bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal and regulatory instruments for NCD prevention: a scoping review and descriptive analysis of evaluations in OECD countries
Authors: Heenan Maddie , Hart Ashleigh Chanel , Cullerton Katherine , Jan Stephen , Shanthosh Janani
Published: February 2024

Context

Public health law is an important tool in non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. There are different approaches available for achieving policy objectives, including government, co-, quasi- and self-regulation. However, it is often unclear what legal design features drive successes or failures in particular contexts. This scoping review undertakes a descriptive analysis, exploring the design characteristics of legal instruments that have been used for NCD prevention and implemented and evaluated in OECD countries.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted across four health and legal databases (Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, HeinOnline), identifying study characteristics, legal characteristics and regulatory approaches, and reported outcomes. Included studies focused on regulation of tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy foods and beverages, and environmental pollutants.

Findings

We identified 111 relevant studies evaluating 126 legal instruments. Evaluation measures most commonly assessed implementation, compliance and changes to the built and lived environment. Few studies evaluated health or economic outcomes. When examining the design and governance mechanisms of the included legal instruments, government regulation was most commonly evaluated (n = 90) and most likely to be reported effective (64%). Self-regulation (n = 27) and quasi-regulation (n = 5) were almost always reported to be ineffective (93% and 100% respectively). There were few co-regulated instruments evaluated (n = 4) with mixed effectiveness. When examining public health risks, food and beverages including alcohol were more likely to be self- or quasi-regulated and reported as ineffective more often. In comparison, tobacco and environmental pollutants were more likely to have government mandated regulation. Many evaluations lacked critical information on regulatory design. Monitoring and enforcement of regulations was inconsistently reported, making it difficult to draw linkages to outcomes and reported effectiveness.

Conclusions

Food and alcohol regulation has tended to be less successful in part due to the strong reliance on self- and quasi-regulation. More work should be done in understanding how government regulation can be extended to these areas. Public health law evaluations are important for supporting government decision-making but must provide more detail of the design and implementation features of the instruments being evaluated – critical information for policy-makers.
Loneliness, belonging and psychosomatic complaints across late adolescence and young adulthood: a Swedish cohort study
Authors: Grigorian Karina , Östberg Viveca , Raninen Jonas , Brolin Låftman Sara
Published: February 2024

Background

Loneliness and belonging refer to social connectedness and are associated with young people’s health; however, the relationship between these constructs and their impact on health is still being discussed. A dual continuum model of belonging and loneliness has been suggested, consisting of four groups depending on the state of loneliness and belonging: socially fulfilled (low loneliness, high belonging), socially indifferent (low loneliness, low belonging), socially searching (high loneliness, high belonging), and socially distressed (high loneliness, low belonging). The aim of this study is to examine loneliness and belonging in a Swedish sample of 17–18-years-olds who were followed over 3 years, and the associations that these aspects share with young people’s psychosomatic complaints during these ages.

Methods

Swedish cohort data collected among late adolescents (age 17–18 in 2019) who were followed up in young adulthood (age 20–21 in 2022) (n = 2684) was used to examine the associations between loneliness, belonging, and psychosomatic complaints. Loneliness and belonging were measured by single items and the cross-combinations of these. Three psychosomatic complaints were assessed: stomach ache, headache, and difficulties falling asleep, and a summary index was calculated.

Results

Linear regression analyses showed that loneliness was positively and belonging was negatively cross-sectionally associated with psychosomatic complaints. The socially fulfilled group reported fewer psychosomatic complaints compared to all other groups, while the socially distressed group reported the highest level of psychosomatic complaints. Additional adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics barely affected the estimates. The prospective analysis supported these patterns; however, after adjustment for earlier psychosomatic complaints, the only statistically significant difference in subsequent psychosomatic complaints was found between the socially fulfilled and the socially distressed groups.

Conclusions

Loneliness and belonging (separately and the cross-combinations of these) were cross-sectionally associated with psychosomatic complaints in late adolescence and in young adulthood. Prospectively, only the most vulnerable group in the dual continuum model, the socially distressed group, experienced more psychosomatic complaints than the socially fulfilled group, indicating a temporal relationship. Knowledge about the more nuanced links may be useful for developing specific public health recommendations and interventions for youth, targeting the most vulnerable groups.
Unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF) versus endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis along with intervertebral disc herniation: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Fan Zuoran , Wu Xiaolin , Guo Zhu , Shen Nana , Chen Bohua , Xiang Hongfei
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aims to compare the clinical effects and imaging data of patients who underwent endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) with those who received unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 69 patients presenting with typical intermittent claudication and signs and symptoms indicative of unilateral lower extremity nerve root compression, meeting inclusion criteria between April 2022 and June 2022. Among the cohort, 35 patients underwent ULIF group, while 34 patients underwent Endo-TLIF group. We compared perioperative parameters, including intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and operation time between the two groups. Pre-operative and post-operative changes in the height and cross-sectional area of the target intervertebral space were also compared between the groups. Finally, we evaluated bone graft size and interbody fusion rates at 6 and 12 months post-surgery using the Brantigan scoring system.

Results

The ULIF group had significantly shorter operative times compared to the Endo-TLIF group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the Endo-TLIF group exhibited significantly shorter hospital stays compared to the ULIF group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in intraoperative bleeding between the two groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, both groups exhibited postoperative increases in vertebral canal volume compared to baseline (P < 0.05), with no significant difference in the change in the cross-sectional area of the target intervertebral space between the two surgical methods (P > 0.05). Interbody fusion rates were comparable between the two groups at both 6 and 12 months after surgery (P > 0.05). Lastly, the ULIF group had a significantly larger area of bone graft than the Endo-TLIF group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In summary, the ULIF technique, as a novel spinal endoscopy approach, is a safer and more effective minimally invasive surgical method for addressing lumbar spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc herniation in patients. Both surgical methods have their own advantages and drawbacks. With the development of technology and related instruments, the limitations of both techniques can be mitigated for to a certain extent, and they can be applied by more doctors in diverse medical fields in the future.
The prognostic value of the stress hyperglycemia ratio for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes or prediabetes: insights from NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Ding Lei , Zhang Hongda , Dai Cong , Zhang Aikai , Yu Fengyuan , Mi Lijie , Qi Yingjie , Tang Min
Published: February 2024

Background

The Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is a novel marker reflecting the true acute hyperglycemia status and is associated with clinical adverse events. The relationship between SHR and mortality in patients with diabetes or prediabetes is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the SHR for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes or prediabetes.

Methods

This study included 11,160 patients diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2018). The study endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and morality data were extracted from the National Death Index (NDI) up to December 31, 2019. Patients were divided into SHR quartiles. Cox proportion hazards regression was applied to determine the prognostic value of SHR. Model 1 was not adjusted for any covariates. Model 2 was adjusted for age, sex, and race. Model 3 was adjusted for age, sex, race, BMI, smoking status, alcohol use, hypertension, CHD, CKD, anemia, and TG.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 84.9 months, a total of 1538 all-cause deaths and 410 cardiovascular deaths were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed the lowest all-cause mortality incidence was in quartile 3 (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that, compared to the 1st quartile, the 4th quartile was associated with higher all-cause mortality (model 1: HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.74–10.7, P = 0.226; model 2: HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.49, P = 0.026; model 3: HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.08–1.57, P = 0.006). The 3rd quartile was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality than quartile 1 (model 1: HR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.32–0.69, P < 0.001; model 2: HR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.45–0.96, P = 0.032; model 3: HR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.46–0.99, P = 0.049). There was a U-shaped association between SHR and all-cause mortality and an L-shaped association between SHR and cardiovascular mortality, with inflection points of SHR for poor prognosis of 0.87 and 0.93, respectively.

Conclusion

SHR is related to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes or prediabetes. SHR may have predictive value in those patients.
Meta-analysis of clinical efficacy of thoracoscopy and robotic surgery in the treatment of mediastinal tumors
Authors: Dang Jiying , Sun Shize , Wu Zhengqi , Shan Yidong , Zhang Huiling
Published: February 2024

Objective

Comparing the clinical efficacy of thoracoscopy and robotic surgery in the treatment of mediastinal tumors using meta-analysis.

Methods

Computer retrieval of PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for literature comparing the clinical effects of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) in treating mediastinal tumors, with the retrieval time limit from the establishment of the database to September 2023. Two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.

Results

A total of 19 articles were included, with a total of 3517 patients. The results of the Meta-analysis showed that the RATS group had less intraoperative bleeding [MD =  − 5.20, 95%CI (− 9.28, − 1.12), P = 0.01], lower rate of conversion to thoracotomy [OR = 0.41, 95%CI (0.23, 0.72), P = 0.002], lower rate of total postoperative complications [OR = 0.57, 95%CI (0.34, 0.95), P = 0.03], shorter postoperative drainage time [MD =  − 0.72, 95%CI (− 1.13, − 0.32), P = 0.0004], and shorter postoperative hospital stay [MD =  − 0.90, 95%CI (− 1.16, − 0.65), P < 0.001], in comparison with the VATS group. There was an insignificant difference between the two groups in terms of tumor size [MD =  − 0.02, 95%CI (− 0.33, 0.30), P = 0.91] and operation time [MD = 0.17, 95%CI (− 7.61, 7.94), P = 0.97]. However, in regards to hospitalization costs [MD = 2634.75, 95%CI (991.62, 4277.88), P = 0.002], the RATS group was more expensive than the VATS group.

Conclusion

Robot-assisted mediastinal tumor resection surgery has more advantages in terms of intraoperative bleeding, conversion to thoracotomy rate, total postoperative complication rate, postoperative drainage time, and postoperative hospital stay, in comparison with thoracoscopic-assisted mediastinal tumor resection surgery. There is an insignificant difference in tumor size and operation time between the two surgeries. However, robot-assisted mediastinal tumor resection surgery increases hospitalization costs.
Implementation of early prophylaxis for deep-vein thrombosis in intracerebral hemorrhage patients: an observational study from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance
Authors: Zhang Ran , Sun Weige , Xing Yana , Wang Yongjun , Li Zixiao , Liu Liping , Gu Hongqiu , Yang Kaixuan , Yang Xin , Wang Chunjuan , Liu Qingbo , Xiao Qian , Cai Weixin
Published: February 2024

Background

There is substantial evidence to support the use of several methods for preventing deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the extent to which these measures are implemented in clinical practice and the factors influencing patients’ receipt of preventive measures remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the rate of the early implementation of DVT prophylaxis and the factors associated with its success in patients with ICH.

Methods

This study enrolled 49,950 patients with spontaneous ICH from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) between August 2015 and July 2019. Early DVT prophylaxis implementation was defined as an intervention occurring within 48 h after admission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the rate and factors associated with the implementation of early prophylaxis for DVT in patients with ICH.

Results

Among the 49,950 ICH patients, the rate of early DVT prophylaxis implementation was 49.9%, the rate of early mobilization implementation was 29.49%, and that of pharmacological prophylaxis was 2.02%. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of early DVT prophylaxis being administered in the multivariable model included receiving early rehabilitation therapy (odds ratio [OR], 2.531); admission to stroke unit (OR 2.231); admission to intensive care unit (OR 1.975); being located in central (OR 1.879) or eastern regions (OR 1.529); having a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.292), ischemic stroke (OR 1.245), coronary heart disease or myocardial infarction (OR 1.2); taking antihypertensive drugs (OR 1.136); and having a higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (OR 1.045). Conversely, being male (OR 0.936), being hospitalized in tertiary hospitals (OR 0.778), and having a previous intracranial hemorrhage (OR 0.733) were associated with a lower likelihood of early DVT prophylaxis being administered in patients with ICH.

Conclusions

The implementation rate of early DVT prophylaxis among Chinese patients with ICH was subpar, with pharmacological prophylaxis showing the lowest prevalence. Various controllable factors exerted an impact on the implementation of early DVT prophylaxis in this population.
An e-mental health intervention to reduce depression symptoms in individuals with obesity: study protocol for the randomized, controlled, two-armed, confirmatory LightMood trial
Authors: Kocol Dilara , Geiger Sheila , Schweda Adam , Beckord Jil , Schadendorf Theresa , Jansen Christoph , Robitzsch Anita , Skoda Eva-Maria , Teufel Martin , Bäuerle Alexander
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients with obesity often experience psychological distress, specifically depression symptoms. Due to various barriers, such as limitations of healthcare offers, digital interventions, for example medical apps, can provide a suitable approach to support affected people. In the envisaged prospective randomized controlled trial, we aim to examine the efficacy of the LightMood intervention. The LightMood intervention is a manualized and user-centered, digital intervention for patients with obesity, with a duration of 4 months, which contains elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based and skills-based exercises. We expect the LightMood intervention to be superior to treatment as usual (TAU) in terms of reducing depression symptoms.

Methods

The trial incorporates four distinct measurement time points: the baseline assessment, the post-treatment assessment, and 1- and 3-month follow-up assessments. Furthermore, we implemented in-treatment assessments for both groups. Participants will be randomized into two groups (LightMood intervention vs TAU). The aim is to include 128 participants (64 per group) in the study. Inclusion criteria are patients who are obese, at least 18 years old, with a private Internet access, and with adequate digital literacy and show depression symptoms (PHQ ≥ 10). Exclusion criteria are weekly outpatient individual psychotherapy, obesity surgery within the last year or planned within the next 7 months, no private Internet access, and the prescription of a new psychotropic drug within the last 2 weeks. The primary outcome is the post-assessment reduction in depression symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include the improvement in self-efficacy, quality of life, mindfulness, reduction in eating disorder symptoms, and body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, we expect a positive development of depression symptoms throughout the different time points (T1, T2, and T3) in patients with obesity.

Discussion

LightMood is an evidence-based, efficient, low-threshold online intervention that aims to reduce depression symptoms in people with obesity. Online interventions could offer a promising alternative to conventional face-to-face therapy. The primary objective of the current study is to add essential insight into the feasibility, efficacy, effectiveness, and acceptance of e-mental health interventions for people with obesity and depression symptoms.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS), DRKS00029219. Registered on May 19, 2023
A randomised controlled trial to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low dose, short course primaquine in adults with uncomplicated P. vivax malaria in two hospitals in India
Authors: Ahmad Sundus Shafat , Verma Reena , Commons Robert J. , Nitika  , Singh-Phulgenda Sauman , Chhajed Rutuja , Bharti Praveen K. , Behera Beauty , Naser Syed Mohammad , Pal Salil Kumar , Ranjit Parinita Halder , Baharia Rajendra Kumar , Solanki Bhavin , Upadhyay K. J. , Guerin Philippe J. , Sharma Amit , Price Ric N. , Rahi Manju , Thriemer Kamala
Published: February 2024

Background

Plasmodium vivax remains a major challenge for malaria control and elimination due to its ability to cause relapsing illness. To prevent relapses the Indian National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) recommends treatment with primaquine at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day provided over 14 days. Shorter treatment courses may improve adherence and treatment effectiveness.

Methods

This is a hospital-based, randomised, controlled, open-label trial in two centres in India. Patients above the age of 16 years, with uncomplicated vivax malaria, G6PD activity of ≥ 30% of the adjusted male median (AMM) and haemoglobin levels ≥ 8 g/dL will be recruited into the study and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive standard schizonticidal treatment plus 7-day primaquine at 0.50 mg/kg/day or standard care with schizonticidal treatment plus 14-day primaquine at 0.25 mg/kg/day. Patients will be followed up for 6 months. The primary endpoint is the incidence risk of any P. vivax parasitaemia at 6 months. Safety outcomes include the incidence risk of severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 8 g/dL), the risk of blood transfusion, a > 25% fall in haemoglobin and an acute drop in haemoglobin of > 5 g/dL during primaquine treatment.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 7-day primaquine regimen compared to the standard 14-day regimen in India. Results from this trial are likely to directly inform national treatment guidelines.

Trial registration

Trial is registered on CTRI portal, Registration No: CTRI/2022/12/048283.
A combined amplicon approach to nematode polyparasitism occurring in captive wild animals in southern China
Authors: Li Hongyi , Ren Zhengjiu , Wang Weijian , Shen Fei , Huang Jingyi , Wang Chuyue , Lu Jinzhi , Pan Xi , Xiao Lihua , Feng Yaoyu , Yuan Dongjuan
Published: February 2024

Background

Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) nematodes prefer to live in the intestines of wild animals, causing damage and even death, and posing a zoonotic risk. The polyparasitism of GIT nematodes results in the complex dynamics of the nematode communities that occur naturally in wild animals. However, the nematode community in captive wild animals is poorly understood.

Methods

We combined  microscopic examination and amplicon sequencing for community diversity.

Results

We characterized GIT nematode assemblages to one order, one family, four genera, and ten species, in 512 fecal samples of 121 species from captive wild animals in southern China. The positive rate of GIT nematodes was 20.7% (106/512), including 42.3% (11/26) in reptiles, 26.5% (39/147) in herbivores, 25.0% (25/100) in non-human primates, 20.0% (5/25) in omnivores, 12.2% (9/74) in carnivores, and 12.1% (17/140) in avians. The dominant nematodes were Haemonchus contortus in herbivores and Trichuris species in primates. The nematode communities of arboreal primates differed from their terrestrial counterparts, reflecting both host phylogeny and ecological constraints. Soil-transmitted Strongyloides species were widespread throughout the herbivore, primate, avian, and carnivore communities, and tended to infect omnivorous primates and terrestrial herbivores. In addition, new Trichuris and Heterakis species were found in the nematode communities of captive porcupines and peafowls.

Conclusion

This study highlights the variation in the composition of the GIT nematode community and strengthens the attention to the harms induced by zoonotic nematodes and co-infective nematodes with low species richness.

Graphical Abstract
RUNX1 promotes angiogenesis in colorectal cancer by regulating the crosstalk between tumor cells and tumor associated macrophages
Authors: Guo Xuxue , Zhang Haonan , He Chengcheng , Qin Kaiwen , Lai Qiuhua , Fang Yuxin , Chen Qianhui , Li Weize , Wang Yiqing , Wang Xinke , Li Aimin , Liu Side , Li Qingyuan
Published: February 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide. Angiogenesis and metastasis are the critical hallmarks of malignant tumor. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), an efficient transcription factor, facilitates CRC proliferation, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. We aimed to investigate the RUNX1 mediated crosstalk between tumor cells and M2 polarized tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) in CRC, as well as its relationship with neoplastic angiogenesis. We found that RUNX1 recruited macrophages and induced M2 polarized TAMs in CRC by promoting the production of chemokine 2 (CCL2) and the activation of Hedgehog pathway. In addition, we found that the M2 macrophage-specific generated cytokine, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, promoted vessel formation both in vitro and vivo. PDGF-BB was also found to enhance the expression of RUNX1 in CRC cell lines, and promote its migration and invasion in vitro. A positive feedback loop of RUNX1 and PDGF-BB was thus formed. In conclusion, our data suggest that RUNX1 promotes CRC angiogenesis by regulating M2 macrophages during the complex crosstalk between tumor cells and TAMs. This observation provides a potential combined therapy strategy targeting RUNX1 and TAMs-related PDGF-BB in CRC.
Investigating the effect of COVID-19 disruption in education using REDS data
Authors: Bertoletti Alice , Karpiński Zbigniew
Published: February 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a rapid and unprecedented transformation of global educational systems. The research community has uncovered important impacts of the pandemic on education worldwide, including detrimental effects on student learning, a decline in the well-being of teachers and students, and the exacerbation of educational disparities. Within this context, the Response to Education Disruption Survey (REDS) database stands out as one of the first large-scale international surveys specifically designed to examine the disruption caused by Covid-19 in education. This database serves as an initial step towards providing a more comprehensive understanding of the worldwide effects of the pandemic on education. The relevance of this database has inspired the creation of this special issue, collecting six studies that analyse the consequences of Covid-19 using REDS data.
Is the Homo in Homocapitalism the Caste in Caste Capitalism and the Racial in Racial Capitalism?
Authors: Rao Rahul
Published: February 2024

This article attempts to think through the relationship between homocapitalism, racial capitalism, and caste capitalism. It conceptualizes homocapitalism as immanent within the assemblage of homonationalism but also as becoming partially disembedded from it as a result of the shift in conjuncture from the “war on terror” to the “global financial crisis.” Having made a case for the partial autonomy of homocapitalism from homonationalism, the article explores the relationship between homocapitalism, racial capitalism, and the emergent theoretical conceptualization of caste capitalism. The author demonstrates how the central analytical insight of racial and caste capitalism—namely, that capitalism mobilizes precapitalist social hierarchies as a means of furthering accumulation—throws open the field for a range of ideological approaches that seek emancipation from racial and caste oppression through varying relationships with capitalism. This allows the author to make a crucial distinction between analytics and ideologies, a distinction that has been unhelpfully blurred in discussions of homocapitalism. As ideology, homocapitalism intensifies and derives some of its purchase from its affinities with discourses of liberatory capitalism such as Black capitalism and Dalit capitalism. As analytic, homocapitalism illuminates the fractioning of queerness in terms of its potential (ability, willingness) to contribute to production and social reproduction. Central to the comparison around which this article is structured is the illumination of racialization as a technology for the extraction and attribution of value that operates across racial capitalism, caste capitalism, and homocapitalism.
A comparative analysis of TonEBP conditional knockout mouse models reveals inter-dependency between compartments of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Couasnay Greig , Garcia Haley , Elefteriou Florent
Published: February 2024

Interactions between notochord and sclerotome are required for normal embryonic spine patterning, but whether the postnatal derivatives of these tissues also require interactions for postnatal intervertebral disc (IVD) growth and maintenance is less established. We report here the comparative analysis of four conditional knockout mice deficient for TonEBP, a transcription factor known to allow cells to adapt to changes in extracellular osmotic pressure, in specific compartments of the IVD. We show that TonEBP deletion in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells does not affect their survival or aggrecan expression, but promoted cell proliferation in the NP and in adjacent vertebral growth plates (GPs). In cartilage end plates/GPs, TonEBP deletion induced cell death, but also structural alterations in the adjacent NP cells and vertebral bodies. Embryonic or postnatal TonEBP loss generated similar IVD changes. In addition to demonstrating the requirement of TonEBP in the different compartments of the IVD, this comparative analysis uncovers the in vivo interdependency of the different IVD compartments during the growth of the postnatal IVD-vertebral units.
Disentangling physiological and physical explanations for body size-dependent thermal tolerance
Authors: Gunderson Alex R.
Published: February 2024

The effects of climate change are often body size dependent. One contributing factor could be size-dependent thermal tolerance (SDTT), the propensity for heat and cold tolerance to vary with body size among species and among individuals within species. SDTT is hypothesized to be caused by size differences in the temperature dependence of underlying physiological processes that operate at the cellular and organ/system level (physiological SDTT). However, temperature-dependent physiology need not change with body size for SDTT to be observed. SDTT can also arise because of physical differences that affect the relative body temperature dynamics of large and small organisms (physical SDTT). In this Commentary, I outline how physical SDTT occurs, its mechanistic differences from physiological SDTT, and how physical and physiological SDTT make different predictions about organismal responses to thermal variation. I then describe how physical SDTT can influence the outcome of thermal tolerance experiments, present an experimental framework for disentangling physical and physiological SDTT, and provide examples of tests for physiological SDTT that control for physical effects using data from Anolis lizards. Finally, I discuss how physical SDTT can affect organisms in natural environments and influence their vulnerability to anthropogenic warming. Differentiating between physiological and physical SDTT is important because it has implications for how we design and interpret thermal tolerance experiments and our fundamental understanding of thermal ecology and thermal adaptation.
Interest Rates and the Spatial Polarization of Housing Markets
Authors: Amaral Francisco , Dohmen Martin , Kohl Sebastian , Schularick Moritz
Published: February 2024

Rising within-country differences in house values are a much-debated trend in the United States and internationally. Using new long-run regional data for 15 advanced economies, we show that standard explanations linking growing price dispersion to rent dispersion are contradicted by an important stylized fact: rent dispersion has increased far less than price dispersion. We propose a new explanation: a uniform decline in real risk-free interest rates can have heterogeneous spatial effects on house values. Falling real safe rates disproportionately push up prices in large agglomerations where initial rent-price ratios are low, leading to housing market polarization on the national level. (JEL E43, R21, R31)
A inteligência artificial na comunicação corporativa
Authors: Blikstein Izidoro , Fernandes Manoel , Coutinho Marcelo
Published: February 2024

O ChatGPT já está agilizando atividades como monitoramento e geração de conteúdo nas redes sociais, mas também apresenta limites e riscos, como o de aumentar a propagação de fake news sobre as empresas.
As cidades brasileiras diante das mudanças climáticas
Authors: Di Giulio Gabriela Marques
Published: February 2024

Indicadores e índices podem ajudar os governos locais a melhorarem a capacidade adaptativa das cidades, mas a implementação de ações e políticas públicas depende do enfrentamento de barreiras cognitivas, organizacionais, políticas, de recursos e de dinâmicas locais de planejamento urbano
Mobile Learning as a Trend in the Communication Environment of Additional Professional Education
Authors: Kiuru K. , Popova E. , Makoveckaya Yu. , Apushkina K.
Published: February 2024

In modern society, Internet communication has changed the scenarios of education. Every day, the requirements for professional competencies in various fields of activity are changing, and the need for advanced training and professional retraining is growing. Mobile learning, which has become a trend of additional professional education, allows you to quickly form new professional competencies.

The purpose of the article is to consider mobile learning as an actual trend of additional professional education. The issues related to the relevance of the use of mobile devices and technologies in the educational process are considered.

Methodology, methods and techniques. The study was conducted using the method of formalized questionnaire (mass survey) to study the effectiveness of mobile learning in the process of obtaining additional professional education. The survey involved 16 graduates of the Higher School of Media, Communications and Design Faculty of Journalism of Chelyabinsk State University, training program "Advertising and public relations". To conduct the research, a questionnaire was developed, distributed using Google Forms. Students of Chelyabinsk universities took part in the study. The sample type is spontaneous. The sample outline is formed by registered users who have expressed interest in this online survey. The mechanism for selecting respondents is self-selection.

Results. The results of a study of the effectiveness of mobile learning in the process of obtaining additional professional education are presented. The scientific novelty lies in the introduction into scientific circulation of the concept of mobile learning in the process of additional professional education.

Practical significance. The identified trends will help the educational environment to prepare adequate responses to the identified challenges.
A Mixed Methods Study of Online Social Comparison and Impostor Phenomenon in Undergraduate Music Education Students
Authors:   , Rinn Thomas James
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate online social comparison and impostor phenomenon (IP) in undergraduate music education students. I employed a sequential explanatory mixed models design to explore the extent to which music education students experienced IP, used Facebook, and engaged in social comparison on Facebook. I explored participants' perceptions of how they engaged in online social comparison in the context of their professional lives. In Phase 1, I surveyed participants to measure impostor phenomenon, Facebook intensity, and Facebook social comparison. Analysis of the descriptive data revealed that 77.8% of participants experienced frequent to intense IP symptoms. Facebook social comparison emerged as the only significant predictor of IP in participants accounting for 13.3% of the variance in CIPS scores. In Phase 2, I conducted focus groups to investigate participants' perceptions of how they engaged in online social comparison as related to their professional identity. The themes that emerged from the qualitative data included: (a) comparing to peers online, (b) using Facebook for professional purposes, (c) psychological effects of online comparison, and (d) withdrawing from social media to avoid adverse effects. Lastly, I integrated the quantitative and qualitative data to expound upon and confirm findings in each phase. The results indicated that as participants progressed through their music education degree program, they used Facebook more frequently in each subsequent year, leading to increased social comparison and IP.
Decoding Fantasy: An Analysis of Paquito D'Rivera's "Caribbean Berceuse" (2021)
Authors:   , Truan Robert Michael
Published: February 2024

Written for and featuring the Barcelona Clarinet Players, Caribbean Berceuse (2021) is Paquito D'Rivera's (b.1948) first composition for wind band. Along with idiosyncratic expectations of fusing jazz and classical elements according to D'Rivera's oeuvre, the title implies extramusical associations in the composition. This analysis demonstrates how extramusical associations interact with thematic development by using five codes of meaning from Roland Barthes's (1915–1980) S/Z (1970), which was first applied to music by Patrick McCreless. In addition to D'Rivera's cultural references, this composition involves musicians from many different cultures and backgrounds: the Barcelona Clarinet Players of Spanish heritage, Paquito D'Rivera of Cuban heritage, and the North Texas Wind Symphony under the direction Eugene Migliaro Corporon as an American melting pot. My analysis demonstrates how D'Rivera incorporates shared experiences of a lullaby as an access point for listeners. Our experience of falling asleep creates dichotomous structures of reality and fantasy, of time and memory, and sometimes of a restless lullaby among others. Roland Barthes places the most importance on these extrinsic dichotomous structures as deeper meanings of referential associations. He names this symbolic code. Although McCreless places less importance on symbolic code as correlating to music, my analysis will demonstrate how the interaction of thematic development with extramusical associations in D'Rivera's Caribbean Berceuse help propel our dichotomous experiences as we fall into a dream-like fantasy.
Acute and Sublethal Impacts of Crude Oil Photo-Induced Toxicity in an Early Life Stage Marine Fish (Sciaenops ocellatus) and Invertebrate (Americamysis bahia)
Authors:   , Leads Rachel Renee
Published: February 2024

We investigated the modifying effects of ultraviolet (UV) light and chemical dispersant (Corexit 9500A) on crude oil toxicity in juvenile mysids (≤ 24 h) (Americamysis bahia) and larval red drum (24-72 hpf) (Sciaenops ocellatus). These results demonstrate that crude oil toxicity significantly increases with co-exposure to environmentally relevant UV levels in both species, indicating photo-induced toxicity. This toxicity was further exacerbated by the application of chemical dispersants which increased the dissolution and concentration of oil-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in test solutions. To better understand the mechanisms and initiating events of this observed photo-induced toxicity, the incidence of apoptotic cell death and global transcriptomic changes were assessed in larval red drum (24-72 hpf) following co-exposure to crude oil and UV. These results showed that co-exposure to UV and low concentrations of crude oil (<1 µg/L ∑PAH50) induced apoptotic cell death in skin and eye tissue and altered transcriptomic pathways related to visual processing and dermatological disease. To link these cellular and molecular impacts of photo-induced toxicity to apical endpoints of ecological performance, sublethal impacts to growth, metabolic rate, and visually mediated behaviors were explored in larval red drum at 2 developmental stages. These results suggested that earlier life stages may be more sensitive to photo-induced toxicity and that growth and development, particularly of sensory systems, can be sensitive targets of photo-induced toxicity. Together, these studies provide novel insights into the photo-induced toxicity of crude oil in aquatic organisms and can be used to inform future ecological risk assessments.
The Local Organization of Refugee Service Provision: A Qualitative Comparison of Two Resettlement Cities in Texas
Authors:   , Fessenden Deborah June
Published: February 2024

This comparative case study examines the organizational variations in refugee services in Dallas and Amarillo, Texas. Engaging sociological theories of organizations, migration, and the state, this study conceptualizes immigrant-serving organizations as brokers that operate within fields of similar entities that channel resources and services to refugees. Drawing on 60 in-depth interviews and over two hundred hours of participant observation, this study finds two distinct models of resource brokerage. In Dallas, immigrant-serving organizations operated as networked resource brokers, characterized by high levels of collaboration, robust local political support, and community engagement through consistent volunteer labor. These characteristics facilitated the sharing of resources and knowledge, resulting in the establishment of more professionalized services for immigrants and refugees. In contrast, immigrant-serving organizations in Amarillo operated as atomized resource brokers, characterized by fragmented collaborations, inter-organizational competition, limited volunteer labor, and varying levels of political support from local representatives. This atomized brokerage model hindered the efficient allocation of resources and support, leading to fragmented and less comprehensive services for refugees. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the variations within the organizational fields of ISOs in Texas. The comparative analysis of Dallas and Amarillo offers a nuanced understanding of the impact of local context on the provision of refugee services. The research contributes to academic knowledge in the fields of migration, organizations, and the state, and has practical implications for policymakers, ISO workers, advocates, and scholars in Texas and beyond.
Bottom-Up Impacts of Grazing Disturbance on Ground-Nesting Bee Assemblages: Do They Dig It?
Authors:   , Collins Shannon Marie
Published: February 2024

In my thesis, I examined impacts of nesting and floral resources on ground-nesting bee assemblages at nine ranch sites with differing grazing histories. Because ecological disturbances can strongly affect the availability of foraging and nesting resources over time, I also examined the impacts of grazing history on nesting and floral resources for ground-nesting bees. I sampled bee assemblages, a comprehensive array of vegetation and soil measures, and floral abundance and richness. I used these data to determine (1) the importance of different nesting habitat resources and livestock grazing history for ground-nesting bees and (2) how livestock grazing history influenced the availability of nesting and floral resources. I found that sites with sandier soils had greater abundance and richness of ground-nesting bees, and sites with less compacted soils had greater bee abundance. Contrary to many other studies, the availability of bare ground was not important for ground-nesting bee abundance or richness. Grazing history did not affect any measures of nesting or floral habitat, and had negligible effects on ground-nesting bee abundance, richness, and community composition. My results suggest that the availability of sandier or less compacted soils may be limiting for ground-nesting bee abundance or richness, especially in areas with predominately clay soil types. In this context, the availability of such nesting resources may be more limiting than floral resource availability. More research is necessary to tease apart the effects of different nesting and floral resources for bees, and how different grassland management types affect bees through those resources. My findings highlight the importance of considering nesting habitat resources in bee conservation and restoration efforts.
Testing the Perceived Efficacy and Value of a Solar-Powered MoodleBox to Provide Sustainable Educational Support to Underdeveloped Areas
Authors:   , Samaranayake Pradeepika Nelumdini
Published: February 2024

The dissertation aims to expand access through a low-cost technological innovation system S-MLS to learners in underdeveloped areas with difficulties in accessing education. Technology is advancing rapidly. However, many parts of the world need access to educational advances, which are hindered due to war, political situations, and low literacy and income. A qualitative phenomenological approach explores the lived experience using the solar-powered computing and learning management system (LMS) to support the development of educational access in underrepresented societies, developing countries, and rural areas where access to proper classroom education is non-existent. Proof of concept is used with a group of students in a rural area, a developing country, and within an underrepresented population to check the feasibility of using the equipment in a real-world setting. A technology acceptance model would be used to identify the user's perceived interest and user acceptance. The community of inquiry theory would find the first-hand experience and point of view of the learner. The student group interviews would be through semi-structured interviews. Observations, surveys, video/audio recordings, and artifacts would be gathered for further analysis. The data collected would be analyzed using interpretative phenomenology analysis (IPA), close examination, and management of development themes through thoughts, observations, and reflections on the technological experience and future research and implementations provided. The projected finding would be to check that a solar-powered Raspberry Pi system with MoodleBox operating system that runs Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) LMS would be feasible to provide learning underdeveloped areas to enhance education.
An Evaluation of the Utility of Fixed Ratio 1 Schedule Contingent Reinforcement on Variability to Increase the Diversity of Activity Selections and the Treatment of Problem Behavior Occasioned by Interruption Routines
Authors:   , Lin Yu Chen
Published: February 2024

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are the majority of population in residential settings. Many clients in residential settings engage in problem behavior that interferes with their daily routine and work requirements. Restricted and repetitive behavior are one of the features of ASD diagnosis, typically in the form of invariable responding and predictable responses. Differential reinforcement has been used to produce and maintain response variability. I evaluated the utility of a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) schedule on variability to increase the diversity of activity selections in the treatment of problem behavior occasioned by the interruption of routines. Chase engaged in problem behaviors in his bathroom routine, no matter by himself or with his housemate. Results demonstrated a reinforcement-based treatment increased both variable and novel selections while decreasing the rate of self injurious behavior.
Teacher Preparation Programs: A Critical View
Authors:   , Bragg Ronald Dewayne
Published: February 2024

Individuals who desire to pursue the teaching profession have two primary paths for preparation: either completing a traditional college-based program or an alternative program. A generic qualitative inquiry methodology was used to explore the perspective of novice teacher participants on how prepared they felt based on the preparation program they participated in. Data gathering was accomplished through a novice teacher survey and seven one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The data from the novice teacher survey revealed that college-based preparation participants felt sufficiently prepared 33% of the time, while the alternative preparation participants felt adequately prepared 59% of the time. College-based preparation participants in the semi-structured interviews reported that observing veteran teachers was invaluable in preparing for the first year of teaching. The alternative certification program participants revealed that teaching was significantly more demanding and that teachers face challenges beyond delivering effective lessons. The alternative preparation program offered an extensive library of lessons and learning modules; however, there was little to no guidance on selecting which lessons and learning modules to review. Participants indicated that improvement in the support provided to the novice teacher during the first year is vital when transitioning from theory to practice. Continued examination of teacher preparation programs is imperative for improving the novice teacher experience. As the teacher preparation process continues to evolve, leaders must look no further than current novice teachers to determine where to improve.