bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factor Profile in Child-to-Parent Violence: A Gender Analysis
Authors: Cuervo Keren
Published: January 2025

Child-to-parent violence (CPV) is one of the crimes that has increased most sharply in Spain in recent years. Few studies identify the predictive variables of CPV specifically with a judicial sample, taking gender differences into account and using a standardized instrument. Participants were 342 juveniles from the Juvenile Court of a Spanish province. The most powerful predictors were depressive states, emotional mismanagement, reiteration, and the combination of various risk factors. For boys, the greatest predictors were a depressed state, criminal recidivism, and a moderate risk of recidivism according to the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI). For girls, the greatest predictors were conflicts between partners in the nuclear family and the total score in the YLS/CMI. It is therefore crucial to take the specific predictive factors into account in order to adjust the specific strategies to reduce risk.
Listening in times of crisis: The value and limits of radio phone-in shows
Authors: Orgad Shani , Srivastava Divya , Olaleye Diana
Published: January 2025

The article explores the democratic value of listening by examining what listening to radio phone-in programmes and listening more broadly mean to people in times of crisis. Drawing on focus groups with London residents severely affected by the cost-of-living, health and social care crises, the article discusses how participants engaged in listening and discussed its significance. Against what we call a ‘crisis of listening’, namely, a rapid shrinking of the spaces and possibilities for listening and a profound sense among people of not being listened to by the political system, the health system and other authorities, participants appreciated listening to phone-in shows and to fellow focus group participants. Listening unifies listeners around common experiences, facilitates building commonalities and enables the public expression of vulnerability in a period of increased isolation and intensifying individualism. At the same time, commercial and exploitative logics shaping phone-in shows foster polarised debate and delegitimise differing opinions, thus reinforcing a deepening crisis of listening. The article concludes by calling for a reorientation of public life around listening and a reorganisation of our commitment as researchers to contribute to listening as an ethical project.
Online curriculum marketplaces and music education: A critical analysis of music activities on TeachersPayTeachers.com
Authors: O’Leary Emmett J , Bannerman Julie K
Published: January 2025

TeachersPayTeachers.com is an online marketplace where sellers offer learning activities, lesson plans, decorations, and related materials for use in school classrooms. The marketplace includes thousands of music education materials that are used by teachers throughout the United States. The purpose of this study was to explore the content of what is sold, who is selling materials on the platform, and the quality of the music activities. Our analysis of the 500 most-rated music items indicates that sellers are primarily marketing activities, classroom materials, and decorations on the platform. Despite listings from 91 different sellers, a small number of active “teacherpreneurs” were responsible for most of the materials. Our analysis of the quality of the top 50 activities shows that materials are generally aesthetically pleasing and clear in purpose, yet may may not promote authentic pedagogical practices in music education. The scope of resources available combined with the level of adoption shows that this platform has the potential to elevate worksheets and notational activities to the same level as meaningful musical engagements. We discuss findings in relation to curriculum development, teacher agency, and the potential for TpT and similar platforms to impact how music educators curate curriculum resources for use in their classrooms.
Parents’ psychological control and Latina young women’s depressive symptoms: Examining the role of perceived dyadic coping behaviors from sisters
Authors: Killoren Sarah E. , Rivero Avelina , Boron Dawson , Payton Jessica , Cord Christine , Campione-Barr Nicole , Gilligan Megan
Published: January 2025

Given that Latina young women experience high rates of depressive symptoms, identifying how to improve mental health among this population is critical. Perceived psychological control from mothers and fathers is associated with Latine young adults’ depressive symptoms. We examined how perceived supportive (e.g., showing empathy after stress disclosure) and negative (e.g., ignoring stress after stress disclosure) dyadic coping behaviors from sisters attenuated or strengthened the association between parents’ psychological control and depressive symptoms. Our sample included 195 Latina young women ( M = 23.24 years, SD = 1.95; Median = 24.00 years; 64% Mexican origin). Using hierarchical regression analyses, we found that perceived psychological control from fathers and perceived negative dyadic coping behaviors from sisters were positively associated with Latina young women’s depressive symptoms. Perceived supportive dyadic coping behaviors from sisters exacerbated the association between perceived psychological control from mothers and depressive symptoms. Also, perceived negative dyadic coping behaviors from sisters strengthened the positive association between psychological control from mothers and depressive symptoms, although the follow-up analyses only reached trend level ( p = .06). Our findings show the importance of decreasing psychological control from parents and negative dyadic coping behaviors from sisters as a way to reduce Latina young women’s depressive symptoms.
Netnography and AI influencers
Authors: Dutta Akanksha , Sharma Anupam
Published: January 2025

AI influencers on social media are a fascinating, emerging phenomenon. They are computer-generated characters that captivate a sizable audience and following that engages with virtual influencers. Although audience engagement with virtual influencers is an intriguing phenomenon, little is known about its driving forces and core components. This study uses a qualitative netnographic approach to examine audience interaction with virtual influencers. Content analysis of comments made by viewers on the websites of four virtual influencers instagram account includes Kyra, Imma, Leya Love and Lil Miquela. The audience’s remarks reveal five primary content themes: appreciation, freshness, competence, emotional attachment, and source affection. This study delivers an analytical structure along with pertinent practical implications for audience interaction with virtual influencer.
Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pelvic vein insufficiency, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pitoulias Apostolos G. , Andrioti Petropoulou Nefeli , Bontinis Vangelis , Chatzelas Dimitrios A. , Bontinis Alkis , Thano Adriana , Pitoulias Georgios A.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pelvic vein insufficiency (PVI).

Results

Seven studies comprised of 802 patients were included. Of these studies, 5 utilised transvaginal ultrasound (TVU), 1 utilised transabdominal ultrasound (TAU) and 1 utilised both ultrasounds as diagnostic tool .The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity was 0.96 and 0.84 respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for TVU were 0.96 and 0.86. The pooled sensitivities between studies employing a <7 mm cutoff in pelvic veins’ diameter (PVD) and those employing a >7 mm threshold were 0.99 and 0.94 while the pooled specificities were 0.75 and 0.96 respectively.

Conclusion

The evidence supports the efficacy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of PVI. A threshold of up to 6 mm in PVD yielded excellent sensitivity outcomes, but it is at the expense of specificity. This meta analysis suggests that a PVD threshold of 7 mm should be employed as a cutoff point in the diagnosis of PVI, displaying both excellent sensitivity and specificity outcomes.
Beyond start-up formation: Effects of entrepreneurial ecosystem support activities for developing lagging regions
Authors: Flögel Franz , Letonja Marina , Meyer Kerstin , Rabadjieva Maria , Vilman Zineta , Zhekova Ralitsa , Zlateva Mariya , Butzin Anna
Published: January 2025

The paper elaborates on the positive effects of support activities for entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) on regional development in lagging regions beyond the obvious outcome of new enterprises. The emphasis on entrepreneurship support organisations to develop lively EE in lagging regions has been criticised for its limited success, high costs and low benefits for local citizens. We agree with this criticism in principle but argue that a meaningful evaluation of entrepreneurship support’s effects on regional development must also consider the wider impact of such promotion. Based on a literature review and empirical findings from our engagement in three EEs, we discuss such regional-level ‘outward causation’ and identify five broader effects how entrepreneurship support organisations strengthen development. They (1) promote innovative regional organisations, institutions and actors; (2) qualify and engage aspiring founders who later become qualified and motivated employees for incumbent companies and the public sector; (3) contribute to a positive regional image and identity; (4) enhance inter-sector and inter-municipality cooperation and (5) position start-ups as a positive impulse for developing declining cities. In conclusion, we propose an extended understanding of start-up support for developing lagging regions that considers entrepreneurship support organisations as catalysts of the positive effects associated with vibrant ecosystems.
Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis: Adherence to Minimum Information for Studies Evaluating Biologics in Orthopaedics
Authors: Nakagawa Hirotaka F. , Kim James , Rinaldi Joseph , Rabinowitz Judy , Mautner Ken , DeMers Ariana , Sherman Seth , Borg-Stein Joanne , Sussman Walter I.
Published: January 2025

Background:

The Minimum Information for Studies Evaluating Biologics in Orthopedics (MIBO) guidelines were developed in May 2017 to encourage improved reporting standards, promote increased transparency and reproducibility, and enhance clinical evaluation capabilities. The MIBO guidelines consist of 23 checklist items considered necessary to critically appraise clinical studies evaluating platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Purpose:

To assess randomized controlled trials that evaluated PRP for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in order to systematically review their adherence to the MIBO guidelines.

Study Design:

Systematic review. Level 1a.

Methods:

A search was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials reporting on knee osteoarthritis treated with intra-articular PRP. The studies were categorized into pre-, peri-, and post-MIBO groups based on the start date of data collection. The overall MIBO scores, defined as percentage of checklist items out of the 23 checklist items reported in 1 study, individual item scores, defined as percentage of studies reporting the checklist item within a specified group, and overall item score defined as the average of the individual item scores from all the included studies were calculated.

Results:

The review included 87 studies (7925 patients; 8118 knees). Of these, 51 studies were assigned to the pre-MIBO group, 19 studies to the peri-MIBO group, and 17 studies to the post-MIBO group. The overall MIBO score was 72%. No statistically significant differences in MIBO scores were found among the 3 MIBO groups ( P = .345). The majority of the studies (62 studies; 71%) had MIBO scores <80%. MIBO items with particularly low item scores included reporting of whole-blood characteristics (20%), platelet recovery rate (22%), PRP analysis (30%), and PRP activation (47%). No significant difference among the 3 MIBO groups was found for the item scores except for the reporting of the recipient details ( P = .012).

Conclusion:

This study highlights the deficiencies in adherence to the MIBO guidelines, particularly in reporting key variables such as whole-blood characteristics, platelet recovery rate, PRP analysis, and PRP activation. These findings suggest that the publication of the MIBO guidelines has not resulted in improved reporting practices in studies investigating intra-articular PRP for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Lower ACLR Failure Rates in Bone–Soft Tissue Versus Soft Tissue–Only Allografts in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tabbaa Ameer , Atkins Myles , Montalvo Alicia M. , Petit Camryn B. , White Mia S. , Petushek Erich J. , Diekfuss Jed A. , Myer Gregory D. , Lamplot Joseph D.
Published: January 2025

Background:

While allografts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), evidence to guide specific allograft selection is lacking.

Purpose:

To compare clinical and graft failure rates after ACLR using soft tissue–only allografts and bone–soft tissue allografts in adults.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

English-language studies with clinical outcome data on primary and revision ACLR in adults with nonirradiated soft tissue–only and bone–soft tissue grafts were identified in the search. Data extracted included allograft type, patient characteristics, follow-up time, and failure rates. The cumulative failure rate was defined as International Knee Documentation Committee grade C/D, graft retear, grade ≥2+ Lachman, grade ≥2+ pivot shift, and/or side-to-side KT-1000 laxity of >5 mm. The graft rupture rate was defined solely by the proportion of patients who had a graft rupture. Meta-analyses using the inverse variance method were used to estimate the pooled rates with 95% CIs. Subgroup analysis was conducted to compare allograft types and determine whether age, sex, and follow-up time influenced the estimates.

Results:

A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria: 7 investigated bone–soft tissue allografts, 6 investigated soft tissue–only allografts, and 1 investigated both. The comparative study showed a difference in the cumulative failure rate between bone–patellar tendon–bone and soft tissue–only allografts. The pooled cumulative failure rates for bone–soft tissue and soft tissue–only allografts were 11% (95% CI, 7-17) and 20% (95% CI, 14-29), respectively ( P = .05). The pooled graft rupture rates for bone–soft tissue and soft tissue–only allografts were 6% (95% CI, 4-9) and 13% (95% CI, 7-23), respectively ( P = .07).

Conclusion:

The meta-analysis results showed that bone–soft tissue allografts have lower cumulative failure rates than soft tissue–only allografts. Bone–soft tissue allografts may be the preferred allograft choices for ACLR.
Comparison of the use of standard heparin and 0.9% saline as lock solution in hemodialysis catheter: Importance of closure technique
Authors: Ergül Fatih , Dağ Mikail , Doğan Beyza , Erkuş Edip , Guney Ibrahim , Karaköse Süleyman
Published: January 2025

Background:

Bleeding and thrombotic occlusion are complications of Central venous catheters. When selecting a catheter lock solution, factors such as bleeding, thrombotic occlusion, infection, and cost-effectiveness must be considered.

Methods:

The study included 35 patients who used heparin as a locking solution and 35 patients who used 0.9% saline, retrospectively. In our center, after injecting the solution equal to the catheter lumen volume from the syringe, approximately 1 cc of locking solution is left in the syringe, the catheter is locked and the syringe is removed from the catheter after locking. Intergroup complications were observed.

Results:

No significant difference was observed between the groups concerning the catheter insertion site ( p = 0.143 and 0.143). Additionally, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of thrombosis and bleeding complications ( p = 0.314 and 0.239, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our study concluded that heparin locking is not superior to normal saline locking in terms of catheter dysfunction. We aimed to emphasize that the technique of catheter locking is more important than the type of lock solution used.
Neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio as a predictor of BCG response in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Higazy Ahmed , Elsawy Amr , Lofty Ahmed , Abdallah Hany M , Radwan Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Aim:

To evaluate the role of preoperative neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) as a predictor for the response to BCG in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Materials:

Nighty six patients with NMIBC were prospectively included in our study. Our study population was classified into two groups, based on pre-operative (NLR) either ⩽ or > 3. After receiving BCG, patients were followed up for 3 years to evaluate the correlation between BCG failure and (NLR).

Results:

Nighty two patients were evaluated at the end of our study. The NLR > 3 group of patients showed a higher age and T stage compared to the NLR ⩽ 3 group with a significant difference. BCG failure was reported to be higher in the NLR > 3 group with a failure rate of 66.7% compared to 28.3% in the other group ( p-value < 0.001). Time to failure in NLR > 3 group compared to NLR ⩽ 3 group was 10.44 ± 4.3 and 15 ± 3.9 months respectively with a ( p-value = 0.002). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression revealed that the most significant predictors of BCG failure were NLR > 3, Initial T stage, and age respectively.

Conclusion:

BCG response is highly affected by the NLR, with a higher failure rate with NLR > 3.
An Empirical Study of Adaptive Feedback to Enhance Cognitive Ability in Programming Learning among College Students: A Perspective Based on Multimodal Data Analysis
Authors: Fu Wen-shuang , Zhang Jia-hua , Zhang Di , Li Tian-tian , Lan Min , Liu Na-na
Published: January 2025

Cognitive ability is closely associated with the acquisition of programming skills, and enhancing learners’ cognitive ability is a crucial factor in improving the efficacy of programming education. Adaptive feedback strategies can provide learners with personalized support based on their learning context, which helps to stimulate their interest and improve learning outcomes. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether adaptive feedback can enhance the cognitive ability of programming learners. This study applies adaptive feedback strategies to an introductory programming course by designing a quasi-experiment to analyze and reveal the effects of adaptive feedback on the cognitive ability to program learners from multiple modalities, including physiological, psychological, and behavioral data. Sixty-five first-year university students were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The experimental group received adaptive feedback during the programming learning process and the control group received non-differential feedback. The findings demonstrated that adaptive feedback significantly enhances the cognitive ability of programming learners. The experimental group demonstrated superior performance in cognitive ability tests, programming examinations, and programming self-efficacy. Furthermore, adaptive feedback was found to markedly improve the cognitive processing of learners, as evidenced by the amplitude and latency of the P300 component in EEG signals, key-press reaction times and accuracy rates.
Comparer des pommes à des oranges : L'ambivalence des consommateurs à l'égard d'une éco-innovation — le marquage laser des fruits biologiques
Authors: Pfiffelmann Jean , Untilov Olga , Thøgersen John , Gengenbach Aline , Mionetto Chiara
Published: January 2025

L’étiquetage des fruits biologiques au moyen de marquage laser constitue une alternative à la fois innovante et respectueuse de l’environnement aux autocollants en plastique, et cette solution n’a pas d’effets secondaires négatifs connus. Néanmoins, sur la base de la théorie de la résistance à l'innovation de Ram et Sheth, nous prévoyons que cette éco-innovation alimentaire appliquée aux fruits et légumes pourrait susciter des réactions ambivalentes : les consommateurs apprécient son caractère écologique mais pourraient craindre d’éventuels risques pour la santé. En nous appuyant sur la théorie de la dissonance cognitive de Festinger, nous prévoyons que les consommateurs tenteront activement de résoudre cette ambivalence en adaptant leurs croyances sur le marquage laser aux réalités spécifiques de la situation. Enfin, sur la base de la théorie de la contagion de Nemeroff et Rozin, nous prévoyons qu'une variable importante dans l’acceptation de cette éco-innovation est la comestibilité de la peau des fruits et qu’elle constitue une variable modératrice des relations constatées. Nous avons testé ces hypothèses au moyen de trois expérimentations inter-sujets (étude 1 – 396 participants ; étude 2 – 390 participants ; étude 3 – 346 participants). Les participants ont été exposés à des scénarios présentant un fruit biologique avec un marquage laser ou un autocollant en plastique, sur une peau comestible ou non comestible. Comme prévu, nous avons constaté que le marquage laser diminue la perception de respect de l’environnement, en raison de l'anticipation du gaspillage alimentaire perçu, et réduit la perception de bénéfice santé, en raison de la peur de la contamination, et ce, selon que la peau du fruit soit comestible ou non. Pour les professionnels du secteur, ces résultats indiquent, d’une part qu’il est nécessaire d'éduquer les consommateurs sur les avantages et les risques de cette technologie et d’autre part que le marquage laser devrait probablement être limité aux fruits dont la peau n'est pas comestible, au moins dans un premier temps.
Political Orientation and Attitudes Toward Sexual Harassment: The Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: Ortiz-Bonnin Silvia , Blahopoulou Joanna
Published: January 2025

Sexual harassment (SH) refers to unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. This behavior can manifest through physical, verbal, or nonverbal actions. The present study analyzes the relationship between political orientation (left-wing, center, and right-wing) and attitudes toward SH with a focus on the moderating role of gender. We examined two types of attitudes: SH myth acceptance, and rejection of sexist remarks, specifically piropos. SH myths are widely held but false beliefs that serve to deny and justify male-perpetrated harassment of women. Piropos are a form of harassment prevalent in Spain, where strangers make unsolicited comments about a woman’s appearance in public spaces. Data were collected at a Spanish university, and multiple regression analyses were performed ( N = 303). Participants with left-wing political orientation showed significantly lower SH myth acceptance compared to both right-wing (β = .80, p < .001) and center-oriented participants (β = .51, p < .01). Similarly, left-wing participants showed significantly higher rejection of piropos compared to right-wing (β = −1.26, p < .001) and center-oriented participants (β = −.80, p < .01). Furthermore, the interaction between political orientation and gender revealed that men with right-wing political orientation showed higher SH myth acceptance (β = −.51, p < .05) and lower rejection of piropos (β = .96, p < .05) compared to women of the same political orientation.
Associations Between Age-for-Grade, Sex, and Interpersonal Violence Among U.S. High School Students
Authors: Webb Lindsey , Ma Ming , Clary Laura K. , Brooks-Russell Ashley , Johnson Renee M.
Published: January 2025

The current study examines how atypical age-for-grade (i.e., being old- or young-for-grade) is associated with various types of interpersonal violence (e.g., physical fighting, school-based and electronic bullying victimization, and being threatened or injured with a weapon at school) among a nationally representative sample of U.S. high school students and explores these associations by sex. Data were from 21,892 students in 9th to 11th grades in the 2017 and 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Weighted logistic regression models examined associations between age-for-grade categories and various types of interpersonal violence with peers, with stratified models exploring differences by sex. Results showed that, compared to their age-normative peers, students who were young-for-grade were more likely to report physical fighting, being threatened or injured with a weapon at school, and school-based and electronic bullying victimization. Students who were old-for-grade were more likely to report physical fighting than their age-normative peers. These associations differed for boys and girls, where being young-for-grade was more strongly associated with interpersonal violence for boys than for girls. Old-for-grade girls were more likely to report physical fighting than their age-normative peers, whereas young-for-grade girls were more likely to report being threatened or injured with a weapon at school. Findings from the current study may be explained by differences in physical, social, and emotional development in youth who are young-for-grade or old-for-grade compared to their age-normative peers. Results can inform school-level policies when identifying youth for grade retention or acceleration and may have implications for school-based interventions to prevent interpersonal violence between peers.
Associations Between Sleep Duration and Lifestyle Risk Factors Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Yueqi , Chang Jen Jen , Burroughs Thomas E.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Examining the associations between sleep duration and lifestyle risk factors and assessed whether sex modify such associations among U.S. adolescents.

Design

Cross-sectional study among high school students from the 2015-19 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Setting

US, national.

Subjects

High school students grade 9-12 (n = 31 871).

Measures

Students reported hours of sleep on an average school night categorized into “less than 6 hours”, “6 to 7 hours” and “8 hours and more”. Lifestyle risk factors including physical inactivity, insufficient breakfast consumption, current tobacco use, and current binge drinking were self-reported and dichotomized.

Analysis

Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between sleep duration and lifestyle risk factors, adjusting for confounders.

Results

Compared to students with 8 hours and more of sleep, students with 6 to 7 hours and less than 6 hours of sleep had 79% and 228% ( P < .01) increased odds of insufficient breakfast consumption; and had 22% ( P = 0.0014) and 74% ( P < .01) increased odds of binge drinking, respectively. There is a significant interaction between sleep duration and sex ( P < .05) for physical inactivity and current tobacco use.

Conclusion

Insufficient sleep is common among US adolescents and is associated with increased risks of multiple lifestyle risk factors, which suggests great needs for multilevel interventions to address sleep deprivation and promote good sleep hygiene among adolescents.
More skill than trait, or more trait than skill? Relations of (mis)matches between personality traits and social, emotional, and behavioral skills with adolescent outcomes
Authors: Ringwald Whitney R , Napolitano Christopher M , Sewell Madison N , Soto Christopher J , Yoon Hee Jun , Wright Aidan GC
Published: January 2025

Personality traits and social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills are closely related but incrementally predict life outcomes. This implies that although tightly connected, what a person tends to do (personality traits) and what they are capable of doing (skills) are not always perfectly aligned. In this study, we investigated whether matches and mismatches between traits and skills predict important life outcomes. We studied a diverse sample of high school students ( N = 840) who self-reported their Big Five personality traits, five SEB skill domains, and an array of academic, social, and emotional outcomes. Using response surface analysis, we found that matching trait/skill levels did not confer a unique benefit for adolescents over the additive effects of traits and skills. In contrast, we found that trait/skill mismatches predicted outcomes, and in some cases, adolescents with mismatching trait/skills had the best and worst outcomes. Specifically, youth with higher skill levels relative to their traits reported better outcomes, and those with lower skills relative to their traits reported worse outcomes. Our findings provide insights into functioning that are missed by solely focusing on direct effects and show that SEB skills can enhance youth’s personality strengths and buffer against shortcomings.
Towards a theorization of the global community welfare regime: Depicting four ideal types of the community’s role in welfare provision
Authors: Mumtaz Zahid , Kühner Stefan
Published: January 2025

This article conceptualizes the community’s role in the provision of welfare by introducing the concept of a community welfare regime that varies globally across time and space. Four global community welfare regime ideal types, effective formal, effective informal, ineffective formal, and ineffective informal, are identified based on the dual dimensions of effectiveness and formality community welfare provision. Using this conceptualization, the article presents a typology that stipulates the interplay between the four theorized types of the community welfare regime and various global welfare regimes (Gough et al., 2004). The conceptualization of the community welfare regime holds the potential for conducting meaningful comparisons between different community welfare regimes within individual countries and across multiple welfare geographies. These comparative analyses can provide policymakers with valuable insights about the (in)effectiveness of community welfare provision, allowing them to develop policies that are firmly grounded in successful practices adopted by communities to effectively support vulnerable members of society and foster improved overall welfare outcomes, and can also serve as an avenue for Global South–North learning.
State intervention in low-wage work: Politics, social actors, and increased governmental control in the setting of the minimum wage
Authors: Cova Joshua
Published: January 2025

With the decline of unionization and collective bargaining coverage rates across advanced economies, governments increasingly make use of statutory minimum wages to ensure adequate compensation for low-wage workers. This state intervention reflects the liberalization of labour markets and the rise of an ‘employment rights’ regime, where state regulation in the low-wage sector plays a growingly important role as the influence of social partners diminishes. This article investigates the factors that drive increased governmental involvement in minimum wage-setting mechanisms (MWSMs). Through a combination of historical large-N statistical analysis and an in-depth review of ruling parties’ justifications to changes in MWSM, we find that economic and industrial relations variables – such as lower economic growth, higher inflation, and declines in unionization and collective bargaining coverage – primarily explain the shift towards greater governmental discretion. Partisanship and electoral cycles appear less significant. A media analysis of policymakers and social partners’ statements in Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain reveals that governments justify intervention by emphasizing their responsiveness to changing economic circumstances. These findings have implications for the study of partisan politics and low-wage regulation, highlighting the growing role of governments in wage-setting practices.
Electroacupuncture improves postoperative cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting ferroptosis via the TFR1-DMT1-FPN pathway
Authors: Chen Tianren , Zhang Binsen , Zhang Xiaojia , Tang Lu , Wang Chunai
Published: January 2025

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ferroptosis in the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) using a mouse model and to elucidate whether electroacupuncture (EA) can improve POCD by suppressing ferroptosis via the transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1)—divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1)—ferroportin (FPN) pathway.

Methods:

The experiment involved three groups: the control group, the POCD group and the POCD + EA group. The POCD animal model was established using sevoflurane anesthesia and tibial fracture. Cognitive and behavioral changes in mice were assessed using the novel object recognition test (NORT) and the Morris water maze (MWM) test, 1 and 3 days after surgery. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe changes in the mitochondrial structure of hippocampal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to determine the levels of glutathione (GSH) and iron ion (Fe) concentrations. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of TFR1, DMT1 and iron pump protein. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect the mRNA levels of DMT1 and FPN.

Results:

Based on the experimental results of the MWM test and the NORT, we found that EA can improve POCD in mice. Observation by projection electron microscopy showed that EA improved the mitochondrial structure in the hippocampus. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that EA suppressed ferroptosis in the hippocampal area. The qRT-PCR and Western blot results suggested that EA suppresses ferroptosis by regulating the TFR1-DMT1-FPN pathway.

Conclusion:

This study reveals that sevoflurane and tibial fractures cause cognitive damage through the mechanism of ferroptosis, while EA may inhibit ferroptosis through the TFR1-DMT1-FPN pathway and improve POCD when induced in this way.
Trends in the Prevalence of Korean Adolescent Smokers According to Smoking Cessation Policy and COVID-19
Authors: Kim Mina , Noh Hiejin
Published: January 2025

This study evaluated the influence of smoking cessation policies and COVID-19 on the prevalence of smoking among Korean adolescents from 2011 to 2020. Based on the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, trends in adolescent smoking behaviors were examined, including the impact of cigarette price increases, Pictorial Warning Labels (PWLs), and the onset of COVID-19. We used joinpoint regression analysis to discern annual changes in the prevalence of adolescent smokers. Results indicate that the implementation of increased cigarette prices and pictorial warnings was associated with a significant decrease in smoking prevalence among adolescents. We found a yearly reduction in smoking prevalence by 10.5% for cigarette-only smokers, 10.3% for e-cigarette-only smokers, and 9.2% for those who used both. The onset of COVID-19 further accelerated the decline in adolescent smoking. The findings suggest that the Korean government’s smoking cessation strategies and pandemic-related changes have effectively reduced smoking rates among adolescents.
Association Between Body Mass Index and Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in University Students From Seven Regions of China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Siau Ching Sin , Lester David , Lew Bob , Kõlves Kairi , Huen Jenny Mei Yiu , Gunn John F. , Sun Chen Won , Ibrahim Norhayati , Fariduddin Muhamad Nur , Koo Hui Chin , Jia Cunxian , Prawiromaruto Ian Griffin , Chan Caryn Mei Hsien
Published: January 2025

Our study explored the link between body mass index (BMI) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among university students in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 11 251 undergraduates from seven provinces. Body mass index, physical health status, economic status, depression and anxiety symptoms, and suicidality were self-reported using validated questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted for males and females. Results showed that of 11 251 participants (mean age = 20.7 ± 1.3), 22.6% were with underweight, 6.1% with overweight, and 2.7% with obesity. Females with class III obesity had higher suicide risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.05) and suicide attempt history (aOR = 3.55). Males with overweight and class I obesity had lower odds of depressive symptoms. Suicide attempt history was associated with higher odds of overweight for males (aOR = 2.58). Clinicians and public health authorities should take into consideration the implications of overweight and obesity levels on suicidality.
Network formation dynamics in asymmetric coordination games
Authors: Renzini Francesco
Published: January 2025

Previous research has examined how endogenous network formation decisions affect consensus or segregation in coordination games with asymmetric payoffs. Agents were assumed to evaluate tie formation or termination based on prospective coordination payoffs and associated cost constraints. The present study extends this line of research by investigating how preferences for specific network configurations influence network formation decisions beyond prospective coordination payoffs. We built an agent-based model with N self-interested agents optimizing a utility function that included: (a) prospective coordination payoffs; (b) agent-specific network formation costs; and (c) network-based preferences, that is, preferences for connecting with high-degree, popular partners, regardless of their choices in the coordination dilemma. We explored the trade-offs and interactions between coordination dynamics, network formation costs, and popularity-based preferences across various simulation scenarios. Our results show that when costs are not prohibitively high, popularity-related network preferences leading to more centralized networks promote more efficient coordination on a consensus outcome. Conversely, segregated and disconnected networks tend to emerge when network formation costs are very low, or the relative importance of popularity-related preferences is lower compared to coordination payoffs.
Medical Professionals’ Perceptions of and Experiences With Terminally Ill Orthodox Jewish Patients
Authors: Ornstein Moshe C. , Harris David
Published: January 2025

Orthodox Jewish patients with terminal illnesses have unique goals and desires, often driven by halakha (Jewish law and ethics) and cultural norms. We conducted a quality improvement project investigating the baseline perceptions and experiences of medical professionals who care for Orthodox Jewish patients with terminal illnesses. The survey included health care professionals who cared for Orthodox Jewish patients as part of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Oncology, or Palliative Care and Hospice teams. The three main elements of the survey included respondent demographics, multiple choice selections, and a free-text section. A total of 73 medical professionals responded to the survey. Several important findings were noted. Compared to the general population, Orthodox Jewish patients with terminal illnesses are more likely to request aggressive measures at end-of-life and are less likely to have completed advanced directives and health care power of attorney documentation. They also do not always have a rabbinic authority involved in decision-making. Health care professionals highlighted strong religious and community support as positive elements of caring for this population and recommend that medical teams establish early and direct communication with rabbinic authorities for those patients for whom a rabbi’s involvement is desired. These data inform ongoing next steps to improve the quality of care for these patients and their families.
A Qualitative Inquiry of Patients Using Virtual Reality to Mitigate Cancer Pain
Authors: Groninger Hunter , Ali Nadia , Gomes Kylie , Violanti Diana
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly evolving technology that has been shown to improve pain severity in different disease states, including cancer. To date, VR pain studies have used off-the-shelf products for pain distraction. What are user preferences for VR content to mitigate cancer pain?.

Objective

Through qualitative inquiry, we aim to explore and understand user preferences for VR distraction therapies to mitigate cancer-related pain.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews of 12 patients participating in a VR cancer pain therapy clinical trial. Using a grounded theory approach, emerging themes and subthemes were analyzed to elucidate patient experiences and preferences for VR content.

Results

Participants described distinct themes related to VR use, specifically experiences of immersion, distraction, relaxation, and safety. Higher experience of immersion and distraction were associated with improvement in cancer pain severity. Some participants had to adapt to VR technology to use it successfully. Regarding future VR content development, participants voiced preferences for content related to home, childhood, natural environments, and family and friends.

Conclusion

Patients associate higher levels of virtual immersion and familiar, natural virtual experiences with successful VR distraction therapy for cancer pain analgesia.
Skill transfer of upper limb prosthesis control after training in a virtual reality environment
Authors: Maas Bart , Tchimino Jack , van Dijk Bram , Murgia Alessio , van der Sluis Corry K , Bongers Raoul M
Published: January 2025

Background

Controlling a myoelectric arm prosthesis after amputation is a skill that is difficult to master and requires extensive training since muscles need to be activated in a specific manner. One novel type of training places the prosthesis user in a virtual reality environment (VRE) to train; however, it is not yet clear if skill transfer occurs from the training to actual prosthesis use.

Objective

The aim of the current study is to examine skill transfer of VRE training.

Methods

A total of 20 able-bodied participants were divided into two training groups. One group trained with a newly developed VRE system and the other trained using a prosthesis simulator. Both groups performed five training sessions in a pre-test/post-test design where functional control, motivation and perceived workload were measured.

Results

The results showed that both groups improved from pre-test to post-test on functional control and motivation but not on the workload. Interestingly, almost no differences in improvements between groups were found indicating that there was no difference in effectiveness between training methods.

Conclusion

Based on these results, we can conclude that we found skill transfer of VRE training. Therefore, VRE training is an effective training method for arm prosthesis control and has valuable potential for implementation in a rehabilitation setting.
Inclusion of Music Composition Activities in Secondary School Band Curricula
Authors: Vecchio Mike , Hopkins Michael
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to examine variables that influence teachers’ inclusion of composition activities in school band curricula. Results indicate instrumental music teachers believe composing is a valuable part of the band curriculum but are unsure where it belongs in the curriculum. Most respondents reported being exposed to composing activities during undergraduate coursework, although a majority also indicated their college courses did not prepare them to teach composing in a band class. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced many teachers to alter their mode of instruction, it had a marginal impact on the inclusion of composing activities. Younger teachers were significantly more likely to have had preservice composing experiences and were significantly more likely to include composing in their curricula. Implications for music teacher education include expanding opportunities to teach composing during fieldwork placements, meaningfully engaging with composition pedagogy resources, and reconsidering performance-based curricula toward a focus on creativity.
Clinicopathological Features and Prognoses of Patients With Splenic Metastases From Breast Cancer: A Single-Centre, Retrospective Study
Authors: Xie Xiaofeng , Ma Mingrui , Bai Xue , Hu Jing , Zheng Haijie , Guo Xiongqi , Huang Jiayi , Chen Xuelian , Chen Liping , Lan Xiaofeng , Song Lin , Du Caiwen
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Splenic metastases (SM) from breast cancer (SMBC) are exceedingly rare. To date, the relevant literature is primarily based on pan-tumour species, with only a few studies exploring SM specifically in relation to breast cancer. As such, the present retrospective study explored the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with SMBC at the breast care centre of the authors’ hospital.

Methods

Data from patients newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) between June 2017 and June 2022 were extracted from medical records at the authors’ hospital. Clinicopathological characteristics and their associations with progression-free survival (PFS [time from diagnosis of initial recurrence and/or metastasis to diagnosis of SM]), first overall survival (1stOS [time from diagnosis of breast cancer to death or last follow-up visit]), and second overall survival (2ndOS [time from diagnosis of SM to death or last follow-up visit]) were analysed in patients with SMBC.

Results

In total, 1009 patients with MBC were identified, of whom 18 (1.7%) had SM. T1 and T2 stages were documented in 15 (83.3%) patients, whereas N2 and N3 were documented in 13 (62.2%). 14 (77.8%) patients were oestrogen receptor and/or progesterone receptor positive. A Ki-67 index ≥ 30% accounted for 72.2% (13/18) of cases, and all patients were histological grade II or III. Liver and/or lung metastases were documented in all 18 (100%) patients. Median PFS was 6.3 months. The median 1stOS and 2ndOS were 41.8 and 10.6 months, respectively. The number of previous treatment lines before diagnosis of SM was a significant adverse prognostic factor for PFS, and disease-free survival was a significant adverse prognostic factor for 1stOS.

Conclusion

SMBC commonly presents with diffuse multiple organ metastases in the terminal stage of malignancy and has a poor prognosis, which may provide deeper insight into SMBC for clinicians.
Enhanced sparsity via adaptive period estimation and Lp norm for rolling bearing fault feature extraction
Authors: Li Xinxin , Mo Fujun , Tang Weili , Zhang Qian , Ye Bo
Published: January 2025

The fault characteristics of rolling bearings are easily obscured by noise. To address the difficulty of extracting early weak faults of bearings, this paper proposes a novel enhanced sparsity via adaptive period estimation and L p norm (AdaPELP) sparse representation method. First, the L p norm is added to the periodic overlapping group shrinkage (POGS) model to enhance sparsity. Second, a Gini-Harmonic (GH) indicator based on the combination of the Gini index and the harmonic significance index (HSI) is proposed to evaluate fault characterization and dynamically update the periodic prior estimation. This approach addresses the limitation of the Gini index in distinguishing sparse patterns. Third, this model is solved by the majorization-minimization (MM) algorithm and the solution procedure is given. Meanwhile, GH is applied as the fitness function in the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithm to realize adaptive parameter selection, which addresses the difficulty of manual parameter tuning. The effectiveness of the AdaPELP method in rolling bearing fault feature extraction is verified through simulation and experiments.