bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Social Norms on Consumer Behavior: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Melnyk Vladimir , Carrillat François A. , Melnyk Valentyna
Published: June 2021

Social norms shape consumer behavior. However, it is not clear under what circumstances social norms are more versus less effective in doing so. This gap is addressed through an interdisciplinary meta-analysis examining the impact of social norms on consumer behavior across a wide array of contexts involving the purchase, consumption, use, and disposal of products and services, including socially approved (e.g., fruit consumption, donations) and disapproved (e.g., smoking, gambling) behaviors. Drawing from reactance theory and based on a cross-disciplinary data set of 250 effect sizes from research spanning 1978–2019 representing 112,478 respondents from 22 countries, the authors examine the effects of five categories of moderators of the effectiveness of social norms on consumer behavior: (1) target behavior characteristics, (2) communication factors, (3) consumer costs, (4) environmental factors, and (5) methodological characteristics. The findings suggest that while the effect of social norms on approved behavior is stable across time and cultures, their effect on disapproved behavior has grown over time and is stronger in survival and traditional cultures. Communications identifying specific organizations or close group members enhance compliance with social norms, as does the presence of monetary costs. The authors leverage their findings to offer managerial implications and a future research agenda for the field.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo recurrence: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Zhiling , Li Juanli , Zhu Zhenzhen , He Jian , Wei Xudong , Xie Min
Published: June 2021

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is characterized by recurrence, which exposes patients to repeated vertigo attacks. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be a risk factor in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, although effect of its elimination on recurrence reduction remains unknown. To determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation in preventing recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients with vitamin D deficiency using a meta-analysis study. We searched and retrieved relevant articles from several databases, then used the Cochrane evaluation system or Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) to assess the quality of studies. We adopted risk-ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) to determine effect sizes, and further performed statistical analyses under a randomized- or fixed-effects model. Seven studies, comprising 602 and 731 participants in the case and control group respectively, met our inclusion criteria, and were therefore included in the meta-analysis. Assessment based on Cochrane evaluation system or MINORS revealed that most of the studies had high quality. Moreover, the randomized- model revealed that the vitamin D supplementation group had a lower recurrence rate than the control group which did not accepted vitamin D supplementation (RR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.26–0.65, p < 0.01). Overall, these findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation can significantly lower recurrence in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vitamin D deficiency.
The Impact of Surgical Posterior Nasal Nerve Cryoablation on Symptoms and Disease-Specific Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Rhinitis
Authors: Virani Farrukh R. , Wilson Machelle D. , Beliveau Angela M. , Gill Amarbir S. , Strong E. Bradley , Steele Toby O.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Preliminary data have demonstrated long-term efficacy of posterior nasal nerve (PNN) cryoablation in reducing rhinitis symptoms for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). We sought to evaluate the impact of procedural cryoablation of the PNN on quality of life (QOL) in patients with AR and NAR.

Methods:

Adult patients undergoing PNN cryoablation for AR or NAR after appropriate medical therapy were included for analysis. Demographics, medical therapies, baseline rhinitis symptom (total nasal symptom score [TNSS]), and disease-specific QOL (mini-rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire [mini-RQLQ]) were recorded. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test for significant changes in baseline test scores posttreatment. Absolute and relative improvement in outcomes was determined for each participant. Secondary outcomes were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

Fourteen patients were enrolled with a mean follow-up of 16.5 weeks. The TNSS and mini-RQLQ scores significantly improved after PNN cryoablation (median δs [interquartile range]: −4 [3] and −1.61 [1.08], respectively; both P = .0002). The minimal clinically important difference for the TNSS and mini-RQLQ was obtained in 92.9% of patients in each category. Relative mean percentage (%) improvement after PNN cryoablation in the TNSS and mini-RQLQ was 40.7% and 40.5% (standard deviation = 24.9 and 29.5, respectively), respectively, for all patients. Patients with NAR (n = 10) reported mean improvement of 41.3% (29.1) as measured by the TNSS and 49.6% (25.9) by mini-RQLQ. Patients with AR reported mean percentage improvement in TNSS and mini-RQLQ scores of 39.5% (12.1) and 24.6% (28.5), respectively. Patients who had been prescribed a nasal anticholinergic for management prior to PNN cryoablation had statistically significantly increased improvement in mini-RQLQ scores from pre- to post-procedure ( P = .0387).

Conclusion:

Surgical cryoablation of the PNN significantly improves both symptoms and disease-specific QOL in majority of patients with AR and NAR.
The People Still Make the (Remote Work-) Place: Lessons from a Pandemic
Authors: Nyberg Anthony J. , Shaw Jason D. , Zhu Jing
Published: June 2021

The Journal of Management editorial team challenged us to consider how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted and altered the employer–employee relationship. In this guest editorial, we take stock of the pandemic-related lessons learned for human resources research and practice. We highlight three insights that many organizations made as the result of pandemic-related changes and describe how these lessons are likely to alter the employee–employer landscape for the foreseeable future. The lessons are (a) understanding that organizational communication practices should be authentic, continuous, and two-way in nature; (b) accepting that the virtual workforce brings unique challenges that do not yet have solutions; and (c) recognizing that success for stakeholders beyond just investors will require continual attention and intention. We also highlight needs and opportunities for future research that will inform theory and practice and lead to the betterment of organizations and society.
Using the VA Framework to Teach Algebra to Middle School Students With High-Incidence Disabilities
Authors: Bone Erin K. , Bouck Emily C. , Smith John P.
Published: June 2021

Algebra is considered by many to be a gateway to higher-level mathematics and eventual economic success yet students with and without disabilities often struggle to develop algebra skills. This study builds on the limited understanding of how virtual manipulatives support students with disabilities in the area of algebra by investigating their use within the virtual-abstract (VA) framework. Using a multiple probe across behaviors, replicated across participant design, researchers found a functional relation between the VA framework and student algebraic learning. Mathematical behaviors based on grade-level curriculum included: one-step equations with positive and negative numbers, two-step equations with positive numbers, and two-step equations with positive and negative numbers. All three seventh-grade students with high-incidence disabilities improved their performance on each of the three algebra behaviors during intervention, and all participants maintained their accuracy after intervention, as compared to baseline to maintenance. Detailed results and their implications for practice are discussed further.
Assessing the Applicability of the TALK Score: A Modification for Concurrent Tobacco Use During Treatment
Authors: Johnson Mason , Porterfield James Zachary , Kejner Alexandra Eva
Published: June 2021

Objective

The previously described TALK score (T‐stage, Albumin, Liquor, Karnofsky Performance Status) has been proposed as a method to predict laryngectomy‐free survival (LFS) in patients undergoing definitive chemoradiation (CRT). This study assesses its use as well as a modification to include continued tobacco use.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Academic institution from 2004 to 2020.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with larynx or hypopharynx cancer undergoing CRT were reviewed. Clinically relevant variables were collected (TALK), which were dichotomized per previously set cutoffs. Concurrent tobacco use was evaluated and also dichotomized as 0 or 1. Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine which factors were most predictive of the key outcomes of survival and LFS.

Results

A total of 2514 patient charts were evaluated. Patients treated for larynx cancer with primary CRT with complete data were included, ultimately totaling 300. Of these, 78 patients required salvage total laryngectomy (TL). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LFS was best predicted by tobacco use during treatment (odds ratio [OR] 0.3465, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1862‐0.6300) and Karnofsky Performance Status (OR 0.1646, 95% CI 0.0673‐0.3662). Tobacco use during treatment was also strongly predictive of survival. Excluding T4 tumors, the utilization of tobacco in place of T‐stage improved the accuracy of the predictive model in this cohort.

Conclusion

Given that a T‐stage of 4 is typically treated with total laryngectomy, modification of the TALK score to include tobacco use during treatment (tALK) for patients with T < 4 can be used to improve prediction of 3‐year LFS and overall survival.
A prospective study to establish the minimal clinically important difference of the Mini-BESTest in individuals with stroke
Authors: Beauchamp Marla K , Niebuhr Rudy , Roche Patricia , Kirkwood Renata , Sibley Kathryn M
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To determine the minimal clinically important difference of the Mini-BESTest in individuals’ post-stroke.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Outpatient stroke rehabilitation.

Subjects:

Fifty outpatients with stroke with a mean (SD) age of 60.8 (9.4).

Intervention:

Outpatients with stroke were assessed with the Mini-BESTest before and after a course of conventional rehabilitation. Rehabilitation sessions occurred one to two times/week for one hour and treatment duration was 1.3–42 weeks (mean (SD) = 17.4(10.6)).

Main measures:

We used a combination of anchor- and distribution-based approaches including a global rating of change in balance scale completed by physiotherapists and patients, the minimal detectable change with 95% confidence, and the optimal cut-point from receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results:

The average (SD) Mini-BESTest score at admission was 18.2 (6.5) and 22.4 (5.2) at discharge (effect size: 0.7) ( P = 0.001). Mean change scores on the Mini-BESTest for patient and physiotherapist ratings of small change were 4.2 and 4.3 points, and 4.7 and 5.3 points for substantial change, respectively. The minimal detectable change with 95% confidence for the Mini-BESTest was 3.2 points. The minimally clinical importance difference was determined to be 4 points for detecting small changes and 5 points for detecting substantial changes.

Conclusions:

A change of 4–5 points on the Mini-BEST is required to be perceptible to clinicians and patients, and beyond measurement error. These values can be used to interpret changes in balance in stroke rehabilitation research and practice.
Development and validation of a prediction model of poor performance status and severe symptoms over time in cancer patients (PROVIEW+)
Authors: Seow Hsien , Tanuseputro Peter , Barbera Lisa , Earle Craig C , Guthrie Dawn M , Isenberg Sarina R , Juergens Rosalyn A , Myers Jeffrey , Brouwers Melissa , Tibebu Semra , Sutradhar Rinku
Published: June 2021

Background:

Predictive cancer tools focus on survival; none predict severe symptoms.

Aim:

To develop and validate a model that predicts the risk for having low performance status and severe symptoms in cancer patients.

Design:

Retrospective, population-based, predictive study

Setting/Participants:

We linked administrative data from cancer patients from 2008 to 2015 in Ontario, Canada. Patients were randomly selected for model derivation (60%) and validation (40%). Using the derivation cohort, we developed a multivariable logistic regression model to predict the risk of an outcome at 6 months following diagnosis and recalculated after each of four annual survivor marks. Model performance was assessed using discrimination and calibration plots. Outcomes included low performance status (i.e. 10–30 on Palliative Performance Scale), severe pain, dyspnea, well-being, and depression (i.e. 7–10 on Edmonton Symptom Assessment System).

Results:

We identified 255,494 cancer patients (57% female; median age of 64; common cancers were breast (24%); and lung (13%)). At diagnosis, the predicted risk of having low performance status, severe pain, well-being, dyspnea, and depression in 6-months is 1%, 3%, 6%, 13%, and 4%, respectively for the reference case (i.e. male, lung cancer, stage I, no symptoms); the corresponding discrimination for each outcome model had high AUCs of 0.807, 0.713, 0.709, 0.790, and 0.723, respectively. Generally these covariates increased the outcome risk by >10% across all models: lung disease, dementia, diabetes; radiation treatment; hospital admission; pain; depression; transitional performance status; issues with appetite; or homecare.

Conclusions:

The model accurately predicted changing cancer risk for low performance status and severe symptoms over time.
Pathogenesis of Equid Alphaherpesvirus 1 Infection in the Central Nervous System of Mice
Authors: Mesquita Leonardo P. , Costa Rafael C. , Mesquita Laís L. R. , Lara Maria do Carmo C. S. H. , Villalobos Eliana M. C. , Mori Claudia M. C. , Mori Enio , Howerth Elizabeth W. , Maiorka Paulo C.
Published: June 2021

Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) causes myeloencephalopathy in horses and occasionally in non-equid species. Although mouse models have been developed to understand EHV-1 pathogenesis, few EHV-1 strains have been identified as highly neurovirulent to mice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenesis of 2 neurovirulent EHV-1 strains in mice, and to characterize the inflammatory cells and expression of chemokines and the apoptosis marker caspase-3 in the brain of infected mice. C57BL/6J mice were inoculated intranasally with EHV-1 strains A4/72 or A9/92 and evaluated on 1, 2, and 3 days post inoculation (DPI). EHV-1-infected mice showed severe neurological signs at 3 DPI. Ultrastructural analysis revealed numerous viral nucleocapsids and fewer enveloped virions within degenerated and necrotic neurons and in the surrounding neuropil. Histologically, at 3 DPI, there was severe diffuse neuronal degeneration and liquefactive necrosis, prominent microgliosis, and perivascular cuffing composed of CD3+ cells (T cells) and Iba-1+ cells (macrophages), mainly in the olfactory bulb and ventral portions of the brain. In these areas, moderate numbers of neuroglial cells expressed CCL5 and CCL2 chemokines. Numerous neurons, including those in less affected areas, were immunolabeled for cleaved caspase-3. In conclusion, neurovirulent EHV-1 strains induced a fulminant necrotizing lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalitis in mice, with microgliosis and expression of chemokines and caspase-3. This model will be useful for understanding the mechanisms underlying the extensive neuropathology induced by these viral infections.
Psychopathy and Sexual Aggression: Management Implications
Authors: Krstic Sonja , Harris Danielle Arlanda , Knight Raymond A.
Published: June 2021

The current study explored the association between psychopathic traits and release suitability decisions and examined the role of Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and Static-99 in predicting general and sexual recidivism. The sample included 207 adult male sex offenders involved in the long-term follow-up at the Massachusetts Treatment Center for Sexually Dangerous Persons (MTC) in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Contrary to our expectations, PCL-R Factor 2 (Lifestyle/Antisocial) scores were positively associated with being selected for gradual release, whereas PCL-R Factor 1 (Interpersonal/Affective) scores were not related to parole boards’ decisions. Additionally, the interaction between the two factors was a significant predictor, suggesting that the individuals with more pronounced Factor 1 traits were less likely to be released when their Factor 2 scores were high as well. Although Static-99 scores predicted both contact and non-contact sexual recidivism, psychopathy was not related to reoffending, possibly because offenders with child victims were over-represented in the sample.
Small specimen techniques for estimation of tensile, fatigue, fracture and crack propagation material model parameters
Authors: Kazakeviciute Julija , Rouse James Paul , Focatiis Davide , Hyde Christopher
Published: June 2021

Small specimen mechanical testing is an exciting and rapidly developing field in which fundamental deformation behaviours can be observed from experiments performed on comparatively small amounts of material. These methods are particularly useful when there is limited source material to facilitate a sufficient number of standard specimen tests, if any at all. Such situations include the development of new materials or when performing routine maintenance/inspection studies of in-service components, requiring that material conditions are updated with service exposure. The potentially more challenging loading conditions and complex stress states experienced by small specimens, in comparison with standard specimen geometries, has led to a tendency for these methods to be used in ranking studies rather than for fundamental material parameter determination. Classifying a specimen as ‘small’ can be subjective, and in the present work the focus is to review testing methods that utilise specimens with characteristic dimensions of less than 50 mm. By doing this, observations made here will be relevant to industrial service monitoring problems, wherein small samples of material are extracted and tested from operational components in such a way that structural integrity is not compromised. Whilst recently the majority of small specimen test techniques development have focused on the determination of creep behaviour/properties as well as sub-size tensile testing, attention is given here to small specimen testing methods for determining specific tensile, fatigue, fracture and crack growth properties. These areas are currently underrepresented in published reviews. The suitability of specimens and methods is discussed here, along with associated advantages and disadvantages.
Framing China’s Belt and Road Initiative by U.S. and Indian news media (2013–2018)
Authors: Niu Shanshan , Relly Jeannine E.
Published: June 2021

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is regarded as China’s new silk road, has attracted worldwide attention since it was proposed by China’s President Xi Jinping in 2013. News framing of the BRI in the United States and India plays a significant role in shaping people’ s understanding and attitudes toward China. The economic aspect of the project was the most frequently used frame. The overall negative tone indicated that the two largest democracies focused more attention on the potential threat and negative impacts of the BRI as Sino–U.S. relations deteriorated and the conflict between China and India increased.
“They See Sex as Something That’s Reproductive and Not as Something People Do for Fun”: Shortcomings in Adolescent Girls’ Sexual Socialization from Adults
Authors: Stewart J. L. , Kamke Kristyn , Widman Laura , Hope Elan C.
Published: June 2021

Theorists suggest that adolescent girls’ sexual socialization can influence sexual risk reduction and positive sexuality development, although adolescent girls’ positive sexuality development is understudied. In this study, we applied a sex-positive framework to explore sexual socialization experiences among a sample of adolescent girls of color recruited from community-based organizations that serve youth with heightened needs ( n = 50; Mage = 15.62, range = 12–19; 58% Black/African American; 76% heterosexual; 58% sexually active). Specifically, we examined girls’ reports of messages about sexuality they have received from their teachers, parents, health care providers, and society at large. Participants completed brief, semi-structured qualitative interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Overall, the adolescent girls described how they navigate primarily sex-negative sexual socialization messages from adults to develop positive sexual selves. Within this narrative, we found five themes: (a) Adults deliver one-sided communication that adolescent sex is inappropriate and risky; (b) Gendered messages restrict adolescent girls’ sexuality; (c) Naive adults can’t be trusted; (d) Exclusion of same-gender sexual experiences endangers adolescents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and with other nonheterosexual orientations (LGBQ+); and (e) Messages about sexual protection can help but may still restrict adolescent girls’ sexual choices. Implications for adolescent girls’ positive sexuality development are discussed.
PCB plasma level in different occupational groups in Iran
Authors: Eftekhari Sahar , Aminian Omid , Esser André , Schettgen Thomas , Kaifie Andrea , Felten Michael , Kraus Thomas , Moinfar Zeinab
Published: June 2021

Despite the ban of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) some decades ago, concerns regarding their adverse health effects are continuing, because the workers employed for installation and repair of electrical equipment may be still exposed to PCBs. This study aimed to assess serum PCBs levels in workers in different industries. To do this, we determined the serum concentrations of 9 non-dioxin-like PCBs and 12 dioxin-like PCBs in 147 workers from seven occupational groups and 35 housewives. An electrical distribution company, paint manufacturer, and pesticide manufacturer were categorized as high probability exposure jobs, whereas turning and casting operations, polymer plastic manufacturing, professional driving, and office work were categorized as low probability exposure jobs. In addition, the average of PCB 138, 153, and 180 and PCB sums were observed to be significantly higher in paint manufacture workers compared to the another groups. In addition, the average PCB 118 level was higher in electrical distribution workers and housewives. Following the adjustment for age, blood lipid, residency place, and seafood in the regression model, the association of PCB 118 in electrical distribution workers and PCB 153 in paint manufacture workers remained significant. The results of this study served as further support for the hypothesis for an occupational basis for bioaccumulation of some PCB types. However, the plasma levels of almost all PCB congeners in Iran were found to be lower than many other countries.
The Neighborhood Environment and Hispanic/Latino Health
Authors: Heredia Natalia I. , Xu Tianlin , Lee MinJae , McNeill Lorna H. , Reininger Belinda M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Hispanic/Latino adults on the Texas-Mexico border have high rates of chronic disease. Neighborhoods can influence health, though there is a limited research on neighborhood environment and health in Hispanics/Latinos. The purpose of this study was to assess the relation of neighborhood environment with health variables in Hispanic/Latino adults, including physical activity [PA], depression, anxiety, and lab-assessed conditions (type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation).

Methods:

Participants were randomly-selected from a Hispanic/Latino cohort on the Texas-Mexico border. Neighborhood environment, self-reported PA, anxiety, and depression were assessed through questionnaires. Laboratory values determined Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and C-reactive protein (CRP). We conducted multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses to assess the associations of neighborhood environment and health variables, controlling for covariates.

Results:

Participants (n = 495) were mostly females, without insurance. After controlling for covariates, crime (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.59 (95%CI 1.06-2.38), no streetlights (AOR = 1.65, 95%CI 1.06-2.57), and traffic (AOR = 1.74, 95%CI 1.16-2.62) were all significantly associated with anxiety. Only traffic was significantly associated with depression (AOR = 1.61, 95%CI1.05-2.47). A lack of nearby shops (AOR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.38-0.84) and no one out doing PA (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.34-0.83) were both significantly associated with lower odds of meeting PA guidelines. A lack of nearby shops was associated with a 26% increase in the CRP value (β = 0.26, 95%CI 0.04-0.47).

Discussion:

Several neighborhood environment variables were significantly associated with mental health, PA and CRP, though estimates were small. The neighborhood environment is a meaningful contextual variable to consider for health-related interventions in Hispanic/Latino adults, though more study is needed regarding the magnitude of the estimates.

Trial registration:

NCT01168765.
Association of Weight Loss With Type 2 Diabetes Remission Among Adults in Medically Underserved Areas: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Ming , Surbhi Satya , Bailey James E.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To examine the association between weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission among vulnerable populations living in medically underserved areas of the Mid-Southern United States.

Design:

Quantitative, retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

114 ambulatory sites and 5 adults’ hospitals in the Mid-South participating in a regional diabetes registry.

Participants:

9,900 adult patients with type 2 diabetes, stratified by remission status, with 1 year of baseline electronic medical record data, and 1 year of follow-up data for the 2015-2018 study period.

Measures:

The outcomes were diabetes remissions, categorized as any remission, partial remission, and complete remission based on the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association. The exposure was weight loss, calculated by the change in the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a proxy measure.

Analysis:

χ2 tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used to examine the differences in patient characteristics by remission status across the 3 remission categories, as appropriate. Multiple multivariable logistic regressions adjusting for confounders were performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the associations between weight loss and diabetes remission.

Results:

Among 9,900 patients identified, a reduction of 0.3 kg/m2 (standard deviation: 2.5) in the average BMI from the baseline to the follow-up was observed. 10.8% achieved any type of remission, with 9.8% for partial and 1.0% for complete remissions. Greater weight loss was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of any (aOR = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-1.08), partial (aOR 1.06, 95% CI, 1.04-1.07), and complete diabetes remission (aOR 1.10, 95% CI, 1.07-1.13).

Conclusions:

Weight loss is significantly associated with diabetes remission among patients living in medically underserved areas, but complete remission is rare.
The problematic concrete individual implied by scientific realism
Authors: Wang Bo , Ning Zhitian
Published: June 2021

Arocha’s (2021) article provides readers with an insightful perspective on how we can understand human behavior based on the concrete individual with a final cause rather than on aggregate data. The concrete individual, however, is not concrete in itself, but dependent on the concrete meaning of a final cause. But the sources of a final cause cannot be addressed by Arocha’s methods on their own. This makes Arocha’s methods incomplete for the study of the concrete individual he suggests. We propose that this lack of completion results from Arocha’s taken-for-granted concrete individual. The final cause is only concrete in specific historical relations shaped by a Marxist mode of production; the corresponding individual is therefore also only concrete in specific historical relations.
Scientific realism, or the risks of importing research models into psychology
Authors: Carré David
Published: June 2021

In “Scientific Realism and the Issue of Variability in Behavior,” Arocha (2021) develops an acute critique of “the standard model of current research practice in psychology” (p. 376), sharply dissecting five unwarranted assumptions behind it. To address these issues, the author proposes adopting a nonpositivist philosophical basis for behavioral research: scientific realism. Behind this argumentation, however, it is implied that scientific realism is fit for becoming the metatheoretical framework for psychology because it addresses the shortcomings of the current positivist model. In this commentary, I argue that scientific realism is not fit for becoming that philosophical basis, because it is open to reducing the discipline’s subject matter—the human person—to make it fit with models that have been fruitful in other sciences. Three historical examples are presented to show the risks of adopting models from disciplines devoted to explaining other phenomena to tackle the complexity of psychology’s subject matter.
Two levels of meaning elaboration in psychological research
Authors: Neto David Dias , Leiman Mikael
Published: June 2021

Arocha (2021) discusses the “replication crisis,” arguing for models that allow a greater complexity in the relationship between variables and processes. In this comment, we identify a more fundamental issue: the impossibility of eliminating interpretation issues with operational definitions and increased rigor in the measurements of variables and processes. Interpretation is at the core of (a) human action and (b) scientific endeavor. First, considering Vygotsky, we argue that all higher mental processes are sign mediated, influencing psychological research with humans. Second, that the understanding of research results also involves sign mediation and, therefore, it is nonneutral. We suggest two alternative approaches. There needs to be an increase in research that delivers a detailed description of psychological phenomena. Additionally, it is necessary to increase the elucidation of contextual-embeddedness research. Taking into account the two levels of meaning will underline psychology as a scientific discipline of complex phenomena.
Thirty years of focus on individual variability and the dynamics of processes
Authors: van Geert Paul , van Dijk Marijn
Published: June 2021

We fully endorse Arocha’s (2021) thesis about the fundamental importance of studying variability in real, observable processes and agree with his critique of the standard practice of psychological research. However, we regret that Arocha’s article does not acknowledge a rich body of research that has been around for almost three decades and that does exactly what Arocha recommends. This research is based on the theory of complex dynamic systems. We discuss its main implications for a research focus on concrete psychological processes, as they occur in individual cases (including real interacting groups). Variability over time is used as a main source of information about the nature of the underlying processes. Various examples of empirical studies, model building, and process-oriented methodology are discussed, and Arocha’s examples of perceptual control theory (PCT) and observation-oriented modeling (OOM) are put in the perspective of the complex dynamic systems approach, which is fully compatible with scientific realism as advocated by Arocha.
The joint construction of goals and means as a solution for the problem of variability in behavior
Authors: Prudkov Pavel N.
Published: June 2021

The understanding of variability in behavior is extraordinarily difficult because behavior consists of actions that are purposeful processes directed to reach future results and psychological functions can deliberately be adjusted for this. The conventional method used in handling this problem is to make behavior in experiments as similar as possible to processes studied in the natural sciences. It is suggested this allows the revealing of simple mechanisms of behavior that are independent of purpose and deliberation. A sufficient basis of the simple mechanisms should elucidate purposefulness mechanistically. It is implicitly assumed this method defines the simple mechanisms unequivocally. The replication crisis hints this assumption is incorrect. Arocha (2021) suggests purpose is the essential component in understanding behavior. However, Arocha assumes no mechanistic explanations for goal-directed processes, thus restricting the usefulness of his ideas. I suggest the goal and means of an action are constructed jointly through the criterion of minimal construction costs. This mechanistically determines actions.
Factors Influencing a University Hospital Nurses’ Intentions to Leave the Unit, Organisation and Profession: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Çamveren Hatice , Kocaman Gülseren
Published: June 2021

Nurses’ organisational and professional attitudes play an important role in their intent to leave nursing, a serious problem worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the demographic and work-related characteristics, organisational-professional commitment, and job satisfaction, which are the predictors of nurses’ intent to leave their unit, organisation and profession. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 335 nurses working at a university hospital in Turkey. The multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the study data. While job satisfaction was the more powerful predictor of intent to leave the unit than were the commitment variables, affective commitment to the organisation was the more powerful predictor of intent to leave the organisation, and affective commitment to the profession was the more powerful predictor of intent to leave the profession. Different dimensions of commitment and job satisfaction are the predictors of intent to leave the unit, organisation and profession. The present study provided useful evidence for nurse managers and policy makers.
Perception, Attitude and Support of Society Towards Drug Abuse: Do Gender, Age and Education Matter?
Authors: Kapoor Varun , Tomar Vikrant , Bakhshi Priti , Shukla Manisha , Kumar Vijay
Published: June 2021

This article highlights the support, attitude and perception of the general public towards drug abuse so that appropriate policies can be framed for the prevention of drug abuse among youth. The study aims to understand the relationship among variables influencing behaviour change with respect to drug abuse. Questionnaire from 1,159 respondents was administered comprising of 39 items exploring Perception, Attitude, Support pertaining to illicit drugs. Positive or negative attitude towards drug abuse is evolved out of the perception of problems associated with drug abuse and the support provided to dissuade drug-abusing behaviour, and relationship among these variables was tested using SEM-Path analysis. The perception of problems related to drug addiction significantly influences the attitude towards drug addiction. The perceived nature of the support structure augments the influence further (partial mediation). The augmenting effect of the support structure can be seen among gender, age and education. Moderator effects of age, gender and education were studied by estimating multi-group path coefficients. This article is useful to local government as they may take some of the findings of this article for framing policy related to educating youth related to drugs, creating a campaign regarding the harm of drug abuse and involving those volunteers in drug assistance programmes that are more supportive of drug addicts. This article is helpful for society to make them understand that their positive attitude and support towards drug abuse will give a second chance to drug addicts to leave drugs and live a normal life again.
E-mental health in child psychiatry during COVID-19: an initial attitudinal study
Authors: Eapen Valsamma , Dadich Ann , Balachandran Srilaxmi , Dani Anitha , Howari Rasha , Sequeria Anupama Zeena , Singer Joel D
Published: June 2021

Objective:

COVID-19 propelled e-mental health within the Australian health system. It is important to learn from this to inform mental healthcare during future crises.

Method:

A lexical analysis was conducted of clinician reflections during COVID-19 as they delivered psychiatry services to children and families in New South Wales ( n = 6) and transitioned to e-mental health.

Results:

E-mental health can extend the reach of, and access to psychiatry services, particularly for individuals disadvantaged by inequity. Yet e-mental health can be problematic. It is partly contingent on technological prowess, equipment, internet access as well as space and privacy. Relatedly, e-mental health can hinder clinician capacity to conduct examinations, monitor child development as well as assess risk and the need for child protection.

Conclusions:

Given the benefits and limitations of e-mental health, a model that supports face-to-face mental healthcare and e-mental health may be of value. This model would require practical, yet flexible policies and protocols that protect the privacy of children and families, safeguard them from harm, and respect the needs and preferences of children, families and clinicians.
In Favor of Large Classes: A Social Networks Perspective on Experiential Learning
Authors: Kofinas Alexander K. , Tsay Crystal Han-Huei
Published: June 2021

Most of the literature has viewed large classes as a problem and a challenge. Furthermore, large classes are often presented to be an obstacle to students’ experiential learning and a multitude of solutions can be found in the literature to manage large classes; solutions that include innovative technologies, alternative assessment designs, or expanding the capacity of delivery. This conceptual paper advocates that large classes, when used intentionally as a pedagogical tool, can be a powerful means for socialized and experiential learning for our students. In this work we connect the phenomenon of large classes with social network theory and concepts to re-conceptualize large classes as a social micro-cosmos consisting of a multitude of interconnected student communities. On this conceptual basis we offer three positive features of large classes: (i) higher levels of freedom for students to learn in their own terms (ii) learning from a diverse body of students and (iii) the provision of meaningful experiences of learning. We conclude with suggestions that should enable educators in large classes shift from an individualistic psychology-based model of experiential learning to a sociological model of experiential learning.
Reasons of Singles for Being Single: Evidence from Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan and the UK
Authors: Apostolou Menelaos , Birkás Béla , da Silva Caio Santos A. , Esposito Gianluca , Hsu Rafael Ming Chi S. , Jonason Peter Karl , Karamanidis Konstantinos , O Jiaqing , Ohtsubo Yohsuke , Putz Ádám , Sznycer Daniel , Thomas Andrew G. , Valentova Jaroslava Varella , Varella Marco Antonio Correa , Kleisner Karel , Flegr Jaroslav , Wang Yan
Published: June 2021

The current research aimed to examine the reasons people are single, that is, not in an intimate relationship, across eight different countries—Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, and the UK. We asked a large cross-cultural sample of single participants ( N = 6,822) to rate 92 different possible reasons for being single. These reasons were classified into 12 factors, including one’s perceived inability to find the right partner, the perception that one is not good at flirting, and the desire to focus on one’s career. Significant sex and age effects were found for most factors. The extracted factors were further classified into three separate domains: Perceived poor capacity to attract mates, desiring the freedom of choice, and currently being in between relationships. The domain structure, the relative importance of each factor and domain, as well as sex and age effects were relatively consistent across countries. There were also important differences however, including the differing effect sizes of sex and age effects between countries.
Analysis of randomly damaged triangular beam lattice: elastic field and effective properties
Authors: Ryvkin Michael , Cherkaev Andrej
Published: June 2021

The decay of elastic moduli of the triangular beam lattice with randomly missed links is studied. Random low-intensity damage is considered with no more than 10% of the links removed. Unidirectional and isotropic damage models are considered. Approximate analytical formulas for elastic moduli of damaged lattice are suggested and numerically verified. Models of isotropic and scalar damage are discussed; the variation of the Poisson coefficients as a result of damage is studied. Beams of different thicknesses are examined; the dependence of moduli on thickness is investigated. Random damage is simulated using a method based on the discrete Fourier transform; the mean value and standard deviation are calculated.
Asymptotic derivation of a refined equation for an elastic beam resting on a Winkler foundation
Authors: Erbaş Barış , Kaplunov Julius , Elishakoff Isaac
Published: June 2021

A two-dimensional mixed problem for a thin elastic strip resting on a Winkler foundation is considered within the framework of plane stress setup. The relative stiffness of the foundation is supposed to be small to ensure low-frequency vibrations. Asymptotic analysis at a higher order results in a one-dimensional equation of bending motion refining numerous ad hoc developments starting from Timoshenko-type beam equations. Two-term expansions through the foundation stiffness are presented for phase and group velocities, as well as for the critical velocity of a moving load. In addition, the formula for the longitudinal displacements of the beam due to its transverse compression is derived.
Safety Evaluation of KP-10 (Metastin 45–54) Following once Daily Intravenous Administration for 14 Days in Dog
Authors: Terse Pramod S. , Peggins James , Seminara Stephanie B.
Published: June 2021

Kisspeptin-10 (previously referred as metastin 45–54), an active fragment of the endogenous full-length kisspeptin-145, is a potential therapeutic agent for reproductive disorders such as infertility, amenorrhea, and pubertal delay. A safety evaluation of KP-10 was conducted in dogs at the doses of 30, 100, and 1,000 μg/kg, given once daily intravenously for 14 days with a 14-day recovery period. There were no overt signs of drug-related toxicity observed in clinical signs, body weights, food consumption, clinical pathology, histopathology, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, or respiratory rate. Due to very rapid clearance of the peptide, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured as a surrogate marker to demonstrate KP-10 exposure. The LH response reached a maximum concentration at 5 minutes post-dose and remained relatively unchanged for at least 30 minutes after dosing with no gender effect. LH concentrations on Day 1 were generally greater than on day 14. Vaginal cytology results indicated all dogs were in anestrous throughout the dosing period. There were also no KP-10–related findings observed in recovery animals on Day 29. In conclusion, KP-10 demonstrated favorable safety profile in dog where 1,000 μg/kg dose was considered as a no-observed-adverse-effect level dose when administered IV once daily for 14 days.
An Evaluation of the Knowledge and Perceptions of Pharmacy Staff and Pre-Registration Students of E-Cigarettes Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Barrett Ravina , Aldamkhi Hajar
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Pharmacy staff are a trusted source of advice on the safe and appropriate use of medicines and devices. Retail pharmacies deliver smoking cessation services and sell e-cigarettes in the UK. This review asks ‘what knowledge, experience and ability do staff have to support e-cigarette users to quit smoking’.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was undertaken drawn on predefined eligibility criteria and a comprehensive search strategy following the PRISMA guideline. Eligible papers reported survey-research published in English from 2015 to 2020. PubMed, Google Scholar, OVID, EMBASE and MEDLINE Databases were searched. No restrictions on study design or language were applied. Two reviewers independently screened for inclusion/exclusion and then extracted the relevant information from the articles for synthesis.

Results:

Of 12 potentially eligible full-text studies, 1 was a duplicate, 7 were excluded as per eligibility criteria. Four papers were finally included in this literature review. Two studies indicated that pharmacy staff are less confident in giving advice on e-cigarette use. Knowledge on the adverse effects of e-cigarettes compared to traditional smoking cessation aids remain unclear. In one study, 42% of community pharmacists did not believe that e-cigarettes could be used for smoking cessation. Three studies identified need for specific regulations and professional support. The overall certainty of the evidence is ‘low’ or ‘very low’, with moderate levels of bias.

Conclusion:

Pharmacists may be well placed to implement e-cigarette smoking cessation interventions, but most practitioners lacked knowledge and ability to support these customers citing unclear risk of harm. Pharmacists felt secure in recommending traditional cessation tools. Further regulation, guidelines and training is needed. Findings may be less generalizable in countries where e-cigarettes are banned. Their extent of knowledge, experience and ability to support users of e-cigarettes within their community to quit smoking is lacking.
Learning academic words through writing sentences and compositions: Any signs of an increase in cognitive load?
Authors: Silva Breno B. , Kutyłowska Katarzyna , Otwinowska Agnieszka
Published: June 2021

The involvement load hypothesis (ILH), which predicts the lexical learning potential of tasks, assumes that writing sentences (SW) and compositions (CW) using novel target words (TWs) lead to similar lexical gains. However, research on the issue is scarce and contradictory. One possibility is that the higher cognitive load of CW hinders learning relative to SW. To verify the learning potential of SW and CW, we selected 20 English academic TWs and conducted a pretest–posttest quasi-experiment with Polish advanced learners of English. First, all participants wrote a control essay (without TWs), then SW participants wrote sentences and CW participants wrote two essays, each with 10 TWs. Generalized linear mixed models revealed higher gains in breadth and depth of knowledge for SW than for CW, which contradicts the predictions of the ILH. Furthermore, to detect signs of cognitive load, we derived three task-based performance measurements from the compositions: holistic scores, number of errors, and words per minute. The measurements found that the control essay and essays with TWs were of similar quality (holistic scores), but that the control essay was written faster and with fewer errors than the other two. Concluding, using TWs in essays probably increased learners’ cognitive load, slowing down their writing, generating more errors, and ultimately, decreasing learning of the TWs.