 12) to examine: (a) intervention characteristics, such as compatibility, adaptability, and design and packaging and (b) dissemination and communication channels. Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Participants found the proposed intervention acceptable and highlighted the need to promote STI prevention among young adults. Participants viewed text-based interventions as accessible and effective. Key considerations included developing personalized messages from credible sources, using gender-inclusive language, and sending messages at strategic timepoints. Social media (Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok), events, and campus resources were described as avenues to create awareness and disseminate information about the proposed intervention. Findings demonstrate the need for innovative and tailored young adult health programs that incorporate multilevel dissemination strategies. This study highlights the need for implementation activities that will improve the adoption and dissemination of evidence-based programs, particularly among young adults.
State of the Art on High Performance Work Systems Research: A Bibliometrics Study
Authors: Singh Rakhi , Yoo Sangok , Park Sunyoung , Chaudhuri Sanghamitra , Sihag Priyanka
Published: November 2024

This systematic data-driven review examines current state of the literature on high performance work systems (HPWS) and identifies future research directions in the human resource development (HRD) literature, using bibliometric analysis and content analysis of 789 peer-reviewed articles published between 1996 and 2021. Firstly, this study presents yearly trends, influential articles, journals, and countries in the HPWS literature. Moreover, by employing bibliographic coupling and content analysis in conjunction, this study reveals the following key research themes: (1) HPWS and organizational performance, (2) HPWS and individual-level outcomes, (3) Human Resource (HR) systems-HPWS-performance link, and (4) Diversification of the HPWS research contexts. Based on the findings, we propose future research directions for HRD scholars, including the need to investigate the influences of HPWS utilization in the contexts of pandemic and uncertainty, sustainability, the adoption of HPWS in small and medium-sized enterprises, and the dark side of HPWS.
Supplementary and Premotor Cortical Activation During Manual Dexterity Involving Motor Imagery in Multiple Sclerosis: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Sadot Shaked , Dreyer-Alster Sapir , Kalron Alon
Published: November 2024

Background

Investigating brain activation during motor imagery (MI) tasks in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) can increase the knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying motor dysfunction in MS and, hopefully, aid in developing improved rehabilitation strategies.

Objective

To investigate brain activation in the supplementary motor area and premotor cortex via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during a hand manipulation task, and comparing MI with actual practice (AP) in pwMS.

Methods

Each subject completed a sequence of 4 consecutive manual dexterity trials wearing an fNIRS device. The tasks included the following conditions: AP dominant hand, MI dominant hand, AP non-dominant hand, and MI non-dominant hand.

Results

Twenty pwMS (mean Expanded Disability Status Scale = 4.75 [3.0-6.5]) and 20 healthy controls (HC) participated in the study. According to the fNIRS timeline course, a similar increase (compared with baseline) was observed in the relative oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) concentration during the MI and AP tasks, which was immediately followed by a decrease (for either hand) in the pwMS and the HC groups. A difference in the relative HbO concentration between the HC and pwMS was detected solely when the 2 groups mentally replicated the manual dexterity task movements in the MI condition (dominant hand). The increase was higher in the HC group ( P = .030).

Conclusions

Despite exhibiting manual dexterity difficulties, pwMS demonstrated comparable neural activation patterns as the HCs during MI tasks in regions associated with motor planning and complex movement control, thus, suggesting that deficits in manual dexterity among pwMS may not solely originate from impairments in the motor planning processes.
The role of Alberta pharmacists working in opioid use disorder and their potential to prescribe buprenorphine-naloxone: A qualitative study
Authors: Olatunbosun Caitlin , Moharram Mostafa , Gottschalk Samantha , Biggs Catherine
Published: November 2024

Objective:

Opioid toxicity continues to have significant morbidity and mortality in Alberta. Opioid agonist therapy is an effective treatment for opiate use disorder (OUD), with first-line treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP-NAL) being both highly effective and safe. Barriers to care limit access to treatment, and more access points for treatment are needed. Pharmacists in Alberta have a wide scope of prescribing authority and high accessibility. This study describes the barriers to care and the roles of pharmacists engaged in OUD treatment, and explores the potential for pharmacists to prescribe BUP-NAL to improve access to care.

Methods:

Semistructured interviews were conducted with pharmacists from Alberta in January 2024. Key informants were identified using professional networks and the reverse snowball method, and continued until data saturation. Thematic analysis was conducted by 2 investigators using open coding.

Results:

Ten pharmacists were interviewed, and 4 major themes emerged: barriers to access OUD treatment, the current role of pharmacists in caring for patients with OUD, the future role of pharmacists as prescribers of BUP-NAL, and enabling pharmacists to prescribe. Patients experience many barriers to care, and a complex health system contributes to this. Pharmacists working with patients with OUD are highly knowledgeable and involved in assessing, managing, and monitoring therapy in a multidisciplinary capacity. Extending authority for pharmacists to prescribe BUP-NAL can improve access to care but must consider collaboration and social context.

Conclusion:

Pharmacists are skilled and positioned to improve access to care for patients with OUD needing BUP-NAL.
Adaptive iterative learning control for enhancing the dynamic path tracking accuracy of 6-degrees of freedom industrial robots
Authors: Shu Tingting , Li Pengcheng , Zhang Ronghua , Xie Wenfang
Published: November 2024

In this article, an adaptive iterative learning control (AILC) scheme has been proposed to enhance the accuracy of the dynamic path tracking of 6-degrees of freedom industrial robots. Based on the memorized data and current feedback from a three-dimensional visual measurement instrument, an adaptive algorithm is developed to update the time-varying control parameters of the AILC scheme iteratively. A new compensation signal is calculated to adjust the control inputs produced by the dynamic path tracking control module at each time interval. Through the adaptation algorithm, the identical initial conditions can be relaxed to some extent with the AILC scheme. Moreover, the stability analysis of the proposed AILC scheme is presented. Experimental results on FANUC M20iA, using C-Track 780 as a photogrammetry sensor, demonstrate the superior performance of the developed AILC scheme in terms of pose accuracy, disturbance rejection ability, and control performance.
The role of intersectoral collaboration and continuous stakeholder engagement in the implementation of the BornFyne PNMS project in Cameroon
Authors: Nkangu Miriam , Obegu Pamela , Ngo Ngo Valery , Wanda Franck , Sinsai Regina , Kepgang Evrard , Kasonde Mwenya , Kibu Odette , Ndiforchu Victor , Fantaye Arone Wondwossen , Gobina Ronald M. , Fobellah Nkengfack , Yaya Sanni
Published: November 2024

Background

The process of stakeholder engagement in the implementation of a digital health platform is vital, especially in low-resourced countries like Cameroon, where the digital health ecosystem is still emerging. Stakeholder engagement can make meaningful contributions to a project allowing for increased project visibility and reach, uptake, acceptability, and sustainability. However, collaboration among stakeholders during stakeholder engagement cannot be implied. This article focuses solely on intersectoral collaboration amongst stakeholders in the implementation of the BornFyne-PNMS digital health platform in Cameroon.

Method

The study took on a participatory action research approach using stakeholder discussions, feedback from participants, questions, and suggestions to inform the progress and continuous implementation. This also included follow-up discussions with stakeholders from various sectors. The intersectoral meetings took into consideration a wider perspective on the implementation process and the launch of universal health coverage in Cameroon.

Results

A total of five stakeholder meetings were held during the implementation phase, and a total of 174 stakeholders were engaged. As a follow-up, a total of 19 letters were prepared by the Department of Family Health and addressed to strategic departments including international partners to introduce the BornFyne project. Findings are centered on six major themes that emerged from the coded data and they are as follows: (1) aligned goals and objectives; (2) enhanced health care delivery; (3) data quality and availability; (4) accessibility issues; (5) intersectoral collaboration for universal health coverage; and (6) equity aspects.

Conclusion

This article underscores the relevance of engaging a diverse group of stakeholders as a strength in intersectoral collaboration and partnership in implementing digital health interventions. It ensures that the views and experiences of those directly impacted by the intervention are considered, and it contributes to a more well-rounded and impactful assessment of the BornFyne-PNMS platform's role in improving RMNCAH in rural settings.
Assessment of data quality and associated factors in the routine health information system among health workers in public health institutions of Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A mixed methods study
Authors: Doka Bedilu Kucho , Worku Abebaw Gebeyehu , Negeri Keneni Gutema , Kassa Dejene Hailu
Published: November 2024

Background

Generating high-quality data at health facilities is fundamental for effective decision making, which helps to strengthen health system performance and promote better health outcomes. Previous studies have revealed inconsistent findings and design-related drawbacks regarding the quality of routine health data. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the level of data quality and associated factors in the routine health information system among health workers in public health institutions of Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study was mixed with a phenomenological qualitative study. Data collection was executed from April 1 to 30, 2023. Samples of 304 health workers were randomly selected. A total of six in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions were also done. Multilevel linear regression and thematic analysis were applied.

Results

The perceived level of good data quality was 59.5% (95% CI = 53.8, 65.1). The report timeliness, data accuracy, and the data completeness were 53.3%, 89.4%, and 93.5%, respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with data quality include culture of information utilization (β = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.20, 0.40), perceived skill of data management (β = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.18), and electric power access (β = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.21). The data quality was decreased in health posts by −0.20 (95% CI = −0.371, −0.030).

Conclusion

The overall quality of routine data among health workers was lower. Improving the skills of data management, cultivating a habit of data use, and enhancing the capacity of health workers are the potential interventions for ensuring data quality in health institutions.
Exploring online health information-seeking behaviour for musculoskeletal pain in Europe: A study protocol combining expert panel insights with search trends on social media and Google
Authors: Cardoso da Silva Lucas , O’Sullivan Kieran , Coyne Lara , Skuli Palsson Thorvaldur , Christensen Steffan Wittrup McPhee , Hoegh Morten , O’Keeffe Mary , Langella Francesco , Blasco-Abadía Julia , Bellosta-Lopéz Pablo , Doménech-García Víctor
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Musculoskeletal pain is a significant public health concern in Europe. With the advent of the digital age, online health information-seeking behaviour has become increasingly important, influencing health outcomes and the ability of individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding their own well-being or of those they are responsible for. This study protocol outlines an investigation into how individuals in five European countries (Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, and Spain) seek online health information for musculoskeletal pain.

Methods

The protocol adopts an exploratory and systematic two-phase approach to analyse online health information-seeking behaviour. Phase 1 involves four steps: (1) extraction of an extensive list of keywords using Google Ads Keyword Planner; (2) refinement of the list of keywords by an expert panel; (3) investigation of related topics and queries and their degree of association with keywords using Google Trends; and (4) creation of visual representations (word clouds and simplified network graphs) using R. These visual representations provide insights into how individuals search for online health information for musculoskeletal pain. Phase 2 identifies relevant online sources by conducting platform-specific searches on Google, X, Facebook, and Instagram using the refined list of keywords. These sources are then analysed and categorised with NVivo and R to understand the types of information that individuals encounter.

Conclusions

This innovative protocol has significant potential to advance the state-of-the-art in digital health literacy and musculoskeletal pain through a comprehensive understanding of online health information-seeking behaviour. The results may enable the development of effective online health resources and interventions.
Digital coaching and its potential to support the return-to-work-process for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain - A focus group study
Authors: Bolic Baric Vedrana , Liedberg Gunilla , Lundell Hanna , Björk Mathilda , Turesson Christina
Published: November 2024

Background

Given the growing digitalization of healthcare and society, it becomes crucial to explore whether digital interactions with healthcare professionals, such as coaching, can offer effective support and contribute to an improved return-to-work process and a sustainable work environment for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Aim

To explore perceptions of digital coaching and its potential to support the return-to-work process for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods

Three focus group interviews consisting of 14 people—11 women and three men (with a mean age of 48 years)—were conducted. All participants had a goal of returning to work and had completed an interprofessional rehabilitation program due to chronic musculoskeletal pain. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Findings show that integrating a coach into digital tools could offer new opportunities for personalized guidance, support and feedback to individuals during the return-to-work process. The first theme emphasizes the importance of sustained support throughout the entire return-to-work process—from rehabilitation programs to workforce integration. The second theme outlines the specific tasks and functions expected from a digital coach, as perceived by the participants. Lastly, the third theme explores the envisioned future evolution of digital coaching in chronic musculoskeletal pain management.

Conclusions

Digital coaching offers promise in addressing challenges during the return-to-work process, acting as a bridge among stakeholders to ensure accessibility, continuity and coordination in rehabilitation and return-to-work efforts.
Correction of Hemitruncus in an Adult Patient Alleviated Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula in the Affected Lung
Authors: Nakata Tomohiro , Tachi Maiko , Yasuda Kenji , Tanabe Junya , Kawanami Yuka , Yamazaki Kazuhiro
Published: November 2024

We present a case of a 36 year old adult with anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the aorta (hemitruncus), pulmonary hypertension, and moderate mitral regurgitation. Moreover, selective contrast echocardiogram (agitated saline injection into the right pulmonary artery) performed during preoperative cardiac catheterization demonstrated a moderate amount and prompt appearance of echo contrast in the left atrium (right pulmonary arteriovenous fistula). We successfully performed a reconstruction of the right pulmonary artery using a woven Dacron graft (12 mm in diameter). Six months postsurgery, the pulmonary arteriovenous fistula had substantially regressed, and the pulmonary arterial pressure and mitral regurgitation had both dramatically improved.
Impact of Vascularity on Spinal Disorders Outcomes, Underestimated yet Probably Crucial: The Example of a Comparative Cohort of Epidural Abscesses
Authors: Boukebous Baptiste , Petrie Liam , Baker Joseph F.
Published: November 2024

Study Design

Retrospective comparative cohort.

Objective

(1) Describe the prevalence of the basivertebral vessel (BVV) in a cohort of spinal epidural abscesses (SEA) at lumbar or thoracic (2) correlate the presence of BVV to the risk of conservative treatment failure (CTF).

Methods

Twenty-six patients successfully managed without surgery were compared to 26 who required surgical management due to failed conservative management (lumbar and thoracic). Two observers sought the BVV on the sagittal T1 with contrast sequences of the initial MRI in a blinded fashion for Kappa score calculation. BVV-/BVV+: absence/presence. Demographic, radiological, and laboratory parameters, as well as functional scores, were recorded.

Results

For both observers, 29/52 patients had a BVV+ (55.7%); the agreement was 84% (Kappa: 0.80 CI 95% [0.70-0.90]). 5/23 (21.7%) BVV- patients had a successful medical treatment, while the proportion was 21/29 (72%) for BVV+ ( P = .0003). The positive predictive value for BVV+, predicting successful conservative treatment, was 81%. The negative predictive value for BVV- predicting CTF was 69%. BVV- was predictive of CTF in multivariable logistic regression: OR = 40, CI 95% [5-880], P = .02, for agreed observations between observers. For both observers, the proportion of dorsal abscess was the highest for BVV+ ( P = .01).

Conclusion

The BVV is part of the epidural network. The absence of BVV was strongly correlated with an increased risk of CTF, leading to the need for subsequent surgical treatment. SEA’s location pattern varied according to BVV detection. Although the spinal vascular anatomy has been well-known for over 100 years, there are still very few studies on its pathophysiological implications.
Comparison of Elbow Flexion in Youth Baseball Pitchers With and Without Throwing-Arm Pain
Authors: Nebel Adam R. , Fava Anthony W. , Bordelon Nicole M. , Oliver Gretchen D.
Published: November 2024

Background:

More than half of all youth baseball pitchers report throwing-related pain in their throwing arm throughout a season.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in elbow flexion throughout the pitching cycle between youth baseball pitchers with and without throwing-arm pain. It was hypothesized that pitchers with throwing-arm pain would have decreased elbow flexion throughout the pitching cycle compared with those who were pain-free.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 38 youth baseball pitchers (mean age, 13.3 ± 1.7 years; height, 164.4 ± 12.9 cm; weight, 57.1 ± 14 kg) were retrospectively selected from a database. Based on responses to a health history questionnaire, the pitchers were placed into a pain group if they indicated they were experiencing throwing-arm pain. Pitchers who indicated they were not experiencing throwing-arm pain were matched according to age, height, and weight to the pain group. All pitchers threw 3 fastballs to a catcher at the regulation distance. The mean elbow flexion of the 3 trials was used during analysis to investigate peak elbow flexion and time-normalized (0%-100%) elbow flexion across the pitch cycle (stride-foot contact to ball release). Elbow flexion was compared between the pain and pain-free groups using 1-dimensional statistical nonparametric mapping, and the mean peak elbow flexion between groups was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

No significant differences were observed between the groups in elbow flexion throughout the pitching cycle ( P > .05) and no group differences in peak elbow flexion ( U = 122; P = .09).

Conclusion:

Study findings indicated no significant differences in elbow flexion between youth baseball pitchers with versus without throwing-arm pain, unlike previous research reporting that pitchers with a history of medial elbow pain had altered elbow flexion and higher pitch velocities compared with those without a history of pain.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinicians should consider other potential factors related to throwing-arm pain beyond elbow flexion. Moreover, it is advisable to focus on evidence-based modifiable factors shown to increase the risk of pain and injury in youth pitchers, such as exceeding pitch counts, number of innings pitched, increased training time, range-of-motion, and strength deficits.
When Leaders and Followers Match: Unveiling the Nexus Between Despotic Leadership, Supervisor–Employee Value Congruence, and Organizational Deviance—Evidence From Egypt
Authors: Ghanem Atalla Amal Diab , Hafez Duaa , Badr Hanan , Felemban Ohood , Mahsoon Alaa , Mahmoud Elseesy Naglaa Abdelaziz
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Leadership style and employee behavior has long been a topic of interest in organizational research.

Objectives

To explore levels of despotic leadership, supervisor–employee value congruence, and organizational deviance among the studied nurses. Furthermore, to explore the connection between the three variables.

Methods

The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design. The researchers used three tools as follows: the despotic leadership survey, an organizational deviance scale, and a perceived supervisor–employee value congruence scale. The first of April 2023 to the first of July 2023 were the 3 months that were used to collect the data from 250 nurses. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Nurses perceived a moderate level of despotic leadership as mean ±  SD, 16.80 ± 3.01, also a moderate level for organizational deviance (30.63 ± 4.65). The studied nurses perceived a moderate level of supervisor–employee value congruence (10.93 ± 1.32) Furthermore, there is a solid positive significant relationship between despotic leadership and organizational deviance where p = .001. There is a negative significant relationship between despotic leadership and supervisor–employee value congruence where p = .001. Also, there is a negative significant relationship between organizational deviance and supervisor–employee value congruence where p = .001.

Conclusion

Nurse managers need to retain leaders to inspire subordinates’ uncluttered communication networks, stirring nurses’ partaking in nursing committees’ assemblies, and decision-making. Hospital administrators ought to focus more on the role that value congruence plays as a buffer for subordinates who exhibit organizational deviance and high levels of mistrust. Strategies should be employed to create and maintain value congruence and reinforce desired nondeviant behaviors to foster a positive work environment.
The climate anxiety compass: A framework to map the solution space for coping with climate anxiety
Authors: van Valkengoed Anne M. , Steg Linda
Published: November 2024

Witnessing the rapidly unfolding consequences of climate change, many people feel worried, stressed and anxious. While many suggestions on how to cope with climate anxiety have been proposed, the literature lacks a theory-informed framework that structures and integrates different coping strategies. We introduce the Climate Anxiety Compass: a framework that classifies strategies individuals can use to cope with climate anxiety along three dimensions: (a) problem-focused (targeting climate change and its consequences) or emotion-focused (targeting the emotions and stress caused by climate change), (b) mitigation (reducing or avoiding the stressor) or adaptation (preparing for, adjusting to, and learning to live with the stressor), and (c) individually oriented or collectively oriented. Together, the Climate Anxiety Compass identifies eight distinct types of coping strategies. The Climate Anxiety Compass can help people who experience climate anxiety explore different coping options and help structure future research into which strategies and interventions are most effective.
An Untethered Soft-Swallowing Robot with Enhanced Heat Resistance, Damage Tolerance, and Impact Mitigation
Authors: Li Haili , Li Xingzhi , Zhou Pan , Yao Jiantao
Published: November 2024

Soft robotics focuses on addressing the locomotion problem in unstructured environments and the manipulation problem of non-cooperative objects, which inevitably leads to soft robots encountering multiple uncertainties and damages. Therefore, improving the robustness of soft robots in hostile environmental conditions has always been a challenge. Existing methods usually improve this robustness through damage isolation, material elasticity, and self-healing mechanisms. In contrast to existing methods, this paper proposes a method to improve the robustness of an untethered soft-swallowing robot based on the physical properties of fluids, such as the high specific heat capacity of water, the viscosity of soft glue, and the shear thickening of non-Newtonian fluids. Based on this method, we developed a soft-swallowing robot with enhanced heat resistance, damage tolerance, and impact mitigation capability by only replacing its fluid working medium. Experiments show that the developed soft-swallowing robot can withstand high temperatures above 600 °C, maintain high performance even after enduring hundreds of damages, and protect grasped object from more than 90% of external impacts. This principle extends beyond the three fluids used in this study. Other fluids, such as magnetic fluid, can increase adhesion to metal materials, whereas oily fluids can reduce frictional resistance between soft structures. Additionally, other solid materials with elasticity and compliance can serve as alternative working mediums for the soft-swallowing robot. This work contributes an effective method for fluid-dependent soft robotic systems to resist the damage from uncertain factors in harsh environments.
Antiviral properties and molecular docking studies of eco-friendly biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles against alfalfa mosaic virus
Authors: Aseel Dalia G. , Rabie Mona , El-Far Ali , Abdelkhalek Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Background

Nanotechnology has been recognized as a viable technology for enhancing agriculture, particularly in the plant pathogen management area. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is a global pathogen that affects many plant species, especially economically valuable crops. Currently, there is less data on the interaction of nanoparticles with phytopathogens, particularly viruses. The current study looked into how copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs)-mediated Haloxylon salicornicum aqueous extract can fight AMV infections on tobacco plants.

Results

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses showed that CuO-NPs have a spherical and hexagonal structure ranging from 20 to 70 nm in size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that the produced CuO-NPs have many functional groups and a lot of secondary plant metabolites. Under greenhouse conditions, the foliar application of CuO-NPs (100 ppm) enhanced tobacco growth and decreased viral symptoms. Treatment with CuO-NPs 48 h before (protective treatment) or 48 h after (curative treatment) AMV infection significantly reduced AMV accumulation levels by 97%. Additionally, the levels of total chlorophyll, phenolic, and flavonoid contents, as well as DPPH, exhibited a significant increase in tobacco leaves 30 days after inoculation in comparison to untreated plants. Moreover, considerable differences in levels of different antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, PPO, POX, and CAT, were also observed. On the other hand, the oxidative stress markers (MDA and H2O2) were significantly reduced in CuO-NPs-treated plants compared with non-treated plants. It was also found that the protective treatment increased the expression levels of genes involved in the jasmonic pathway (JERF3 and WRKY1). On the other hand, the curative treatment increased the expression levels of polyphenolic pathway acid (CHI and HQT) and the SA-signaling pathway genes (PR-2 and POD). The study of molecular docking interactions with four AMV target proteins showed that CuO-NPs had high binding energy with the viral replication protein 1a, measured at -3.2 kcal/mol. The binding with these proteins can suppress AMV replication and spread, potentially clarifying the mechanism behind the antiviral effect.

Conclusions

The overall analysis results indicate that the curative treatment is more influential and successful than the protective treatment in combating AMV infection. Consequentially, CuO-NPs could potentially be employed in foliar sprays for the effective and environmentally friendly management of plant virus infections.
Disruption of the OsWRKY71 transcription factor gene results in early rice seed germination under normal and cold stress conditions
Authors: Bataller Santiago , Davis James A. , Gu Lingkun , Baca Sophia , Chen Gaelan , Majid Azeem , Villacastin Anne J. , Barth Dylan , Han Mira V. , Rushton Paul J. , Shen Qingxi J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Early seed germination in crops can confer a competitive advantage against weeds and reduce the time to maturation and harvest. WRKY transcription factors regulate many aspects of plant development including seed dormancy and germination. Both positive and negative regulators of seed germination have been reported in many plants such as rice and Arabidopsis. Using a transient expression system, we previously demonstrated that OsWRKY71 is a negative regulator of gibberellin (GA) signaling in aleurone cells and likely forms a “repressosome” complex with other transcriptional repressors. Hence, it has the potential to impact seed germination properties.

Results

In this study, we demonstrate that OsWRKY71, a Group IIa WRKY gene, appeared at the same time as seed-bearing plants. Rice mutants lacking OsWRKY71 have seeds and embryos that germinate earlier than wildtype controls. In oswrky71 aleurone layers, α-amylase activity was hypersensitive to stimulation by GA3 and hyposensitive to inhibition by abscisic acid (ABA). Early germination in oswrky71 intact seeds was also hyposensitive to ABA. Transcriptomic profiling during embryo germination and early post-germination growth demonstrates that OsWRKY71 influences the expression of 9–17% of genes in dry and imbibing embryos. Compared to wildtype embryos, the mutant transcriptomes have large temporal shifts at 4, 8 and 12 h after imbibition (HAI). Importantly, many genes involved in the ABA-dependent inhibition of seed germination were downregulated in oswrky71-1. This mutant also displayed altered expression of multiple ABA receptors (OsPYLs/RCARs) that control ABA signaling and the VP1-SDR4-DOG1L branch of ABA signaling that promotes seed dormancy. Association studies reveal an OsWRKY71-containing quantitative trait locus involved in low-temperature seed germinability, qLTG-2. Indeed, oswrky71 seeds germinated early at 15 °C.

Conclusions

Rice Group-IIa WRKY transcription factor OsWRKY71 is a master regulator of germination that influences the expression of 9–17% of genes in dry and imbibing embryos. It is also most likely the primary candidate of low-temperature seed germinability QTL, qLTG-2. We propose that knockouts of OsWRKY71 can generate rice varieties with improved germination properties under normal or low-temperature conditions.
BlephEx-treatment for blepharitis: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Siegel Helena , Merz Annika , Gross Nikolai , Bründer Marie-Christine , Böhringer Daniel , Reinhard Thomas , Maier Philip
Published: November 2024

Background

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eyelids that affects a large proportion of patients in eye care settings. First-line treatments provide only partial relief for many patients. The BlephEx™ device provides automated eyelid debridement and aims to remove pathogenic biofilms from the eyelid margin to treat blepharitis long-term. However, evidence supporting the efficacy of BlephEx™ is limited.

Methods

In this double-masked randomized controlled trial, 42 patients with symptomatic blepharitis refractory to treatment were assigned to the BlephEx™ treatment or sham treatment group. Outcome measures including Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test, and Efron grading scale scores were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. A crossover design in which the treatment groups were swapped after 4 weeks was used as a recruitment tool. After receiving treatment, two patients (one per group) were lost to follow-up.

Results

The sham group exhibited a significant decrease in the Efron Grading Scale score. No significant differences were observed in the other outcomes between the two groups. The BlephEx™ group showed slightly greater decreases in the OSDI and Efron grading scale scores and an increase in the TBUT than did the sham group, but these differences were not statistically significant. Mild discomfort was the most common side effect and occurred equally in both groups.

Conclusions

No significant difference in outcomes was observed between patients who underwent BlephEx™ therapy and those who received sham treatment. BlephEx™ treatment cannot be recommended for treating blepharitis.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered on February 16, 2024 in the DRKS (German Clinical Trials Register under https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00033492) under the trial registration number DRKS00033492.
The impact of group antenatal care on newborns: Results of a cluster randomized control trial in Eastern Region, Ghana
Authors: Apetorgbor Veronica , Awini Elizabeth , Ghosh Bidisha , Zielinski Ruth , Amankwah Georgina , Kukula Vida A. , James Katherine , Williams John E.O. , Lori Jody R. , Moyer Cheryl A.
Published: November 2024

Background

Maternal recognition of neonatal danger signs following birth is a strong predictor of care-seeking for newborn illness, which increases the odds of newborn survival. However, research suggests that maternal knowledge of newborn danger signs is low. Similarly, maternal knowledge of optimal newborn care practices has also been shown to be low. Since both issues are typically addressed during antenatal care, this study sought to determine whether group antenatal care (G-ANC) could lead to improvements in maternal recognition of danger signs and knowledge of healthy newborn practices, as well as boosting postnatal care utilization.

Methods

This cluster randomized controlled trial of G-ANC compared to routine individual antenatal care (I-ANC) was conducted at 14 health facilities in Ghana, West Africa, from July 2019 to July 2023. Facilities were randomized to intervention or control, and pregnant participants at each facility were recruited into groups and followed for the duration of their pregnancies. 1761 participants were recruited: 877 into G-ANC; 884 into I-ANC. Data collection occurred at enrollment (T0), 34 weeks’ gestation to 3 weeks postdelivery (T1) and 6–12 weeks postpartum (T2). Comparisons were made across groups and over time using logistic regression adjusted for clustering.

Results

Overall, knowledge of newborn danger signs was significantly higher for women in G-ANC, both in aggregate (13-point scale) and for many of the individual items over time. Likewise, knowledge of what is needed to keep a newborn healthy was higher among women in G-ANC compared to I-ANC over time for the aggregate (7-point scale) and for many of the individual items. Women in G-ANC were less likely to report postnatal visits for themselves and their babies within 2 days of delivery than women in I-ANC, and there was no difference between groups regarding postnatal visits at one week or 6 weeks after birth.

Conclusion

This study illustrates that group ANC significantly improves knowledge of newborn danger signs and healthy newborn practices when compared to routine care, suggesting that the impact of G-ANC extends beyond impacts on maternal health. Further research elucidating care pathways for ill newborns and maternal behaviors around healthy newborn practices is warranted.

Trial registration

: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04033003, Registered: July 25, 2019 Protocol Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9508671/.