bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextualizing the Manifestation of Gendered Colonialist Microaggressions: A Qualitative Study on Post-Colonial Migration Experiences Among Immigrant Women
Authors: Piccinelli Elena , Vauclair Christin-Melanie , Madeira Filipa
Published: October 2024

Over the last decade, the framework of microaggressions has been adopted to examine subtle manifestations of discrimination from the perspective of socially disadvantaged groups. However, the microaggressions literature is strongly U.S.-centered, and very few studies have been conducted in other societal contexts, such as European countries characterized by distinct migration patterns and post-colonial intergroup relations. Moreover, foreign-born immigrant women have been overlooked in microaggression research. The present qualitative study draws upon post-colonial feminist theory and adopts an intracategorical intersectional approach to examine the experiences of foreign-born immigrant women in Portugal. Ten focus groups were conducted with 52 participants ( Mage  = 34.2, SD = 10.2). Data were analyzed via a two-step process thematic analysis (TA) approach. First, codebook TA was used to produce nine themes building on previous microaggressions taxonomies. Then, reflexive TA was applied to generate four macro-themes related to post-colonial discourses. As a result, we propose a taxonomy of Gendered Colonialist Microaggressions and a theoretical framework linking these subtle forms of discrimination to social representations of immigrant women, rooted in colonial legacies and systemic power disparities. This study highlights the understudied psychological and societal implications of microaggressions in post-colonial settings, raising new questions and providing directions for future action.
Circumferential Labral Reconstruction With Knotless All-Suture Anchors Restores Hip Distractive Stability: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Analysis
Authors: Lall Ajay C. , Smith Benjamin L. , Kahana-Rojkind Ady H. , Khoury Anthony N. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: October 2024

Background:

The essential component of managing femoroacetabular impingement involves restoration of the original labral function. Circumferential labral reconstruction (CLR) has shown positive results. However, biomechanical studies of CLR are limited and have not established the efficacy of the modern knotless all-suture anchor (ASA) pull-through technique.

Hypotheses:

(1) CLR with knotless ASA fixation will restore native labral suction seal biomechanics; (2) tensioning the ASA to a high-tension state will increase the peak distractive force.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric hips were dissected free of all soft tissue except the native labrum and transverse acetabular ligament. On an electromechanical testing system, the hips were compressively loaded to 250 N to initiate a suction seal and distracted at a rate of 10 mm/s until rupture of the suction seal. Hips were tested in 4 states: intact labrum, full labral removal, knotless CLR with moderate anchor tension, and CLR with high anchor tension. Peak distractive force (in newtons) was compared using repeated measures analysis of variance ( P < .05). Acetabular bevel angles (θ) were measured at labral clockface positions outside the transverse acetabular ligament using a 3-dimensional digitizer stylus after rim preparation. Linear regression plots compared θ and peak distractive force in the CLR state.

Results:

Peak force values were 138.5 ± 13.6 N (mean ± SE) for the intact labrum, 18.4 ± 2.79 N for labral excision, 95.4 ± 23.3 N for moderate-tension CLR, and 126.2 ± 27.3 N for high-tension CLR. Significant differences were observed only when full labral removal was compared with the other conditions: intact ( P < .001), moderate-tension CLR ( P = .016), and high-tension CLR ( P = .002). Steeper acetabular bevel angles (smaller θ) were correlated with greater suction seal restoration ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

CLR restored distractive stability on average to 82.0% of the intact value after labral deficiency. Retensioning did not significantly increase peak distractive forces.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings provide biomechanical validation supporting CLR using knotless ASAs in an effort to minimize volumetric bone loss and provide other surgical advantages. The prepared rim's bevel angle may be an important variable to optimize for improved suction seal restoration.
“Business as Usual”? Human Rights NGOs’ Adaptation Strategies to Repressive Legislation
Authors: Filkobski Ina , Shor Eran
Published: October 2024

Over the last two decades, governments have increasingly been adopting legislative measures that limit civil society and human rights organizations. While several studies explored the response of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in nondemocratic regimes to such measures, the literature on the response of NGOs in liberal democracies remains scarce. We examine this by analyzing the case of Israel. We conducted in-depth interviews with 30 position holders in 13 human rights NGOs, as well as lengthy ethnographic participant observations in two of these organizations. Our findings show that organizational responses varied significantly, ranging from minor to very significant changes. Furthermore, the direction of these changes was not uniform. While some organizations chose to intensify and radicalize their message, others preferred to depoliticize and appease domestic audiences. We reflect on the possible drivers of such strategic organizational differences and discuss the more general effects of repressive legislation in liberal democracies.
Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Puerto Rico During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Underexamined Public Health Concern
Authors: Camacho David , Morgan Matthew R. , Moxley Jerad H. , Burnette Denise
Published: October 2024

Few studies have examined the mental health of older adults in low resource settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a negative binomial regression with a log linear link function to model the effects of demographic, health, and social factors and common pandemic-related experiences on loneliness in older adults in Puerto Rico. Data are from a 2021 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey about COVID-19 with persons aged 60+ who reside in Puerto Rico ( N = 213). Almost 40% of study participants met the loneliness cutoff score (≥6) on the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale. Age, psychological distress, and psychological sense of community were associated with loneliness. We discuss cultural and contextual factors (e.g., familism, outmigration after Hurricane María, under-resourced healthcare system) that may influence loneliness. We conclude that culturally consonant and contextually feasible public health measures should focus on key correlates in developing loneliness interventions for older adults in Puerto Rico.
The Experience of Birth Professionals Who Witness Obstetric Violence During Childbirth
Authors: Snyder Simone
Published: October 2024

Research

The experience of obstetric violence is well documented. However, the impact on and experience of doulas and midwives who witness OV deserves more attention. The research questions that guided this study were: What types of harm are doulas and midwives witnessing, what factors influence their decision to intervene, and what impact does this experience have on their professional career and well-being?

Methods

This exploratory study used semi-structured qualitative interviews to understand how doulas and midwives navigate the experience of witnessing OV. The data analysis included reflexive thematic analysis. Feminist standpoint theory was employed to center the lived experiences of women and other individuals from marginalized groups in the research and in the knowledge acquisition process.

Key contributions

This study found that independent birth professionals like doulas and midwives are struggling with how to navigate their roles in the obstetric system. They find creative ways to advocate yet are often met with mistreatment themselves. This work is a call to action to the field of social work to engage in issues related to perinatal health and reproductive justice.
Commercial Tobacco Cessation Interventions for American Indian and Alaska Native Persons Living in the United States: A Narrative Systematic Review of Effectiveness Using a Health Equity Lens
Authors: Alcantara Iris C. , Villaluz Nicole , McAleer Kelly , Valliani Inara , Ross Leslie W.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Identify commercial tobacco cessation interventions for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, focusing on strategies used to advance health equity, including strategies to address social determinants of health (SDOH), community engagement, and cultural tailoring.

Data Source

We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest Central, Academic Search Complete, JSTOR, and Indigenous/Tribal health-related journals and databases.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

We included peer-reviewed studies on commercial tobacco cessation for AI/AN persons published January 1998–April 2023 that reported quit rates/attempts. We excluded studies that only used pharmaceutical interventions.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently assessed each study against our inclusion/exclusion criteria. A reviewer extracted data, and another checked for completeness.

Data Synthesis

Synthesis focused on reported intervention effectiveness and strategies used for addressing SDOH, community engagement, and cultural tailoring. We used a synthesis matrix which allowed for comparison across studies.

Results

We screened 1116 articles and included 12 for synthesis. Of the 12, five engaged community health workers; four included SDOH elements; and six were reported effective. Of these six, five included early-stage community engagement and four were culturally tailored.

Conclusions

There are few commercial tobacco cessation interventions for AI/AN populations. Building capacity, including tribal capacity, to develop and test multi-level, culturally grounded cessation interventions that address relevant SDOH may advance commercial tobacco cessation efforts in these populations.
Comparing the Role of Attitudes on the Enactment of Academic and Non-Academic Education Performance Indicators
Authors: Marfán Javiera
Published: October 2024

Chile has followed the international trend of implementing a standards-based reform, with the particularity of encompassing both academic and non-academic outcomes. Drawing on interview data from four school cases in Santiago, Chile, this study examines the role of attitudes in reform enactment, analyzing whether and how school actors’ attitudes toward academic and non-academic performance indicators influence practice change. Alignment between attitudes toward academic standards and practice change is often disrupted by subjective norms, whereas attitudes toward non-academic indicators consistently drive behavior. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between attitudes and policy enactment, offering valuable insights.
Great Expectations: Semaglutide as Antidiabetic Weight Management in a Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Shannon Krysta , Shyh Grace
Published: October 2024

This report explores the potential role of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in minimizing the metabolic side effects of psychotropic medications in patients with underlying type 2 diabetes (T2D) in inpatient psychiatric settings. The introduction of novel antidiabetic medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists has broadened the options for managing metabolic disorders, particularly T2D. These medications not only offer effective glycemic control but also provide cardiovascular and renal benefits and help with weight management. Given the tendency of psychotropic medications to cause weight gain and metabolic complications, this report presents 2 cases where weekly doses of semaglutide improved blood glucose levels and prevented weight gain in patients receiving chronic psychotropic medications. Integrating GLP-1 receptor agonists into inpatient psychiatric care can help mitigate the metabolic adverse effects of psychotropic medications. However, considerations such as cost, accessibility, and institutional formulary restrictions are essential to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Optimal trajectories for UAV three-dimensional path planning using a hybrid ABC-RRT* algorithm
Authors: Jayarajan Niresh , Ganesan Tamilselvan , Naganathan Archana
Published: October 2024

Path planning is critical to the effective operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in complex environments. It is crucial to quickly determine the best path for UAV navigation. In this paper, a novel approach for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning is presented by combining the robust artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm with the flexible rapidly exploring random tree star (RRT*) algorithm. The main objective of this approach is to ensure effective obstacle avoidance. The proposed hybrid algorithm, ABC-RRT*, is compared with several current approaches, namely Improved ABC (IABC), ABC, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), ABC-PSO and RRT. ABC-RRT* combines the exploration capabilities of ABC with the route optimization capabilities of RRT* to efficiently determine the best trajectories for UAVs by balancing exploration and exploitation. ABC integration increases the effectiveness of exploration, while RRT* excels at identifying shorter paths and adapting to different conditions. ABC-RRT* has been shown to outperform other methods in terms of path length and flexibility when traversing complicated terrain with many obstacles. This was proven by extensive simulations in various situations. The results demonstrate the effectiveness, fast convergence and robustness of ABC-RRT* and make it a viable solution for obstacle avoidance of UAVs in practice. The fusion of ABC and RRT* for obstacle avoidance shows great potential for UAV route planning and offers remarkable advantages compared to conventional approaches.
Parameters impact analysis on contact characteristics of intersected beveloid gear and involute cylindrical gear
Authors: Ni Gaoxiang , Cao Yaofeng , Chen Yanhong , Yao Li , Liu Siyuan
Published: October 2024

According to gear geometry and tooth contact analysis (TCA) theory, the TCA model of intersected beveloid gear and involute cylindrical gear pair is built. The formulas for calculating curvature and contact ellipse at contact points are derived, and the shape and region of contact ellipse are determined. Then, the impacts of cone angle, helix angle and installation errors on contact characteristics are studied by numerical examples. The finite element model of gear pair is established to carry out the loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) and verify the accuracy of theoretical TCA model. The results show that gear pair with small cone angle or big helix angle has wide contact area, large carrying capacity and high transmission quality. The shaft angle error may cause the edge contact of gear pair, while the axial position error has limited effect. The research can provide input parameters for the study of tooth surface wear mechanism and dynamics in the future work.
A comprehensive validation of GRA with ant colony optimization for robust optimal design: A case study on the forming process
Authors: Swapna D. , Sameer Kumar D , Sateesh B , Radhika S , Srinivasa Rao Ch
Published: October 2024

Sheet metal forming design involves numerous factors and controlling all these parameters to prevent cracks is a major challenge to maintain the quality. Therefore, the careful selection of process parameters is critical for ensuring product longevity. Several researchers employed different techniques for optimal selection of process parameters but consistency among the techniques and validation of results in real time scenarios will play a pivotal role in determining the suitable parameters. Therefore, the current work presents a validation method of Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) results with Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) for the robust optimum design with an illustrative example of forming process. Al 6061 – T6 alloy was chosen as a material for deep drawing process and L27 Orthogonal Array was planned to conduct experiments with four input parameters such as blank thickness, Die and Blank Temperature, Die Speed, Lubrication at three levels each. Punch force and Thickness variation were considered as the output parameters. GRA Technique was implemented to find the best optimal combination and regression equation was developed to predict the nature of objective function. These results were given as an input to ACO, a nature inspired algorithm to search for the optimal solution with in the design space. Sensitivity analysis has also been performed to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed solution in terms of solution quality and computational efficiency. The ACO method, GRA technique and the experimental results are almost similar with a margin of acceptable deviation. The results indicated the robustness of the projected approach in achieving the quality of solution.
Uniformization and bounded Taylor series in Newton–Raphson method improves computational performance for a multistate transition model estimation and inference
Authors: Zhu Yuxi , Brock Guy , Li Lang
Published: October 2024

Multistate transition models (MSTMs) are valuable tools depicting disease progression. However, due to the complexity of MSTMs, larger sample size and longer follow-up time in real-world data, the computation of statistical estimation and inference for MSTMs becomes challenging. A bounded Taylor series in Newton–Raphson procedure is proposed which leverages the uniformization technique to derive maximum likelihood estimates and corresponding covariance matrix. The proposed method, namely uniformization Taylor-bounded Newton–Raphson, is validated in three simulation studies, which demonstrate the accuracy in parameter estimation, the efficiency in computation time and robustness in terms of different situations. This method is also illustrated using a large electronic medical record data related to statin-induced side effects and discontinuation.
The invisible wounds of women: Ethical aspects of obstetric violence
Authors: Yildirim Sevda , Mert-Karadas Merve
Published: October 2024

Background: The quality of care in maternity facilities significantly influences women’s autonomy and their right to make decisions about their bodies. Obstetric violence, a form of gender-based violence during childbirth, poses serious threats to women’s rights and health worldwide. Aim: The research aimed to examine women’s experiences and perceptions of obstetric violence using the micro-level constructivist grounded theory strategies of Mena-Tudela et al. (2023). Research design and methods: This study used a phenomenological qualitative research design. Data were collected from 17 eligible women using a Participant Information Form and a Semi-Structured Interview Form, applying maximum variation sampling to ensure a wide range of sociodemographic characteristics and diverse views and experiences. The data were analyzed using the seven-step phenomenological analysis method. Participants and research context: A total of 17 women who had vaginal labor at least 6 months ago were interviewed. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the University Ethics Board for Non-Interventional Clinical Studies. Ethical considerations were closely aligned with the principles of respecting women’s rights, ensuring that participants’ autonomy and consent were central throughout the research process. Results: Five themes and 13 subthemes were extracted from the data analysis, including “Ignoring women in care,” “The commodification of women,” “Are the healthcare professionals the only authority?”, “Ineffective childbirth management and its effects on women’s health-seeking behavior,” and “Types of obstetric violence.” Conclusions: This study underscores the urgent need to address obstetric violence, recognizing its detrimental impact on women’s rights, and well-being during childbirth. Protecting women’s rights by prioritizing individual-centered care, informed consent, and respectful treatment is essential to uphold ethical standards and ensure dignified childbirth experiences for all women.
From Analogue to Algorithm: The Metamorphosis of Music Production Techniques—An Integrated Literature Review
Authors: Thomas Linto , Kumar V. Vijay
Published: October 2024

This research explores the transformation of music production (MP) from traditional to smart digital approaches. The background of the study is rooted in the rapid digital advancements in MP over the last few decades, leading to a more robust and compact MP progression. The research focuses on understanding the music industry’s process and the impact of technology on MP, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The research methodology employed is an Integrative Literature Review, based on both Scopus and Web of Science databases. After thoroughly examining titles and abstracts, 745 documents were identified as bibliographic data. From these, 40 selected articles were synthesised and analysed to identify patterns, influential authors, prominent journals and countries, dominant intellectual themes in MP, literature clustering and research gaps. The study classifies MP into four clusters: humanistic, technological, social and cultural and industrial perspectives. Each lens offers a unique vantage point to understand the intricate tapestry of the musical landscape. The findings reveal that AI has revolutionised MP, contributing to the creation of novel sounds, genres and music arrangements. It has also facilitated cross-cultural collaborations and reshaped the music business model. These findings imply that the intersection of technology and the music industry has transformed music creation, consumption and monetisation, presenting both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. The study concludes that the future of MP is a captivating fusion of human creativity and technological prowess, where tradition and innovation coalesce to propel musical revolution to new heights.
Centring lived experience of homelessness in law and policy reform
Authors: Jones Charmaine , Daly Alannah , Pierce Tony
Published: October 2024

This reflective work considers homelessness and provides a model of participation for improving homelessness responses through StreetCare, a NSW-based advisory committee of people with diverse lived experiences of homelessness. StreetCare provides unique, essential and pertinent advice to relevant stakeholders in the housing and homelessness sector at the local, state and national level. Through the example of StreetCare, this piece explains how the participation of those with lived experience in reform contributes to better outcomes, to the empowerment of lived experience advocates, and to more equitable laws.
Social Stigma and Vulnerabilities of Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Kyrgyzstan: Service Providers’ Perspectives
Authors: Childress Saltanat , Shrestha Nibedita , Kreniske Philip , Small Eusebius , Gilbert Louisa , Mukambetov Aibek , Ssewamala Fred , Sensoy Bahar Ozge , McKay Mary
Published: October 2024

In Kyrgyzstan, registered HIV cases doubled from 2013 to 2019, with women constituting 39% of cases in 2021. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) encounter heightened intimate partner violence, stigma, and discrimination. This study explores the experiences and vulnerabilities of WLHIV in Kyrgyzstan from the perspective of professionals engaged in HIV care and advocacy. Data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 professionals engaged in HIV prevention were analyzed using grounded theory methods. The analysis revealed two primary categories related to the experiences of WLHIV as observed by professionals in the field: (a) Challenges faced by WLHIV at the personal, interpersonal, community, and institutional levels, and (b) The way forward—providers’ ideas about addressing stigma and vulnerability. Urgent action is needed to address the needs of WLHIV, emphasizing confidentiality and support, recognizing discrimination as violence, and fostering financial independence.
Cultures of Activity, Cultivating Resistance
Authors: Kenny Katherine , Broom Alex , Peterie Michelle , Bennett Juliet , Broom Jennifer
Published: October 2024

The problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is often viewed through biomedical and/or behavioral lenses, with the underlying economic principles and “headwinds” shaping resistance less visible. In this paper, we focus on how healthcare funding models structure the ways AMR is perceived and addressed as an institutional priority. Specifically, we explore how activity-based funding reflects and operationalizes ingrained assumptions about what is valuable and/or worthwhile within the organizational ecology of the hospital. Drawing on interviews with 36 executives from several hospital clinical care settings across two Australian states, we illuminate the ways the activity-based funding paradigm works against efforts to combat AMR. Concerningly, we further observe how activity-based funding models can inadvertently position rising rates of resistance as a benefit—at least in the short term—as the new and intensified interventions required to address resistant infections require more “activity” and thus deliver higher reimbursement at the level of annualized budgets. In failing to recognize the (social and economic) value of reduced activity, activity-based funding risks contributing to AMR, rather than working to resolve it.
Lifting the (Peter) Vaill of Management Education: How to Practice Management Education in the Next 25 Years
Authors: Dent Eric B. , Fearon David
Published: October 2024

We contribute to the Special Issue primarily through the lens of the Journal of Management Education (JME) publications of Peter Vaill, a long-time, distinguished shaper of JME for most of its 50 years. These publications and other works elucidate several themes for the future of Management Education (ME): the scholar practitioner, the subjective frame of the action taker, the use of poetry and other humanities in teaching, moral development, student freedom, critique of the competency movement, and practice. The early years of Management education were incredibly exciting as breakthroughs piled up regularly and schools of management were where the “action” was. Vaill’s writings uniquely center on the experience of the practice or techne of the action takers and emboldening them to act courageously and ethically. Among several examples, the future proposed here would include Management faculty conducting classes that are emergent, so that the professor and students both learn in the moment. They would also practice management to understand and mold this dynamic field that they teach. This would result in far more interactive classes where students have greater appreciation for the “feeling, judgment, sense, proportion, balance, and appropriateness” of management and ideally develop a greater passion for Management.
Readiness Framework for Behavioral Strategies: Assessing Low-Intensity Approaches Prior to High-Intensity Interventions
Authors: Alberstadt Kennedy Audrey , Hampshire Patricia K.
Published: October 2024

Challenging behavior can impact the learning environment and prevent educators and students from demonstrating behavioral and academic success. Schools and districts may implore a framework of tiered systems of support to respond to students struggling behaviorally or academically. These systems provide a decision-making process to aid educators’ use of low-intensity strategies before utilizing high-intensity strategies. This process can help school teams use their time and resources efficiently. This article presents a flowchart outlining guiding questions within a problem-solving process as the first step in remedying behavior of concern. This flowchart can be utilized by schools with an existing tiered framework or can support the decision-making process for schools that do not utilize a tiered system of support. A vignette is also included to demonstrate its practical use in the classroom.
Ergonomic Improvement at a Distribution Center Using a Voice-Directed Feedback System to Manage Loading Trucks
Authors: Goomas David T.
Published: October 2024

This field study reports on a wireless, wearable, automated voice-directed system where truck loaders at a distribution center wear a headset to listen to instructions and speak into a microphone to load pallets of product into delivery trucks accurately. The system was designed to provide immediate and corrective feedback to load pallets in reverse-stop sequence for all multi-stop routes. The voice-directed system intervention was instrumental in reducing the number of pallets loaded out of sequence to 0.015%, based on approximately 175 weekly routes, amounting to a decrease of an out-of-sequence percentage error by 99%.
New Linked Employee-Employer Data Show Workforce Composition Is Associated With Health Insurance Offers Among Small Employers
Authors: Zawacki Alice , Hegland Thomas A. , Keenan Patricia S. , Miller G. Edward
Published: October 2024

Decades of research shows that small firms are much less likely to offer health insurance than large firms, but less is known about differences among small employers. We examine this issue using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Insurance Component with Administrative Records (MEPS-ICAR), a unique employer-employee linked data set that is constructed by matching the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Insurance Component (MEPS-IC) to Internal Revenue Service administrative records and the Decennial Census. Multivariate analyses show that among firms with fewer than 50 workers, the probability that workers receive an insurance offer is positively associated with higher median workforce incomes, and conditional offers of dependent coverage increase when the majority of workers are married or from a family with at least three members. This first application of the MEPS-ICAR highlights the significance of workforce characteristics in shaping small employer insurance benefits and the data’s usefulness for expanding analyses of policy changes, wage-benefit tradeoffs, and health insurance benefits.
Clinical, Quality of Life, and Health Care Utilization Outcomes of Switching the Administration Route of Antipsychotic Medications Among People With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kappi Amani , Wang Tianyi , Abu farsakh Bassema , Okoli Chizimuzo T. C.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Using long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications can improve the outcomes of patients with schizophrenia, such as reducing symptom severity and hospitalization risk. However, the outcomes of switching from oral to LAI antipsychotic medications are unclear.

Aims:

The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the clinical, quality of life, and health care utilization outcomes of switching from oral to LAI antipsychotics among patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder.

Methods:

We thoroughly searched the PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and CINAHL databases. To conduct the meta-analysis, we used the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Program.

Results:

Forty-one articles met our inclusion criteria. After switching to LAIs, symptom severity, the number of rehospitalizations, emergency department visits, and overall health care costs were reduced. Also, social functioning significantly improved. However, no differences were observed in the frequency of outpatient visits. Pharmacy costs were increased between pre- and post-LAI initiation.

Conclusion:

Our findings support evidence that changing the route of administration of antipsychotic medications from oral to long-acting intramuscular injections can improve the clinical, quality of life, and health care utilization outcomes in people with schizophrenia. Health care practitioners might consider encouraging LAI use earlier during treatment for schizophrenia for better clinical outcomes and to reduce health care utilization associated with treatment.
Preterm Birth in African American Women: A Multi-Omic Pilot Study in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Nowak Alexandra L. , Saadat Nadia , Sun Jiao , Forsman Anna M. , Liang Xiaoyu , Joyce Cara , Woo Jennifer , Engeland Christopher G. , Misra Dawn P. , Giurgescu Carmen , Zhang Wei , Anderson Cindy M.
Published: October 2024

Preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks completed gestation) is a devastating problem affecting over 13 million live births worldwide. In the U.S., African Americans experience significantly higher rates of PTB compared to non-Hispanic Whites. PTB disparities have been linked to social determinants of health (e.g., socioeconomic status, discrimination). However, the biological underpinnings related to these associations are unclear. DNA methylation (DNAm) is subject to environmental influences, and DNAm modifications are known to affect gene expression. Using a multi-omic approach, we examined differences in combined DNA methylation (DNAm) and messenger RNA (mRNA) transcriptomic data from 20 pregnant African American women (12 PTB; 8 term birth) early in pregnancy (8–18 weeks gestation). We found that the HLA- DQB2 gene was both differentially methylated (cg12296550; p = .02) and differentially expressed ( p = .014; log2FC = 2.5) between women with PTB and term birth. Gene expression analysis showed HLA- DQB2 and HLA- DRB4 ( p = .028; log2FC = −3.6) were the two most highly expressed genes. HLA-DQB2 expressed higher in PTB and HLA- DRB4 expressed higher in term birth. However, no genes remained significant ( p < .05) after Bonferroni correction. HLA- DRB4 and AKR1C1 were identified as a potential biomarkers in dimensionality reduction models and are also important to immune function and allogenic breakdown. Altered gene expression may lead to inflammatory imbalances or allogenic intolerance resulting in PTB. This study provides proof-of-concept evidence for the feasibility and importance of future multi-omics studies with larger populations to further explore the genes and pathways identified here.
Beyond disability. Are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students overrepresented in the Spanish special education system? An intersectional data-based approach / Más allá de la discapacidad. ¿El alumnado con diversidad cultural y lingüística (DCL) está sobrerrepresentado en el sistema español de educación especial? Un enfoque interseccional basado en datos
Authors: Chieppa Maria-Antonietta , Sandoval Marta , Sánchez-Cabrero Roberto
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we use the concept of intersectionality to explore the situation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students attending special education units or schools in Spain from 2009 to 2019. Using the general Spanish student population as our reference group, we calculate the relative risk index for CLD students in special education. In addition to revealing clear equity gaps, the results also indicate that gender intensifies both oppression and nationality effects, pointing to the existence of a mutable structure of inequality that has a stronger effect on male students from non-European countries, particularly Pakistan and the Dominican Republic. We conclude that educational trends, which remained unchanged during the years comprising the study period, reveal the historicity of educational inequality, confirming its structural, multifaceted and intersectional nature. As a possible means of overcoming the barriers faced by foreign students, we propose a reorganization of the conceptual framework of inclusion from an intersectional perspective.
Deciphering the CNS-glioma dialogue: Advanced insights into CNS-glioma communication pathways and their therapeutic potential
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wang Yajing , Cai Xiaoxi , Mao Xinyuan , Sun Haitao
Published: October 2024

The field of cancer neuroscience has rapidly evolved, shedding light on the complex interplay between the nervous system and cancer, with a particular focus on the relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and gliomas. Recent advancements have underscored the critical influence of CNS activity on glioma progression, emphasizing the roles of neurons and neuroglial cells in both the onset and evolution of gliomas. This review meticulously explores the primary communication pathways between the CNS and gliomas, encompassing neuro-glioma synapses, paracrine mechanisms, extracellular vesicles, tunneling nanotubes, and the integrative CNS-immune-glioma axis. It also evaluates current and emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at these pathways and proposes forward-looking perspectives for research in this domain.
The effects of load conditions and structural parameters on fretting wear of annular flat in heavy-duty gas turbine
Authors: Wu Wei , Wang Kai , Wang Xinyuan , Yang Lihua
Published: October 2024

Heavy-duty gas turbine is the core equipment in energy and electricity systems. In the compressor of a heavy-duty gas turbine, the forces and torques are usually transmitted by the friction force of the annular flat contact interfaces between two adjacent discs. Aimed at the annular flat connection structure of the combined rotor in heavy-duty gas turbine, the distribution of fretting characteristics on the annular flat is analyzed. The wear depth was calculated on the contact interface based on the modified Archard's wear theory and finite element method. On the annular flat, the time-varying distributions of fretting characteristics with the progress of wear are investigated. The increase of fretting cycles increases the wear depth of the annular flat. Moreover, the effects of load conditions and disc geometrical parameters on the fretting characteristics are studied. The increase of tie rod preload force and transmitted torque will intensify the fretting wear on the annular flat. In addition, the decrease of the distance between the tie rod and the annular flat and the decrease of the width of the annular flat will exacerbate the fretting wear on the annular flat. A fretting wear experiment is conducted to verify the finite element model. The experimental results show the fitting curve of wear depth decreases from the inner radius to the outer radius, which aligns with the results obtained from the finite element simulation. Ultimately, the research of this paper will provide a reference for the design and engineering application of the annular flat contact interfaces.
Gaming the conflict: Fursan Al-Aqsa’s narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle and its reception through moral disengagement
Authors: Gómez-García Salvador , Moreno-Cantano Antonio-Cesar , Quevedo-Redondo Raquel
Published: October 2024

This study explores  Fursan al-Aqsa: The Knights of the Al-Aqsa Mosque (developed by Nidal Nijm Games in 2022) highlighting its role in the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a paradigm between propaganda and entertainment. By examining the game’s discourse, and its impact on player perceptions, this research sheds light on how video games can shape understanding and engagement with geopolitical issues. The research utilises Albert Bandura’s concept of moral disengagement to analyse the game’s content and its reception on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. By assessing how the game frames moral considerations through its narrative and gameplay, this study reveals the potential of digital games to affect player perceptions and contribute to the broader media landscape surrounding political issues. The analysis also explores the reception and re-interpretation of the game by players and content creators, thus offering insights into the complex interplay between video game content, ideological influence, and audience engagement.
Validity of self-reported number of pregnancies and maternal age at first birth among females attending organized mammographic screening
Authors: Tsuruda Kaitlyn M. , Langseth Hilde , Ursin Giske , Hofvind Solveig , Fortner R. T.
Published: October 2024

Aims:

Reproductive history conveys information about potential health risks later in adulthood. This study aimed to examine the validity of self-reported number of pregnancies and maternal age at first birth (AFB) among females attending BreastScreen Norway.

Methods:

Participants were identified through the Janus Serum Bank cohort in Norway and were eligible for this cross-sectional validation study if they participated in a health survey issued by BreastScreen Norway between 2006 and 2015. Retrospective self-reported survey information on number of pregnancies and AFB in years was validated against prospectively collected information from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) using the Spearman rank ( rs) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

After exclusions, 51,598 subjects were included in the analysis on number of pregnancies and 46,919 in the analysis on AFB. On average, study subjects were 59–60 years old when completing the health survey and had become first-time mothers roughly 36 years earlier. Survey-based information about number of pregnancies was highly correlated and demonstrated high agreement with the registry data ( rs=0.967, 95% CI 0.964–0.969; ICC=0.884, 95% CI 0.882–0.885). Survey-based information about AFB demonstrated even higher correlation and very high agreement with the registry data ( rs=0.975, 95% CI 0.973–0.976; ICC=0.974, 95% CI 0.974–0.975).

Conclusions:

Retrospectively recalled survey-based information about number of pregnancies and AFB was highly accurate when validated against prospectively collected information in the MBRN. These survey-based data are valuable for future epidemiological research, and linkage to the MBRN may not be required when these data are available.
A novel approach to solving Euler’s nonlinear equations for a 3DOF dynamical motion of a rigid body under gyrostatic and constant torques
Authors: TS Amer , AH Elneklawy , HF El-Kafly
Published: October 2024

This research focuses on approaching a new technique to solve the rotary movement of a three degrees-of-freedom (DOF) semi-symmetric rigid body (RB) affected by a gyrostatic torque (GT) and under the influence of the RB’s constant-fixed torques (RBCFTs). The governing nonlinear differential equations (NDEs) for the RB are derived from the famous Euler’s equations, along with another system to calculate Euler’s angles, which gives an accurate solution for the RB’s position during its motion. In the case of a semi-symmetric body about its minor axis, novel analytical solutions for the RB’s angular velocities are presented in addition to the solutions of Euler’s angles. Our procedure to obtain these solutions arises through decoupling the governing NDEs into two coupled DEs, and the averaged time parameter is used. General solutions of the later DEs are presented in view of series expansions. The impact of the internal and external torques on the body’s motion is graphically simulated, which gives an overview of the periodicity of the derived solution and the effect of various values of these torques on the solution. Moreover, these simulations present other prospects for the body’s stability by analyzing them using the famous Lyapunov function. The importance of this study arises from its wide applications in our lives in many fields, such as mathematics and physics. It also holds immense potential for enhancing mechanical systems, elucidating celestial motion, and enhancing spacecraft efficiency.
Beyond travel! What’s TRENDing in sustainable tourism? An investigation through the lens of travel influencers’
Authors: Saini Harish , Kumar Pawan , Kalia Prateek
Published: October 2024

This study aims to identify factors that social media travel influencers (SMTIs) perceive to contribute to the long-term success of tourist destinations. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 22 SMTIs who have a significant presence on different social media platforms. The study identifies five major factors contributing to sustainable tourism which are timings of content sharing, responsible behavior, engagement with followers, promoting natural attractions, and destination image (TREND). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies reporting the perspective of SMTIs on sustainable tourism.
Transfer and Interruptions in Anticorruption Policies in Guatemala (2013–2019)
Authors: Salazar Porras Fredy Enrique
Published: October 2024

Guatemala ranks last in the region in terms of the penetration and perception of state corruption ranking 149th out of 180 countries. Therefore it has promoted anti-corruption initiatives such as the International Commission Against Impunity (CICIG 2007–2019). The CICIG was a unique public policy initiative worldwide with international community support and significant progress in reducing corruption. However what were the main failures encountered during the implementation process of the CICIG? This comparative individual case study analyzes two factors: sustainability and capacity building. The explanations for the CICIG’s disruptions are not understood exclusively as the absence of state capacity much less because of its design. My qualitative research delves into endogenous political contexts (client networks resilience). The research identifies some fissures in implementation and draws lessons that can be extrapolated to public policy in Latin America.
MAGA Trumps the Incumbency Advantage in a Dueling Incumbent Primary
Authors: Hood M. V. , Hughes David , McKee Seth C.
Published: October 2024

Redistricting is the causal agent responsible for two incumbents facing off in U.S. House elections and hence, despite the rarity of these matchups, they occur periodically due to district boundary changes. In this article, we examine who wins a recent and highly competitive incumbent duel: the 2024 GOP primary in Alabama’s congressional district (CD) 1. Our assessment of this race marks the first academic study to marshal large-N survey data for the purpose of gauging voter preferences in a dueling incumbent primary. This approach gives us a clearer understanding of what accounts for the outcome of a highly contentious and extremely close election. Our findings suggest the incumbency advantage was overridden by voter alignment with the MAGA wing of the Republican Party, which produced a narrow victory for the more MAGA/Trump-positioned candidate in this race.
Advancements in Biomarkers of Prostate Cancer: A Review
Authors: Agbetuyi-Tayo Praise , Gbadebo Mary , Rotimi Oluwakemi A. , Rotimi Solomon O.
Published: October 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among men, particularly affecting men of African descent and contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease varies widely, from slow-developing forms to highly aggressive or potentially fatal variants. Accurate risk stratification is crucial for making therapeutic decisions and designing adequate clinical trials. This review assesses a broad spectrum of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, many of which are incorporated into clinical guidelines, including the Prostate Health Index (PHI), 4Kscore, STHLM3, PCA3, SelectMDx, ExoDx Prostate Intelliscore (EPI), and MiPS. It also highlights emerging biomarkers with preclinical support, such as urinary non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation patterns. Additionally, the review explores the role of tumor-associated microbiota in PCa, offering new insights into its potential contributions to disease understanding. By examining the latest advancements in PCa biomarkers, this review enhances understanding their roles in disease management.