bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical and Psychological Intervention for Indian Adult Patients with Cancer: A Randomised Control Study
Authors: Barre Vijaya Prasad , G. Padmaja , Rana Suvashisa , Saxena Ravi Kumar , Satapathy Sujata
Published: May 2024

Background

Contemporary cancer care primarily focuses on advanced biomedical treatments, often overlooking the psychological and social challenges associated with the illness (psychosocial factors). This oversight can undermine the efficacy of healthcare and subsequently impact the overall well-being of cancer patients. There is a widespread consensus among medical professionals that psychological factors play a crucial role in the care and treatment of cancer patients.

Purpose

The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of treatment as usual (TAU) and a combined intervention (CI) of TAU and psychological intervention (PI) on stress, coping strategies and quality of life among adult cancer patients.

Methods

The present study employed a pretest–post-test control group design comprising two groups—Group I (a control group involving TAU only) and Group II (an experimental group involving TAU and PI). In Group I ( n1 = 30), the patients with cancer were randomly selected from a pool of 105 cancer patients from three cancer types, lung cancer (LC), breast cancer (BC) and head/neck cancer (HNC), and were administered only TAU (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy and radiation‑hormonal therapy). In Group II ( n2 = 30), the participants were administered not only the regular TAU but also the PI involving psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and guided imagery. Three research instruments, namely QSC-R23, Brief Cope Inventory and EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0, were used for the present study.

Results

The study findings revealed that both TAU and CI resulted in positive outcomes across the measured variables. Notably, there was a decrease in stress levels and an improvement in coping strategies, encompassing problem-focused, emotion-focused and adaptive coping. Furthermore, participants showed a decreased reliance on maladaptive coping strategies and reported an enhanced quality of life, as evidenced by improvements in symptom scales.

Conclusion

The study indicated that combining PI with TAU resulted in better outcomes, highlighting the effectiveness of CI (TAU with PI) for cancer patients compared to TAU alone.
Feminist Pedagogy in Women’s Studies Classrooms: Some Critical Reflections
Authors: Anand Arpita
Published: May 2024

Based on a study of five women’s studies degree programmes, this article attempts to discuss pedagogical issues that are surfacing in higher education on account of the changing social composition of students since the implementation of reservations for Other Backward Classes in higher education. Critical pedagogy has not found much space in discussions on higher education in the Indian context. The exception has been reflections on feminist pedagogy that primarily draw on Freirian thought and the scholarship of bell hooks. Against this background, the article brings out how the epistemic principles of critical disciplines like women’s studies generate ethical expectations of the feminist teacher, particularly in relation to caste in this case. It goes on to discuss the limits imposed on these ideas of feminist pedagogy by the institutional and structural inequalities in higher education and how the dominant social composition of teachers necessarily limits possibilities of feminist pedagogy.
R&D, Product and  Process Innovation,  and Firm Performance:  A Case Study of the Chinese Firms
Authors: Anwar Sajid , Sun Sizhong
Published: May 2024

Alongside rapid economic growth, the Chinese economy has witnessed a notable increase in research and development (R&D) expenditure, escalating from 0.56 per cent of GDP in 1996 to 2.43 per cent in 2021. Recognising the significance of innovation in economic growth, this article utilises unique firm-level data from China for the year 2012 to investigate the influence of R&D, product innovation and process innovation on firm productivity. The findings suggest that R&D positively affects the performance of Chinese firms, as measured by either firm sales or sales per permanent full-time employee. Moreover, product innovation may have a detrimental impact on firm performance, whereas the impact of process innovation lacks robustness.

JEL: D22, N65, O32
From field to feed: Norwegian Football Players’ usage and self-presentation on Instagram throughout the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 Championship
Authors: Rogstad Egil Trasti , Tjønndal Anne , Røsten Stian , Skirbekk Sigbjørn Børreson
Published: May 2024

The UEFA Women's EURO 2022 and the FIFA 2023 Women's World Cup set new attendance records, thereby reflecting the growing popularity of women's football. In this context, social media platforms have become critical tools for women athletes offering opportunities for sponsorship and activism. This study focuses on the Instagram activity of five individual players from the Norwegian national team during the UEFA Women's EURO 2022. It examines the following research questions. (a) What type of content did the players post throughout the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 Championship period? (b) How did content type and posting frequency vary throughout the championship period? (c) How did audiences engage with the various types of content posted on Instagram throughout the championship period? Methodologically, this article is based on a quantitative content analysis of posts, stories and comments shared by the players during the championship period. Our findings reveal a diverse content sharing pattern that is indicative of strategic impression management. Players predominantly shared sports-related content to enhance their profiles as committed athletes; a tactic aligning with audience expectations. Their posting frequency peaked around matchdays, reduced post-loss and indicated a strategic approach to maintain a positive online presence. Post-elimination, players diversified their content by incorporating business and personal aspects, thereby indicating a shift to a more multifaceted self-presentation. Audience engagement was largely positive, with interactions showing support and encouragement, which reinforced the effectiveness of sports-focused content in garnering positive reactions. However, the posts relating to LGBTIQA+ activism prompted a notable amount of negative feedback, which highlighted the challenges and potential backlash when engaging in social media activism.
A Phase II Study About Efficacy and Safety of the Continuous IntraVenous Infusion of Ketamine as Adjuvant to Opioids in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients With Refractory Cancer Pain (CIVIK Trial)
Authors: Park Kwonoh , Kim Jae-Joon , Oh Sang-Bo , Oh So Yeon , Hong Yun Jeong , Kim Seo-jun , Park Eun-Ju , Choi Nayeon , Shin Seon-Hi , Kim Sungeun , Ko Heejung
Published: May 2024

Background

Ketamine has been used to control refractory cancer pain as an adjuvant to opioids. We conducted a prospective phase II study to investigate the efficacy and safety of 5-day continuous intravenous infusion (CIVI) of Ketamine in terminally ill cancer patients with refractory cancer pain.

Methods

Hospitalized terminally ill cancer patients with refractory cancer pain were enrolled. Refractory cancer pain was indicated by requirements for 4 or more rescue opioids or pain intensity using numerical rating scale > personalized pain goal (PPG) despite of intravenous morphine equivalent daily dose (IV MEDD) ≥ 120 mg/day. The CIVI of ketamine was increased from .05 mg/kg/hour to .5 mg/kg/hour by .05 every 8 hours if pain intensity exceeded PPG or if number of rescue opioids ≥2 during prior 8 hours was required. The primary end-point was overall pain response rate, which indicates complete response (both rescue opioid ≤3/day and pain intensity ≤ PPG) plus partial response (rescue opioid ≤3/day), without unacceptable toxicities.

Results

Among 21 eligible patients enrolled between September 2019 and January 2023, 20 were analyzed. Most pain mechanisms were mixed type (n = 15, 75%), with neuropathic component (n = 17, 85%). The baseline background opioids were IV MEDD 186 mg/24hour (range, 124-592), number of rescue opioids was 6 (IQR, 5-9), and median PPG was 4 (IQR, 3-4). The overall pain response rate was 50% (n = 10) including 40% (n = 8) for complete pain response and 10% (n = 2) for partial pain response.

Conclusion

This study showed efficacy of gradually increasing CIVI of ketamine for terminally ill cancer patients with refractory cancer pain. CIVI of ketamine could be a useful tool in these patients considering the limited treatment options. (NCT03362073, Initial Release: November 15, 2017).
Comparison of Facial Aesthetic Evaluation Given by Patients with Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Professionals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Xin , Kuang Wenying , Yan Jianan , Xu Jingyi , Zhang Xinyu , Jiang Yanping , Yuan Wenjun
Published: May 2024

Objective

To compare the differences of facial aesthetic evaluation between patients with Cleft Lip and/or Palate (CL/P) and professionals for the treatment outcome of CL/P.

Design

This systematic review was conducted on MedLine, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. The Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Intervention (ROBINS-I) tool was used to evaluate the included researches.

Setting

Not applicable.

Patients, Participants

Patients with CL/P and professionals

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The facial aesthetic evaluation of patients with CL/P and professionals.

Results

Among the 1695 literatures retrieved, 22 articles were included, including 974 patients with CL/P and 251 professionals. The bias risk assessment on 21 articles was rated “Moderate” and only one article was rated “Serious”. Due to the high heterogeneity of the included studies, meta-analysis was not possible, so descriptive analysis was conducted. Among the included studies, two articles indicated similar views from both groups, 19 noted differences between the two groups, of which three articles indicated more positive evaluation by professionals and nine articles indicated more positive evaluation by patients.

Conclusions

The available data indicate that there is a difference between patients with CL/P and professionals in the aesthetic evaluation, but it is not clear which group is more positive. During the treatment of patients with CL/P, apart from the objective aesthetic evaluation, professionals should fully consider subjective ideas and self-assessment of patients, in order to improve the quality of life for patients.
Public School Nurses in the United States: National School Nurse Workforce Study 2.0
Authors: Willgerodt Mayumi A. , Tanner Andrea , McCabe Ellen , Jameson Beth , Brock Doug
Published: May 2024

The National School Nurse Workforce Study 2.0 describes the demographic characteristics and distribution patterns, school nursing models and activities, and practice environment among self-reported public school nurses in the United States. A random sample of U.S. public schools was surveyed, stratified by region, school level, and urban/rural locale. A total of 2,827 schools responded, yielding a 38.1% response rate. Using these data, we estimate 78,869 full-time equivalents of school nurses, with 65,052 registered nurses (RN) and 13,817 licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVN). Findings indicate school nurse distribution differences by region, locale, and income. The predominant model of school nursing practice was the RN only, followed by the RN and LPN model. In general, school nurse respondents felt supported by school staff and parents. Less than half of survey respondents stated they were supervised by an RN. Research, policy, and school nursing practice implications are discussed.
Disparities in Mammography Screening: Analyzing Barriers to Access Using Individual Patient Perspectives and the Health Belief Model
Authors: van den Broek-Altenburg Eline M. , Leslie Abimbola A. , Benson Jamie S. , DeStigter Kristen K.
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of our study is to explore Nepali women’s beliefs about access to mammography screening, and motivations to get screened or not. This work was intended to be hypothesis generating for subsequent quantitative analysis and to inform policy and decision-making to improve access.

Methods

We conducted structured qualitative interviews among nine Nepali women in the Northeast of the United States receiving care at a local community health center and among nine white women receiving mammography care at a large academic medical center in the Northeast. We analyzed the transcripts using a mixed deductive (content analysis) and inductive (grounded theory) approach. Deductive codes were generated from the Health Belief Model which states that a person’s belief in the real threat of a disease with their belief in the effectiveness of the recommended health service or behavior or action will predict the likelihood the person will adopt the behavior. We compared and contrasted qualitative results from both groups.

Results

We found that eligible Nepali women who had not received mammography screening had no knowledge of its availability and its importance. Primary care physicians emerged as a critical link in addressing this disparity: trust was found to be high among Nepali women with their established primary care provider.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that the role of primary care practitioners in conversations around the importance and eligibility for mammography screening is of critical importance, especially for underserved groups with limited health knowledge of screening opportunities and potential health benefits. Follow-up research should focus on primary care practices.
Longitudinal Exploration of Prenatal and Postnatal Intimate Partner Violence, Postpartum Depression, and Child–Mother Attachment: A Mediation Model
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shen Fei
Published: May 2024

This longitudinal study examines the timelines of occurrences of intimate partner violence (IPV) on child–mother attachment, as well as the mediating role of maternal postpartum depression (PPD). Using a sample in the United States ( N = 2,268), findings suggest that, compared to mothers’ prenatal IPV victimization, postnatal IPV more negatively influences child–mother attachment when the children were at 3 years old, and this negative impact on attachment was partially mediated through maternal PPD. As IPV screening for pregnant women in healthcare settings becomes a common practice, effective IPV and PPD screening postnatally should be broadly implemented to promote maternal mental health and child–mother attachment.
Effect of pulsed electric field processing on the quality characteristics and enzyme activity of tender coconut water
Authors: Bhanu Prakash Reddy Nalla , Thivya Perumal , Anandakumar Sugumar , Hema Vincent , Sinija Vadakkepulppara Ramachandran Nair
Published: May 2024

Tender coconut water (TCW) is a natural drink rich in natural electrolytes, minerals, salts and sugars; it has good health benefits. But, its shelf-life is very limited because of the active nature of enzymes present in it when exposed to air. Therefore, the processing of TCW is necessary to inactivate the enzymes. So, this study aims to observe the effect of various process parameters of pulsed electric field (PEF) on the quality parameters of TCW. For the treatment of TCW with PEF, a full-factorial design of experiments was followed with process parameters such as three levels of electric field intensity (8, 12, and 16 kV/cm), two levels of pulse width (PW) (50 and 70 μs), and six levels of the number of pulses (2000 to 12,000 pulses) were considered at a constant pulse OFF time of 75 ms. PEF treatment did not significantly change pH, total soluble solids, and viscosity. However, it significantly affected vitamin C, colour, and total and reducing sugars. PEF treatment significantly enhanced the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity by 23.17% and 42.49%, respectively. At the same time, significant inactivation of polyphenol oxidase (100%) and peroxidase (60.2%) was observed at PEF treatment conditions of 16 kV/cm, 70 μs PW, and 12,000 pulses. Moreover, no significant change in the sensory acceptability of PEF-treated TCW (16 kV/cm, 70 μs PW, 12,000 pulses) when compared to the untreated/fresh TCW, which is a promising sign.
Triamcinolone injection in the treatment of lid retraction for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: A systematic review
Authors: Badjrai Rona Ali , Eldinia Lourisa Ruth , Anandi Lazuardiah , Azhari Fierda Ovita , Anggraini Erika , Budihardja Brigitta Marcia , Nusanti Syntia
Published: May 2024

Introduction and Objectives

Lid retraction is one of the most common symptoms of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy (TAO), which potentially precipitates various complications, such as dry eyes, exposure keratopathy, and cosmetic concerns. Local corticosteroid injections, such as triamcinolone, have been proposed as a choice of treatment for TAO. This approach may be a favorable alternative for patients intolerant to the systemic effects of high-dose methylprednisolone. However, the efficacy of this intervention remains unestablished. Hence, our review aims to evaluate the efficacy of triamcinolone injection in reducing lid retraction.

Methods

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and ProQuest). This review included studies that use local triamcinolone injections for patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The outcome of interest in this review is lid retraction parameters.

Results

From six studies, a total of 392 patients were included. All studies showed significant improvement in lid retraction in the patient who received triamcinolone (all p < 0.05) as shown by ΔMRD (−0.93 mm in 1 month and −1.38 mm in 3 months), ΔMLD (−1.98 mm at 6 months), and Δpalpebral fissure height (−1.68 in 1 month). The majority of studies showed rapid improvement in lid retraction in the first month of therapy.

Conclusion

Triamcinolone injection is an effective therapy for lid retraction related to thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.
“Not all travel videos are equal.” Examining the effects of short travel videos on travel intentions and electronic word-of-mouth
Authors: Lin Li , Zhang Rongteng (Renata) , Mohd Adnan Hamedi , Fauzi Ali
Published: May 2024

Although short-form videos are treated as an effective marketing tool for destinations to attract potential tourists’ attention, what characteristics of short travel videos stimulate potential tourists to involve in destinations and the influence of users’ inertia behavior of viewing short travel videos on its promotion efficiency remains poorly studied. Thus, this study put forward a conceptual model to investigate the power of content novelty of short travel videos and parasocial relationships on users’ involvement behavior and explored the moderating role of inertia between involvement and users’ travel intentions. Partial least squares (PLS) path modeling was applied to evaluate the linkage between variables, in which 212 valid questionnaires were collected via private messages to users who commented on or posted relevant short travel videos. Data results revealed that content novelty and parasocial relationships significantly influence users’ involvement behavior, further predicting travel intention and electronic word-of-mouth. Inertia behavior negatively moderates users’ intention to travel; their browsing behavior primarily serves as a means of passing time, but they do nothing significant. The findings provided a novel viewpoint on the existing destination marketing literature in short travel videos by testing the interactive role of inertia with involvement. Further implications will be discussed below.
Reimagining home and responsibility: The case of queer Indonesian Muslims
Authors: Garcia Rodriguez Diego
Published: May 2024

This article investigates the lived experiences of queer Indonesian Muslims by revealing how the intertwined concepts of tanggung jawab (responsibility) and home are navigated within the boundaries of national values, religious faith, and non-normative genders and sexualities. Through ethnographic research across Java, Indonesia, the analysis illustrates how tanggung jawab is enmeshed with societal and religious expectations that redefine the notion of home for queer Muslims. Home, in this context, transcends its meaning as a physical geography to represent an emotional and spiritual haven where family, faith, and queer identities intersect. The article further explores the relevance of biological and traditional family connections, presenting a contrast to the Western focus on queer chosen families. By exploring the symbiotic relationship between responsibility and home, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of queer Muslim subjectivities, exploring their unique strategies for forging identities and spaces of belonging within Indonesia’s heteronormative societal framework.
Cultural netizenship as platformization of popular culture in Nigeria
Authors: Adeoba ‘Gbenga , Yékú James
Published: May 2024

The Instagram content of Nigerian digital creator Olalekan Olaleye illustrates how cultural netizenship stresses the centrality of platformization to the articulation of new genres of African popular representations. This article develops the argument by examining how platform aesthetics shape the trajectories and performative acts of cultural producers, something Olaleye's Nigerian context also modulates. By lingering on the digital and aesthetic labors of the cultural netizen, the article pinpoints the interactions between creative adaptations and social media texts. Olaleye's Instagram content demonstrates the way digital platforms have become integral to the production and circulation of popular forms and genres and the artistic responses everyday digital subjects make to institutions of the state.
Seismic performance of external diaphragm joints of steel beam-to-CFST column encasing fiber reinforced polymer confined UHPC core
Authors: Wang Dan , Tao Yi , Gu Jinben , Chen Zhiheng , Shi Qingxuan
Published: May 2024

A novel composite column was introduced by integrating a concrete-filled steel tube column encasing a Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) confined ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) core. In this paper, the seismic performance of four SCF-UHPC composite column-to-steel beam connections using external diaphragm joints was experimentally investigated under the quasi-static test. All specimens failed due to the formation of plastic hinges at the beams and the tearing failure on the beam flanges at the plastic hinge zone. The local buckling at the column end and the panel zone was observed for the specimens receiving the higher axial compression ratio. The increase of FRP tube thickness is more effective in improving the ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the joints than increasing the UHPC core diameter. On the contrary, increasing the UHPC core diameter led to better resistance to the shear deformation of the panel zone. The proportion of shear deformation to the total deformation of the panel zone and the strain distributions were investigated to determine the effect of each component. The composite column in the panel zone mainly carried the compression-bending effort, and the external diaphragm mainly took the shear effort. All joints were eventually classified as semi-rigid type joints, according to the initial rotational stiffness.
Invisible innovation: Intellectual labour on regional university campuses in Australia
Authors: Schmidt Merete , Aberdeen Lucinda , Carlon Colleen , Eversole Robyn
Published: May 2024

In Australia, regional university campuses occupy a geographically and institutionally peripheral position in a metrocentric higher education system. We argue that the concentration of research funding and capabilities at metropolitan campuses devalues the intellectual labour of academics working on regional university campuses. The authors use collaborative autoethnography to explore a common theme of ‘gap filling’, that is, mobilising scarce resources to create unique solutions for local issues, and draw on Southern Theory to theorise the implications for our work in the location-based power relations of the Australian knowledge production economy. In this context, we utilise Eversole's concept of ‘invisible innovation’ to theorise how the important place-based knowledge work associated with ‘gap filling’ on regional university campuses is rendered invisible by the metrocentric geopolitics of knowledge production within Australia. The research reveals that the place-based knowledge work of regional academics fills gaps in regional services and resources through innovations largely unrecognised within the higher education system.
The masking technique for forced nonlinear oscillator stability behavior analysis using the non-perturbative approach
Authors: El-Dib Yusry O
Published: May 2024

The study utilized the masking technique to explore the stability behavior of a forced nonlinear oscillator through the non-perturbative approach, with a particular focus on a Van der Pol oscillator subjected to external force, characterized by both cubic and quadratic nonlinearities. The application of the non-perturbative method (NPM) in conjunction with the masking technique was a pivotal aspect of this research, transforming the inherently non-homogeneous, nonlinear system into a homogeneous linear system. This transformation was crucial as it simplified the complex dynamics of the system, rendering it more amenable to analysis. Through this method, the research successfully established the system’s overall frequency, meticulously accounting for the impact of the periodic external force. The study also identified a distinct type of resonance response, where the system’s frequency incorporates the excited frequency in a nonlinear relationship. The masking technique proved to be an invaluable tool for examining the stability behavior of forced vibrations in oscillators via the NPM, providing profound insights into stability under external forces and enhancing the understanding and control of oscillatory behaviors in nonlinear dynamical systems. A critical confirmation of the current methodology is provided by the remarkable agreement found between the numerical solution and the provided analytical solution. This agreement shows that the analytical method produces trustworthy predictions and appropriately describes the system’s behavior. The plotted stability diagrams, which demonstrate that the model’s simulation of stability behavior is consistent with observed events, particularly resonance phenomena, offer further validity for the findings. In the resonance case, the effects of the damping coefficient and the external force’s magnitude are significant. The results of the analysis show that an increase in the damping coefficient has a destabilizing effect that causes unstable zones to expand. In contrast, in the resonance state, the quadratic and cubic nonlinearity factors both contribute to stabilization. Understanding how various system factors impact stability dynamics particularly in relation to resonance phenomena is made easier with the help of this insight.
‘Disconnecting from my smartphone is a privilege I do not have’: Mobile connection and disconnection practices among migrants and asylum seekers in three migrant reception centres of Sicily
Authors: Cascone Miriana , Bonini Tiziano
Published: May 2024

This article investigates online connection and disconnection practices among migrants and asylum seekers. It draws from an ethnography of three Sicilian reception centres that hosted migrants and asylum seekers between September and November 2020. We show how migrants, driven by different migratory motivations, enact different mobile connection and disconnection practices. We argue that these are characterised by the different affective meanings that migrants and asylum seekers attach to mobile connection and disconnection and by the different value they place on the public and private dimensions of their lives. By offering a multifaceted portrait of the mobile connection and disconnection practices of different categories of migrants, this article also contributes to: (1) media and migration studies, by showing that there are substantial differences in online connection practices and smartphone use between asylum seekers and migrants and (2) to disconnection studies, by highlighting the nuances that exist within disconnection practices among non-privileged social groups, such as migrants and asylum seekers. We show that they cannot afford to practise typically Western, urban and elitist forms of disconnection; however, they too are able to practise specific forms of disconnection, paradoxically afforded by staying connected. The article aims to contextualise and situate disconnection studies within different social, political, cultural and geographic contexts.
Contextualizing Indigenous people and the state of exception: New Zealand's Waikeria Prison protest
Authors: Martin Jessica , Norris Adele N.
Published: May 2024

On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 16 protesters at Waikeria Prison, one of New Zealand's largest male prisons, engaged in a six-day standoff with prison guards to protest inhumane prison conditions. The Department of Corrections framed the event as an aimless riot, delegitimizing the intentional demonstration of resistance against state violence. Imprisoned intellectuals, specifically Imprisoned Black Radical tradition, have long examined and centered the prison as the harshest instrument of the state linked to the struggles of the collective. However, voices from imprisoned intellectuals are rarely considered in academic scholarship despite acute analysis of the state and liberation. This article employs the state of exception to contextualize the Waikeria protest. Particular attention is devoted to the ‘state of continuity,’ which allows for a broader understanding of a permanent state of racialized oppression and marginalization faced by Indigenous and Black communities in racialized-settler-colonial contexts. Populations designated as the exception are thus framed as a threat targeted for militaristic police intervention. This article concludes by extending the discussion of the state of continuity to include how expressions of rage and dissent by Indigenous and Black people are viewed as a direct threat to the sovereign order but are necessary for revolutionary change.
The use of the term Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic in The Voice and Eastern Eye newspapers, a discourse analysis of Covid news stories in the UK press
Authors: Aujla-Sidhu Gurvinder , Briscoe-Palmer Shardia
Published: May 2024

This study finds that during the pandemic the UK mainstream press presented a blame narrative in their news stories when discussing BAME communities in relation to Covid-19. Articles from The Voice and Eastern Eye newspapers aimed at diasporic readers were contrasted with stories from UK mainstream press, published during the first lockdown in the UK. An intersectional approach was taken to examine news articles published between March and July 2020. The analysis revealed a failure in the British mainstream press to recognise structural and systemic racism when reporting Covid related stories. In contrast, the ethnic press looked for solutions and tried to examine structural racism. A deficit approach is evident in the mainstream press that sought to apportion blame to cultures, faith, and customs. There is a focus on the terminology BAME (Black Asian and minority ethnic) used as a formal descriptor by the UK Government and media to describe minority communities. The term is now defunct. It is acknowledged that Covid-19 accentuated differences that already existed in society, particularly those pertaining to race. Research has also evidenced that mainstream news organisations can be overly critical of minority communities, conflating their perceived flaws and condemning minorities as a method to delegitimise claims of mistreatment or differential outcomes.
Sculpting Foucauldian power in Game of Thrones as a transmedia project: a systemic functional multimodal discourse analysis
Authors: El Shazly Reham , Falaky May Samir El , Khalil Randa
Published: May 2024

This study analyses the textual, visual and interactional modes employed in creating and representing Daenerys Targaryen in both Home Box Office TV show Game of Thrones and mobile game Reigns: Game of Thrones as a transmedia project to guide users’ construal of the notion of embodied power. The authors examine the structural, functional and semiotic elements that the two media orchestrate to represent how power is attained, developed and relinquished. The results indicate that the two texts/media put forward two different kinds of power (relations) and levels of users’ interactivity. The TV show employs a more linear and developmental conception of power characterizing Daenerys as a transferrable object of power while the game underlines a more dispersed and pervasive notion of power to decentre absolute power. The show deploys immersive cinematic representations/visual spectacle, converging/diverging serial narration that goes beyond the opulent mise-en-scène and complex scenes to attract users’ attention. As for the game, it deploys intellectual and emotional interactivity, choice and coherence that allow users to experience the story, mechanics and environment as users identify with Daenerys. While the show introduces a host of socipolitical tools to maintain longer reign as different forms of governmentality, the game characterizes disciplinary power where subjects/users are offered training opportunities under the designer’s gaze to internalize a series of procedures and sociopolitical tactics.

The findings reiterate Foucault’s notion of power as a system of relations, a capillary power that circulates and subjectifies, whilst subjects/users are spaces where subtractive and productive power are wielded, enacted and/or resisted. Each medium deploys its semiotic-specific resources to create meaning differently. While the TV show relies heavily on visual resources and narrative techniques to make meaning, the game mobilizes certain verbo-visual and interactive resources to make meaning. With the growing attention given to transmedia projects as a social practice with social meanings, this article claims to offer critical implications for social semioticians, film creators and game designers through a systematic analytical framework with a special focus on visual meanings.
Reforming higher education in South Africa by addressing gender inequalities
Authors: Wheeler Anri , Wiese Laurika
Published: May 2024

Introduction: South Africa has a unique history of racial inequality, which in turn contributed to gender inequalities in the country – also within higher education. Gender equality is one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Higher education can contribute to this SDG by setting an example in the community for creating healthy and socially just conditions for their female staff and students. Methods: Female employees from all staff components (academic, support services, and operational staff) of a South African University of Technology participated in focus group discussions to determine their gender equality experiences. Facilitating questions were used to guide the conversations. Thematic analyses of the transcribed focus group discussions were conducted, and emerging themes were explored. Results: Some male colleagues prefer to work solely with other male colleagues, resulting in women being sidelined and feeling voiceless. Female employees reported being harassed by students and having difficulty managing professional and family life. They were also concerned about their future based on their gender. Services staff had positive experiences engaging with male students, staff, and supervisors. Conclusion and implications: It is imperative for higher education institutions’ growth and development and fulfilling their role in contributing to the SDGs that gender equality be prioritised. The unique traditional and cultural burdens of South African women in higher education should be taken into consideration when re-imagining gender equality. By aligning their efforts with the SDGs, universities can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future, paving the way for transformative change within society.
“My Life, on Zoom TV”
Authors: Hageman Eva
Published: May 2024

Zoom became a critical part of media consumption in the COVID-19 pandemic’s early lockdown months, appearing in everything from education to the nightly news to reality television. How did Zoom produce a new screen world that made everyday life look like TV? This essay examines how Zoom has figured on and as TV, focusing on it as a means to comment upon and also craft one’s own mise-en-scène. What might Zoom TV offer to our understanding of participatory media and of the racialized, gendered, and classed features of both television and everyday life?
Revisiting the normal perfusion pressure breakthrough phenomenon in the era of endovascular treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Theiss Peter , Alaraj Ali
Published: May 2024

Post-operative cerebral edema and hemorrhage are common after resection of cerebral arteriovenous malformations. This has traditionally been attributed to normal perfusion pressure breakthrough, a phenomenon of pathologic vasoreactivity in the surrounding brain caused by chronic oligemia from the nearby shunt. As endovascular techniques for arteriovenous malformation treatment have advanced, more arteriovenous malformations are being treated without open surgery, even to the point of cure. Here we revisit the concept of normal perfusion pressure breakthrough as applied to the hemodynamic changes after arteriovenous malformation embolization, which we propose is responsible for the persistent rate of hemorrhagic complications seen after these procedures.
A multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of treatments (endovascular or conservative) in small intracranial aneurysms in Colombia
Authors: Villamizar Ana Beatriz , Estévez María Fernanda , Vargas Oliverio , Ferreira Carlos Andres , Mejia Juan Andres , Cardona José David , Serrano Sergio Eduardo , Reyes Adriana Lucia , Mantilla Daniel Eduardo
Published: May 2024

Background

The registry of cerebral aneurysms <5 mm, known for their low risk of rupture, is significant, given their high incidence globally. Our study aimed to identify, in small aneurysms (<5 mm), the potential morphological characteristics, risk factors that can predict the risk of rupture, and the risk or benefit of treating them with endovascular or conservative treatment in ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

The medical records of patients with cerebral aneurysms <5 mm were retrospectively reviewed between January 2014 and December 2022 at two neurovascular centers in Colombia. We evaluated clinical and angiographic outcomes using statistical tests.

Results

Two hundred fifty-six patients (425 intracranial aneurysms) were registered in the database. Two hundred and seventy-five IA were treated with endovascular treatment: 70 ruptured aneurysms and 205 unruptured aneurysms. One hundred fifty intracranial aneurysms underwent conservative treatment (follow-up). Women accounted for 82.1% of cases. Most cases were incidentally diagnosed (83.5%). After a year of follow-up, 87.3% of unruptured and 67.1% of ruptured intracranial aneurysms had an mRS 0–2. In the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification, among 101 unruptured intracranial aneurysms embolized were 53 cases class I, and among 66 ruptured intracranial aneurysms embolized, 67.1% were class I.

Conclusion

Endovascular therapy for aneurysms <5 mm appears to be a technically feasible treatment, with satisfactory occlusion rates and few re-treatments at the 12-month follow-up. The complication rates were similar to those reported in studies on small aneurysms.
The impact of social and emotional support on serious psychological distress among people with functional disabilities and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Huang Ya-Ching , Bhattarai Muna , Cho Emma , Yoon Hyunwoo
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To examine the impact of social and emotional support on serious psychological distress (SPD) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and functional disabilities after controlling for socio-demographic factors and health status. Findings provide information for healthcare providers to enhance patients’ psychological well-being.

Methods

Data from 529 adults were obtained from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey, including those who had T2DM and also reported significant difficulty or inability to perform an activity in any of the following domains: seeing, hearing, walking or climbing stairs, communicating, remembering or concentrating, or practicing self-care. Descriptive analysis and a hierarchical regression model of SPD were used.

Results

The mean age of participants was 67.88 years old, and the mean duration of diabetes diagnosis was 16.88 years. Notably, 12.5% of individuals reported SPD. A decreased likelihood of reporting SPD occurrence was associated with older age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.95), a longer duration of T2DM diagnosis (OR = 0.97), having at least a high school education (OR = 0.54), and receiving social and emotional support.

Discussion

Social and emotional support likely mitigates psychological distress, suggesting that social and emotional support resources should be enhanced, especially among individuals who are younger and those more recently diagnosed with T2DM.
Remembering visual and linguistic common ground in shared history
Authors: Wang J Jessica , Zhao Lin , Alegado Justine , Webb Joseph , Wright James , Apperly Ian A
Published: May 2024

Successful communication requires speakers and listeners to refer to information in their common ground. Shared history is one of the bases for common ground, as information from a communicative episode in the past can be referred to in future communication. However, to draw upon shared history, communicative partners need to have an accurate memory record that they can refer to. The memory mechanism for shared history is poorly understood. The current study investigated the ways in which memory for shared history is prioritised. Two experiments presented a referential communication task followed by a surprise recognition memory task, with the former task serving as an episode of shared history. Experiment 1 revealed superior memory for information that was both seen in the communicators’ common ground and referred to, followed by information that was seen but not referred to, and finally by information privileged to the participants. Experiment 2 provided a replication of Experiment 1 and further demonstrated that these co-presence effects are not dependent on the presence of a speaker with a different perspective to the participant.
The impact of different game formats on players’ and team performance in youth soccer competitions
Authors: Costa Tobias dos Santos , Rossato Mateus , Rodrigues Obadias , Aquino Rodrigo , Bedo Bruno Souza , Leonardo Lucas , Machado João Cláudio
Published: May 2024

The study aimed to investigate the impact of game formats on the running and technical–tactical performance of young soccer players, as well as on players’ dynamics of spatial occupation during competitions. Eleven players of a U-11 team (11.10 ± 0.39 years old) participated in three competitions specifically designed to analyze the impact of different game formats: 5vs5 (F-5), 7vs7 (F-7) and 11vs11 (F-11). Players’ running performance and dynamics of spatial occupation were analyzed using the GPSs devices from WIMU PRO™ devices (10 Hz). Players’ and team's technical–tactical performance was also analyzed using the Team Sports Assessment Procedure (TSAP) and the Offensive Sequence Characterization System (SCSO), respectively. It was observed that the teams tended to adopt a less direct style in the F-11 ( LpW: F7 vs. F-11 p = 0.001 and F-5 vs. F-11 p = 0.002), with a lower rate of spatial exploration (F-7 vs. F-11 p = 0.001 and &&F-5 vs. F-11 p = 0.001) and lower running demand ( Sprint: F-7 vs. F-11 p = 0.001 and F-5 vs. F-11 p = 0.014; HSR: F-7 vs. F-11 p = 0.001 and F-5 vs. F-11 p = .001). In addition, the F-11 allowed the players to have less involvement during the match (F-7 vs. F-11 p = 0.003; F-5 vs. F-11 p = 0.001), as well as a lower technical–tactical performance (F-7 vs. F-11 p = .003 and F-5 vs. F-11 p = .005). Our results highlight the importance of adjusting the game formats used in youth competitive environments to players’ intrinsic dynamics.
Misconduct of Spanish grassroots soccer coaches through referees’ reports: Variability by match format, age category, sex, and severity
Authors: Serrano-Durá José , Devís-Devís José , Martínez-Baena Alejandro , Molina Pere
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to describe and analyse the disciplinary sanctions received by grassroots soccer coaches in the Valencian Community (Spain) over five seasons. Specific objectives included determining the influence of format (8-a-side or 11-a-side), age (U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, and U18), sex category (male or female), and sanction severity (mild [one to four matches] or serious [five matches to a full season]). A study was conducted based on referees’ records from 275,844 games played in 1401 league competitions during five subsequent seasons between 2014 and 2019 in Valencia (Spain). A total of 3563 sanctions were recorded by matchday referees, with the majority being minor offences (92.93%) and most being imposed on 11-a-side soccer coaches (87%). The most frequent reasons for sanctions pertained to protests to referees (28%); dismissal due to double reprimands (26.40%); contemptuous and inconsiderate attitudes towards referees, including insults and threats (19.53%); and direct sending-offs (8.84%). Significantly more mild sanctions were found than serious ones, with more sanctions emerging in the 11-a-side soccer than in the 8-a-side soccer and the men's category compared to the women's category. Finally, we found significantly more sanctions in the U18 men's category compared to all other younger age categories and in the U15 men's category compared to the U7, U9 and U9-U11 female categories (p < .05).
Adaptive Learning to Maximize Gifted Education: Teacher Perceptions, Practices, and Experiences
Authors: Mukhamadiyeva Saltanat , Hernández-Torrano Daniel
Published: May 2024

This study explores teachers’ perceptions, strategies, and experiences integrating adaptive learning (AL) in gifted education. The results revealed that teachers regard AL as a valuable technology-driven approach to enhance quality teaching and student outcomes for all students, not just gifted learners. Teachers employ multiple strategies to implement AL and cite multiple benefits, including personalization of instruction, promoting independent learning, tailored feedback, creating stimulating learning opportunities, and streamlining evaluative procedures, especially when combined with more traditional pedagogical approaches. However, teachers also face challenges derived from insufficient training, limited access to technology, uncertainty in selecting materials, and maintaining students engaged over extended periods. Additionally, teachers are aware of potential risks to student health, relationships, and academic integrity. Findings are discussed, and implications for the effective implementation of AL in gifted education are presented.