bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregabalin-Induced Parkinsonism: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ali Hossam Tharwat , Khalil Sara Abdelhameed , Caprara Ana Leticia Fornari , Rissardo Jamir Pitton
Published: April 2024

Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug approved for the treatment of neuropathic pain and focal-onset seizures. In a few cases, pregabalin was associated with parkinsonism. We present a case of a 48-year-old female who had hypertension and was on losartan 50 mg/daily. Her general practitioner prescribed pregabalin 150 mg/daily for fibromyalgia-related pain. The subject doubled the dosage without medical advice. After 5 days of the increased dosage, she started to experience difficulty and slowness in movement associated with resting tremors. Neuroimaging, electrodiagnostic studies, and laboratory exams were unremarkable. Secondary parkinsonism was suspected, so pregabalin was discontinued. The subject fully recovered within 7 days. To the authors’ knowledge, only 6 cases of pregabalin-induced parkinsonism were reported in the literature. Pregabalin discontinuation was the most common management. All individuals fully recovered after pregabalin withdrawal. The mechanism of pregabalin-induced parkinsonism is not fully understood.
Wear monitoring of micro-milling tools based on Improved Siamese Neural Network
Authors: Zheng Gang , Lv Xinfeng , Zhang Xu , Hua Zhijie
Published: April 2024

Micro-milling is employed for the precise machining of small components with intricate characteristics, and the quality of micro-milling is significantly influenced by the uncertainty surrounding tool wear. Monitoring the wear status of micro-milling tools holds great significance in enhancing machining efficiency and sustainability. In this work, wear monitoring of micro-milling tools method was proposed based on Improved Siamese Neural Network. The Improved Siamese Neural Network used two different global feature extraction networks. The features were input into the t improved Siamese neural network model for similarity score calculation and anomaly detection, which improves the detection accuracy of the abnormal state of micro-milling tool wear. In addition, Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) data augmentation is used to address the issue of abnormal data imbalance during the data preparation stage. The experiments show that the classification accuracy and the precision of the model on the micro-milling tool wear dataset is 92.15% and 93.32% respectively, indicating that the model has good stability and effectiveness.
Lean and sustainability assessment in the sawmill industry using Sus-VSM: A case study in the context of Fiji
Authors: Sharma Jaishneel Krishant , Ananthanarayanan Rajeshkannan , Seenivasagam Devi Rengamani
Published: April 2024

Waste from the perspective of lean manufacturing and sustainability has a huge influence on economic, environmental, and societal aspects. The inefficiency of the current manufacturing systems poses a huge risk to small and medium size sawmills going out of business as current prices of fossil fuel and associated emissions continue to rise at an alarming rate. In this case study, a local sawmill has been investigated to improve process efficiency using sustainable value stream mapping in the context of Fiji. The produced timber with the highest demand is selected as the product and a complete assessment is done on the downstream operation to compile data and develop the current state map. The current state map incorporates sustainability pillars to address the lacking factors such as energy and water consumption, raw material usage, labor physical load, and workspace noise level along with standard lean manufacturing time-based metrics. Sustainable value stream mapping allowed the research team along with a panel of experts to identify processor 2 as the root cause of bottlenecking, unnecessary material movement/transportation, and high physical load index score. Implementing a multi-blade horizontal bandsaw in place of processor 2 reduces; energy consumption for transport, energy consumption for processing, VAT, NVAT, process water consumption, raw material usage, and carbon emission by; 34.9%, 8.72%, 6.37%, 20%, 24.71%, 3.05%, and 10.33% respectively without compromising productivity. The findings of this research suggest evaluating and assessing sustainability performance using Sus-VSM in the sawmill industry unveils potential economic, environmental, and societal benefits.
Digital ethical reflection in home nursing care: Nurse leaders’ and nurses’ experiences
Authors: Jakobsen Lena , Olsen Rose Mari , Brinchmann Berit Støre , Devik Siri Andreassen
Published: April 2024

Background

Nurse leaders increasingly need effective tools that facilitate the prioritisation of ethics and help staff navigate ethical challenges and prevent moral distress. This study examined experiences with a new digital tool for ethical reflection, tailored to improve the capabilities of both leaders and employees in the context of municipal long-term care.

Aim

The aim was to explore the experiences of nurse leaders and nurses in using Digital Ethical Reflection as a tool for ethics work in home nursing care.

Research design

The study employed a qualitative design, incorporating individual and focus group interviews for data collection. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Participants and research context

The participants comprised six nurse leaders and 13 nurses, representing six home care zones across two Norwegian municipalities.

Ethical considerations

The study involved informed, voluntary participation and was approved by the Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research.

Findings

Four themes were developed: a constant walk on the edge between engagement and discouragement and lost in translation describe the process, while tuning in to the ethical dimension and navigating ethical uncertainties illuminate the experienced significance of Digital Ethical Reflection.

Conclusion

Success with Digital Ethical Reflection in home nursing care depends on clear leadership planning, nurses’ understanding of the tool’s purpose, and active use of digital registrations. Support from ethically interested nurses enhances overall engagement. Further research is needed to explore the potential of Digital Ethical Reflection as an additional tool in long-term care ethics work.
The Impact of Provider Experience on Central Line Malposition
Authors: Lucena Michelle H. , Liszewski Mark C. , Kim Mimi , Xie Xianhong , LaTuga M. Susan
Published: April 2024

Background

Central lines are frequently used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Incorrectly positioned central lines are associated with increased complications. Central line malposition has been related to prematurity, catheter size, and small-for-gestation-age status. The impact of provider experience on proper central line positioning has not been established.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, neonates had central lines placed within the first 10 days of life. Central lines included umbilical artery catheters (UAC), umbilical vein catheters (UVC), and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). Central line malposition was confirmed with thoracoabdominal radiography. Different providers with various months/years of experience were coded. Logistic regression models were fit to adjust for potential confounders of the association of years of experience with line malposition.

Results

Between 2019 and 2021, 301 neonates had 616 central lines. 66% (405/616) of all central lines were malpositioned. The median years of providers’ experience who placed malpositioned and properly positioned lines were 1.93 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.03–5.48) years and 2.17 (IQR: 1.38–4.85) years, respectively ( P = .78). The distribution of malposition lines was UVC 49% (199/405), UAC 20.5% (83/405), and PICC 30.5% (123/405). Only UVC was significantly associated with malposition ( P = .002).

Conclusions

Malposition of central lines frequently occurred in the NICU and was associated with UVC placement, irrespective of the provider’s experience who accessed it. Anatomical variations in neonates with different gestational ages and birth weights may mean that current methods to estimate insertion depth can be misleading. Future interventions should involve novel techniques of confirming real-time positioning during insertion rather than focusing on placement calculations.
Do We Know Whether to Laugh or Cry? User Responses to @Ukraine’s Dark-humour Meme
Authors: Dynel Marta
Published: April 2024

This study investigates international users’ reception of a dark-humour meme tweeted by Ukraine’s governmental Twitter (X) account on 7 December 2021 as part of its exceptional cultural practice of posting humorous memes. Tweeters’ responses to the ‘headaches meme’ are examined through a discourse-analytic lens. An emphasis is placed on the appreciation of the humour (emanating from the meme or its contextual embedding) and other forms of humour support demonstrated by its online indicators. The overarching aim is to distil and compare user reactions to the meme in two sociopolitical contexts—before and after the invasion of Ukraine that Russia mounted on 24 February 2022—based on two equal quote tweet samples. While the findings reveal a relative decrease in humour appreciation after the invasion, the same diversified reactions encompassing humour support or its lack and politically polarised discourses making for participatory digital warfare are detected in both parts of the dataset.
Can Digital Skills Empower Disadvantaged Castes and Women? Evidence From India
Authors: Liu Che-Wei , Saldanha Terence J.V. , Mithas Sunil
Published: April 2024

How do digital skills influence individuals’ wages in contexts where caste-based and gender-based social stratification play an important role? We draw on sociology and economics literature to argue that the returns to digital skills in such contexts are shaped by caste and gender, and that digital skills empower disadvantaged individuals to increase their wages. Our empirical analysis of a rich micro-dataset on more than 20,000 individuals across all states in India from two waves of Indian Human Development Survey in 2005 and 2011 yields two key findings. First, we find that the positive returns to digital skills are greater for individuals from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India than for individuals from other castes. Second, we find that the returns to digital skills are greater for women than for men. We also find that movement up the skilled occupation ladder is a mechanism that mediates the relationship between digital skills and wages. Our post hoc exploratory analyses suggest that among individuals from the lowest castes (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes), the returns to digital skills are greater for women than for men, and that returns to digital skills are lower in regions with less developed infrastructure and lower literacy rates than in other regions. We discuss the implications of our findings for diversity, equity, and inclusion research in operations management.
The Impact of Writing Direction on Order-Picking Performance: Evidence on Diversity and Efficiency in Operations Management
Authors: Loske Dominic , Klumpp Matthias , De Vries Jelle , Bührmann Andrea D , Giese Julia , Lübke Joachim
Published: April 2024

Language system diversity is a source of individual differences. Research on human cognition has established that writing direction influences non-linguistic mental schemata such as spatial orientation. However, there is little empirical evidence of its impact on task performance. We examine whether task performance in manual order-picking is higher when the in-aisle travel direction follows the writing direction of order pickers. We conducted this study in cooperation with a German brick-and-mortar grocery retailer, allowing us to employ a unique real-world data set comprising 3,200,534 storage-location visits by 113 order pickers, 61 of whom had a left-to-right and 52 a right-to-left writing direction. Our statistical analyses suggest that order-picking task performance improves when the in-aisle travel direction follows individual writing direction. This creates a path to diversity-inspired operations management that treats efficiency and the diversity and inclusion of human workers as equally important for optimization.
Dark Inquiries
Authors: Koro Mirka
Published: April 2024

(Methodological) darkness returns. Metodologisen pimeyden elementit kutsuvat laadulliseen tutkimukseen. Hesitant dark inquiries sensitize qualitative scholars toward relationality, whereas living dark futures may stimulate various contextual practices and situational inquiry processes. Metodologisen pimeyden moninaisuus ja hetkellinen läheisyys aktivoivat tutkijaa ja tutkimusprosesseja. In this article, dark and darkness, in their different affective, geographical, processual, linguistic, cultural, and relational forms, connects with qualitative inquiry, methodological processes, and ways of living and knowing.
Recovery Animals in Toxicology Studies: An Innovation and Quality Consortium Perspective on Best Practices With Case Study Examples
Authors: Salian-Mehta Smita , Smith James D. , Flandre Thierry D. , Lambert Amy L. , Lane Joan H. , Stokes Alan H. , Orsted Kathy , Bratcher-Petersen Natalie A. , Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Tonkin Elizabeth G.
Published: April 2024

The inclusion of recovery animals in nonclinical safety studies that support clinical trials is undertaken with a wide diversity of approaches even while operating under harmonized regulatory guidance. While empirical evaluation of reversibility may enhance the overall nonclinical risk assessment, there are often overlooked opportunities to reduce recovery animal use by leveraging robust scientific and regulatory information. In the past, there were several attempts to benchmark recovery practices; however, recommendations have not been consistently applied across the pharmaceutical industry. A working group (WG) sponsored by the 3Rs Translational and Predictive Sciences Leadership Group of the IQ Consortium conducted a survey of current industry practice related to the evaluation of reversibility/recovery in repeat dose toxicity studies. Discussion among the WG representatives included member company strategies and case studies that highlight challenges and opportunities for continuous refinements in the use of recovery animals. The case studies presented in this paper demonstrate increasing alignment with the Society of Toxicologic Pathology recommendations (2013) towards (1) excluding recovery phase cohorts by default (include only when scientifically justified), (2) minimizing the number of recovery groups (e.g., control and one dose level), and (3) excluding controls in the recovery cohort by leveraging external and/or dosing phase data. Recovery group exclusion and decisions regarding the timing of reversibility evaluation may be driven by indication, modality, and/or other scientific or strategic factors using a weight of evidence approach. The results and recommendations discussed present opportunities to further decrease animal use without impacting the quality of human risk assessment.
Queer Indigenous screen representation: beyond a gift from the past or a problem to be solved
Authors: O’Sullivan (Wiradjuri) Sandy , Reardon-Smith Han , Blakers Alana , Miller Teyah
Published: April 2024

Indigenous characters on screen have often been positioned as a gift from the past with innate heroic characteristics, or a problem to be solved in the form of the sad Indigenous person who cannot rise above colonial rule. That these archetypes are framed as positive in their representation is at odds with the need to have representations of the complexity of First Nations peoples. With queer Indigenous representation, characters become reduced to type, frequently reduced to representations of belligerence and difference, or unsubtle complexity that would be challenged in a non-Indigenous queer character. In this article and through the findings of our project Queer As . . ., we argue that this results in fewer Indigenous characters named as queer, we discuss some of the difficulties of casting and being cast as these characters, and we interrogate how the presence of queer Indigenous characters can deliver a more complete retelling of the world.
“Recasting sorcery as critical psycho-social commentary, moral discourse, and local psychotherapy”
Authors: Rasmussen Susan
Published: April 2024

This article critically reflects on future directions in cross-cultural psychiatry and cultural psychology by engaging the challenges of interpreting psycho-social theories of causation and evidence in what is conventionally called “sorcery” in anthropology. This anthropologist argues that sorcery, notwithstanding its status as an older, classic topic in the history of anthropology and its seemingly “exotic” reputation, has continuing value in recent efforts to de-colonize the study of local ontology and moral personhood, in particular, in contexts of transcultural encounters. The focus here is on an incident in a Saharan Tuareg community that is locally-defined as “sorcery” (called ark echaghel in Tamajaq, their Amazigh language). Many Tuareg, predominantly Muslim, traditionally semi-nomadic, and socially-ranked, have experienced socio-economic and ecological upheavals, armed conflicts, and settled life in towns. This analysis examines a case of sorcery practice and its social context—of a transcultural encounter between a smith/artisan and a tourist and its aftermath—of diagnosis and commentary by an Islamic scholar—as moral discourse and local psycho-social treatment as critical commentary on and resistance to transcultural inequalities. The broader goal here is to suggest avenues to pursue by showing how sorcery reveals local ontology, moral discourse on evil, and culture theory. Thus, sorcery, rather than a “retrograde” or irrelevant topic, offers rich insights into local ontology’s psycho-social and political implications, thereby contributing to current concerns in transcultural psychiatry with social and political power asymmetries, critical epistemologies, and indigenous critiques that question universalizing absolutist psychological interpretations in cultural encounters.
Physical attributes of workout instructors and appearance-related messaging in a sample of home workout videos on YouTube: A content analysis
Authors: Chung Ha Gyoung , Wick Madeline R , Joo Caroline E , Harriger Jennifer A
Published: April 2024

Given the popularity of home workouts and effects of exposure to media messaging regarding appearance ideals, the purpose of this analysis was to examine the content of YouTube home workout videos. A sample of 298 YouTube home workout videos was coded for demographic factors and body shape of instructors and the presence of body positivity messaging, appearance-related messaging, and other relevant themes. All videos in the sample included detailed instructions and demonstrations of the exercises by instructors. The majority of the videos depicted young White women with low body fat and thin/athletic bodies with visible muscles. Instructors often focused on burning fat/calories but also emphasized body functionality, exercising for fun/enjoyment, and the importance of taking care of one’s body. Overall, findings demonstrate that workout instructors on YouTube conformed to unrealistic, narrowly defined appearance ideals present in Western culture, but the messaging in the videos contained many positive and affirming qualities.
Hyperlocal citizen journalism in Hong Kong: Resilience through community newspapers
Authors: Fang Kecheng , Feng Mengzhe , Tse Chun Hong
Published: April 2024

Despite severe political pressures on journalism and civil society after the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, over 20 community newspapers have continued their operation. Through content analysis of 60 issues of the papers and in-depth interviews with over 20 individuals involved in their establishment and operation, this study aims to unravel their intriguing resilience. Findings reveal that these papers adopted two non-confrontational content strategies: identity politics and life politics. On the one hand, by publishing “soft” content, they construct local identities and provide counternarratives to official discourse. On the other hand, they foster discussions on everyday life issues, bridging personal experiences with political engagement. Operationally, the voluntary nature and decentralized, collaborative structures cultivate a strong sense of community. We argue that community papers in Hong Kong represent an intersection of citizen journalism and hyperlocal journalism, which creates a unique resilience under political pressure.
Positionality, relationality, place, and land: Considerations for ethical research with communities
Authors: Jadallah Christopher C
Published: April 2024

Attention to researcher positionality is an important component of qualitative research, particularly in research done with and for communities. However, discussions of researcher positionality are often limited in that they narrowly focus on positionality with respect to human research participants and whether the researcher is an insider or outsider. In this article, I build with the contributions of Indigenous scholarship to make a methodological argument for broadening our notions of positionality to consider relationality with respect to place and land. Relationality is a core tenet across many Indigenous epistemologies and research methodologies, and refers to the interconnected and mutually constitutive relationships between people and land. I argue that building and participating in relationships with land—as a core methodological consideration in qualitative research—can catalyze new possibilities for ethical research in which researchers are answerable to complex social and ecological relations in the places where they live and work.
Body mapping as a site to negotiate eating struggles and food insecurity for street-involved and homeless youth
Authors: Hyland Christina E. , Lee Eunjung
Published: April 2024

Inspired by critical trauma and embodiment theories, this study aims to illustrate how an arts-based approach such as body mapping assists in exploring the lived experiences of youth, potentially serving as a trauma-informed approach. This qualitative study collaborated with street-involved and homeless youth (SIHY) who have eating struggles while living in situations of food insecurity and other forms of oppression. Eleven participants partook in three individual face-to-face interview sessions and one arts-based body map activity, respectively, at a local SIHY resource centre in a metropolitan city in Canada. Guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), our findings illustrated how body mapping (1) enabled a deepened understanding of SIHY’s eating struggles as both a form of suffering and an embodied means of coping with food insecurity and other systemic and relational trauma(s); (2) provided a transformative experience leading to greater self-compassion and healing; and (3) served as a trauma-informed method that fostered choice and validation. We attest that, as a creative and supportive clinical and research tool, body mapping taps into the unspoken, expressive, embodied, and somatic aspects of eating struggles, food insecurity, poverty, and other forms of oppression deepening knowledge and informing social work research and practice.
Collaborations Between Community Corrections and Community Organizations: Understanding their Potential for System-Involved Women and Gender Responsive Programming
Authors: Opsal Tara , Luxton India
Published: April 2024

Central to gender responsive programming is providing holistic resources to women. Here, we examine the possibilities of using collaborations between community corrections agencies and community-based organizations to meet the unique needs of women. We draw on fieldwork at a community corrections agency for women alongside interviews with them, staff, and community organizations. In doing so, we illustrate how different stakeholders viewed the unique benefits of these collaborations in terms of their ability to advance gender responsive principles. Simultaneously, we illuminate how correctional organizational priorities—including those designed to advance gender responsive principles—can stymie the development of these collaborations.
Exploring Age-Related Variations in Carpal Bone Volume: Implications for Clinical Practice and Anatomical Understanding
Authors: Ganhewa Aparna D. , Seth Ishith , Wu Rui , Chae Michael P. , Tobin Vicky , Smith Julian A. , Hunter-Smith David J. , Rozen Warren M.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Clinically recognizing the changes in carpal bone volumes and understanding their implications in predicting osteoarthritis (OA) is crucial in clinical practice This study aimed to explore age-related differences in carpal bone volumes across genders, leveraging computed tomography (CT) wrist scans to create 3D surface models of these bones.

Methods:

Carpal bone volumes were calculated using the 3D Slicer software from CT scans obtained from Frankston Hospital and additional datasets from Brown and Auckland Universities. The data were statistically processed using Stata V13. Double-sided P-values < .05 were considered statistically significant. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards laid out in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results:

A total of 181 patients were analyzed, and 48% of whom were female. A statistically significant positive Spearman correlation (rho = 0.37-0.611, P <.05) was observed between increasing age and the volume of all surveyed carpal bones (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, hamate, capitate, and trapezium) across genders. Intrauser and interuser reliabilities for 3D Slicer–generated volumes of trapezium and pisiform bones were statistically significant, with Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values of 0.86 and 0.95, respectively.

Conclusion:

Trapezial volumes increase with age, potentially due to the presence of OA and consequent osteophyte formation. This pattern is more prevalent among older individuals and women. However, the positive correlation between carpal bone volume and age was consistent across all carpal bones and both genders, regardless of OA presence. These findings suggest that carpal bone volume may naturally increase with age, independent of OA-related changes.

Level of Evidence:

III, cohort study.
Influenza vaccination in community pharmacy: A cross-sectional survey of Canadian adults’ knowledge, attitude and beliefs
Authors: Houle Sherilyn K. D. , Johal Ajit , Roumeliotis Paul , Roy Bertrand , Boivin Wendy
Published: April 2024

Background:

In Canada, influenza vaccination rates are below recommended targets, with pharmacies the leading setting for vaccine administration. This work aimed to determine the Canadian public’s current knowledge, attitudes and practices related to pharmacy-based influenza vaccination services.

Methods:

We surveyed 3000 Canadian residents aged ≥18 years using a cross-sectional, self-reported, online structured questionnaire between December 5 and 21, 2022. A representative survey population was recruited from the Léger Opinion (LEO) consumer panel. Data were weighted by age, region and gender, based on 2021 census data.

Results:

During the 2022–2023 season, 56.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54%-59.2%) of respondents reported receiving an influenza vaccine at a pharmacy, including 57.5% (95% CI, 54.2%-60.8%) of respondents considered to be at high risk of complications from influenza. Among respondents previously vaccinated at a pharmacy, 94.1% (95% CI, 91%-97.2%) were satisfied with the experience, citing convenience, accessibility and availability as factors influencing their decision. Among all respondents, 29.3% (95% CI, 27.5%-31.1%) reported that a pharmacist’s recommendation for the influenza vaccine would affect their decision to be vaccinated, yet only 10.4% (95% CI, 5.9%-15%) who had discussions with a pharmacist specifically discussed the importance of influenza vaccination.

Conclusion:

Canadians are satisfied with pharmacy-based influenza vaccinations and value pharmacist recommendations. Pharmacists have an opportunity to boost influenza vaccination coverage in Canada by providing counselling on the importance of influenza vaccination to those seeking their advice on other health care needs, including younger adults and those with risk factors for serious illness from influenza.
Deconstructing Peter Goodrich’s Contract with Law
Authors: Campbell David
Published: April 2024

Peter Goodrich has taught the law of contract for more than 25 years. This is not reflected in his huge body of writing, of which his papers directly on or relating to the law of contract are only a minor part. These papers, however, shed a light on the legal theory for which he is now famous because of the way their direct engagement with a body of conventional doctrine is conducted. Goodrich’s approach is, of course, critical and deconstructive, but an intriguing theme emerges. One finds that the erudition about literary and theoretical issues that characterises his work extends to an ability to convincingly address the detail of the doctrine he criticises, so that that criticism is far from being merely negative. Goodrich is perhaps the living legal academic of whom one can least say that he avoids rhetorical and comic flourishes in the way he expresses himself. But his writings on contract are further evidence of the seriousness of his approach to the criticism of law.
An examination of pre-activity and post-activity training practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and Division III baseball coaches
Authors: Judge Lawrence W , Vasiloff Olivia , Swim Nicholas , Smith Adam , Fox Brian , Craig Bruce , Bellar David
Published: April 2024

Baseball includes complex multi-joint and multi-planar activities involving a majority of the musculature of the body. Research pertaining to training practices including pre-activity and post-activity stretching continues to evolve along with related sport science recommendations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the pre-activity and post-activity warm-up, stretching, and training practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and Division III baseball coaches. A total of 686 questionnaires were distributed via email to head collegiate baseball coaches from NCAA Division I and III universities. The questionnaire was designed to gather demographic, professional, and educational information, as well as specific pre-activity and post-activity stretching usage by the coaches. The responses were examined by computing frequency counts and means where applicable. For the statistical analysis, both SPSS version 27.0 and JMP version 13.0 software packages were utilized. Pearson's Chi-squared tests were run where applicable. Results indicated just over 77% of coaches in the present study affirmed the importance of a pre-activity dynamic warmup. When comparing coaching specific certification to pre-activity flexibility practices, it is clear not all coaches comply with suggested pre-activity flexibility recommendations. This study indicates it is important for baseball coaches to re-evaluate their own practices, perhaps cross-checking them with practices of their peers and staying current with ongoing research.
Scoring probability model based on service landing location and ranking points in men’s professional tennis matches
Authors: Shimizu Fumiya , Konaka Eiji
Published: April 2024

Service is regarded as the most crucial shot in tennis matches, and hence affects the outcome. This study aims to construct a mathematical model that expresses the scoring probability of service shots. Here, “scoring” means that the server wins points in subsequent rallies after a service. The explanatory variables are the service landing location and the ranking points of the players (logarithms of ranking points for the two players). The model construction method is a stepwise regression of the generalized linear model. The model is constructed using more than 110,000 service shots from Association of Tennis Professionals Tour tournaments of 2019. The model comprises four service situations: first/second and ad/deuce sides. The developed model reveals the following facts: in the first service, advantageous locations for the servers are not symmetric between the advantage and deuce sides. Higher-ranked players can win more points than lower-ranked players even if their shots land in easy locations, that is, in the middle of the service court.
How do European and non-European players differ: Evidence from EuroLeague basketball with multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Çene Erhan , Özdalyan Fırat , Parim Coşkun , Mancı Egemen , İnan Tuğbay
Published: April 2024

This study has multiple purposes and these are (i) to divide EuroLeague players into clusters according to their statistics and positions, (ii) to examine the clusters according to the players’ characteristics and their continents of origin, and (iii) to compare statistics of European and non-European EuroLeague basketball players according to their positions. Dataset is based on the 2020–2021 EuroLeague season. Similarities and differences between players are explained by using the t-test/Mann-Whitney U test, effect sizes, Cluster Analysis (CA), and Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS). Six different MDS maps have been introduced to separate guards, forwards, and centers in terms of performance indicators (including both raw and per 40 min statistics). Moreover, the vast majority of MDS maps revealed for all positions are visualized with six clusters. MDS Results show that players playing in similar positions and exhibiting similar performances in the EuroLeague are on the same maps. Also, the results prove that European and non-European basketball players have different playing styles and certain clusters are dominated by either European or non-European players. The information to be obtained from this study may benefit on basketball players, coaches, and managers regarding various issues (player development plan and player transfer policy).
Real-world study of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Li Jinghuan , Quan Bing , Liu Wenfeng , Zhao Menglong , Yao Fan , Chen Rongxin , Ren Zhenggang , Yin Xin
Published: April 2024

Background:

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) present a poor prognosis. Current systemic therapies offer limited benefits. Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is a local regional treatment for advanced HCC, particularly in selected patients such as patients with PVTT or high intrahepatic tumor burden.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of HAIC combined with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for HCC patients with PVTT, and explore factors related to survival prognosis, providing clues for treatment decisions for HCC patients.

Design:

This is a single-center retrospective study conducted over 2 years on consecutive PVTT patients receiving HAIC combined anti-PD-1 antibodies.

Methods:

The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting OS. Treatment-associated adverse events were evaluated as well.

Results:

A total of 119 patients were analyzed. The median OS and PFS were 14.9 months and 6.9 months. A total of 31.1% of grade 3–4 adverse events were reported, with elevated transaminase and total bilirubin being the most common. The independent variables correlated with survival include treatment-related alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response, the presence of extrahepatic organ metastasis, absolute value of platelet (PLT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and combined usage of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Conclusion:

In HCC patients with PVTT, combination therapy with HAIC and anti-PD-1 antibodies might be a promising therapy. The efficacy and safety of this combination protocol on patients with HCC complicated by PVTT warrants further investigation prospectively, especially in combination with TKIs.
Toward Healthy Underground Spaces: A Review of Underground Environmental Design Factors and Their Impacts on Users' Physiological and Psychological Health
Authors: Baek Daehwa , Baek Jeongyeop , Noh Jaechang , Oh Yeinn , Lim Lisa
Published: April 2024

Objective:

This study aims to review and synthesize what design factors are associated with the physiological and psychological health of occupants in underground spaces.

Background:

The development of underground spaces offers options to global challenges, such as traffic congestion, urban overcrowding, the revitalization of dormant underground areas, disaster mitigation, and adaptation to extreme environments. Despite these advantages, concerns persist about potential adverse effects on human health in these environments. This situation underlines the necessity of systematically identifying concerns and perceptions related to health in underground spaces.

Methods:

A narrative literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between design factors and health factors across 21 empirical studies. Based on the review of the identified literature, a relationship diagram was developed to depict the interconnections between the identified design and health factors.

Results:

The analysis identified design factors related to the air, sound, light, nature, transport, and spatial context of underground spaces, each of which exerted relationships with occupants’ physiological and psychological health factors. The relationship diagram indicated that the psychological factor “feeling of confinement” was mentioned most frequently, suggesting that it is one of the most extensively researched factors in this context.

Conclusions:

The relationship diagram aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap and set the stage for future research endeavors. The ultimate goal is to refine urban living standards by leveraging the potential of underground spaces while ensuring health and well-being.
Additively manufactured bioceramic scaffolds based on triply periodic minimal surfaces for bone regeneration
Authors: Zhu Hong , Wang Jinsi , Wang Shengfa , Yang Yue , Chen Meiyi , Luan Qifei , Liu Xiaochuan , Lin Ziheng , Hu Jiaqi , Man Kenny , Zhang Jingying
Published: April 2024

The study focused on the effects of a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) scaffolds, varying in porosity, on the repair of mandibular defects in New Zealand white rabbits. Four TPMS configurations (40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% porosity) were fabricated with β-tricalcium phosphate bioceramic via additive manufacturing. Scaffold properties were assessed through scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing. For proliferation and adhesion assays, mouse bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured on these scaffolds. In vivo, the scaffolds were implanted into rabbit mandibular defects for 2 months. Histological staining evaluated osteogenic potential. Moreover, RNA-sequencing analysis and RT-qPCR revealed the significant involvement of angiogenesis-related factors and Hippo signaling pathway in influencing BMSCs behavior. Notably, the 70% porosity TPMS scaffold exhibited optimal compressive strength, superior cell proliferation, adhesion, and significantly enhanced osteogenesis and angiogenesis. These findings underscore the substantial potential of 70% porosity TPMS scaffolds in effectively promoting bone regeneration within mandibular defects.
Palliative Care in the Community: The Greek Version of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT™)
Authors: Bouri Maria , Sakellari Evanthia , Krentiris Dimitrios , Lagiou Areti
Published: April 2024

Introduction/Objectives:

Systematic identification of persons with palliative care needs constitutes a major challenge for promoting palliative care in all levels of the health system, including primary care. The aim of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and content validate Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) for use in the Greek primary care context. Secondary objectives were to probe the use of SPICT-GR in exemplary case vignettes, to discuss the clarity and comprehensibility of its content as well as the appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility of the tool within the Greek primary care.

Methods:

The Greek translation and cross-cultural adaptation of SPICT™ followed World Health Organization recommendations for translation and adaptation of instruments. For this purpose a working group was set up consisting of 2 senior researchers, a primary care professional with postgraduate training in Palliative Medicine and a general practitioner (GP) with special interest in primary palliative care. Three focus groups comprised of health professionals (n = 23) working in primary care settings participated in the pilot testing phase. Participants also completed a questionnaire including rating their perceptions on tool’s utility and feasibility as well as on the clarity and relevance of its items. Thematic analysis was used for focus groups discussions on how the tool was perceived and interpreted by health professionals in a Greek healthcare context and descriptive statistics for the quantitative analysis of the questionnaire data.

Results:

The majority assessed the tool as useful (65%), considered its implementation in primary care as feasible (91%) and rated its items as “relevant” or “very relevant” and “clear” or “very clear.” Three themes emerged from focus groups discussions: Guiding clinical practice and facilitating collaboration; promoting comprehensive care and awareness for palliative care; applicability in and suitability for primary care.

Conclusions:

SPICT-GR™ was identified as a practical and applicable tool for primary care, a source of guidance for the comprehensive identification of patients’ palliative care needs, promoting awareness on palliative care and facilitating a shared language among health care professionals.
Research Front and Future Prospect: A Bibliometric Study of Metaphor Comprehension
Authors: Wang Xunian , Sun Yi
Published: April 2024

Metaphor comprehension is an important component in the process of constructing metaphorical thinking. Therefore, the topic of “metaphor comprehension” should be a crucial part of metaphor studies. This study uses Bibliometrix to conduct a bibliometric study of research on metaphor comprehension from 2013 to 2023, focusing on the knowledge structure, the hot spots, and the research fronts. The co-citation analysis shows that the Contemporary Theory of Metaphor (CTM) in Cognitive Linguistics has provided the dominant knowledge foundation for the research of metaphor comprehension. A large number of hypotheses from CTM not only provide theoretical guidance for the current understanding of metaphor but also provide a reference for experimental paradigms. The coupling analysis shows that most of the influential studies in the time span have conducted empirical studies, demonstrating the explanatory power of empirical results and the interdisciplinary trend of metaphor in psychology and neuroscience. In the past decade, theoretical approaches to metaphor comprehension have been divided into linguistic and interdisciplinary categories, in which different experimental paradigms and conditions were used to reveal the comprehension mechanism. However, while providing insights for metaphor comprehension study through the existing research results, the bibliometric analysis reflects that researchers should fully consider the gap between metaphor in use and metaphor in experiments. This may be mediated through the progress of metaphor comprehension models in different contexts. This study suggests that future research on metaphor comprehension should enrich their theoretical models, properly use or combine research methods and designs, and look into different types of research objects.
Impact of Social Media Use on the Life Satisfaction of Adolescents in South Korea Through Social Support and Social Capital
Authors: Choi Doo-Hun
Published: April 2024

This study investigated how social media use among South Korean adolescents influences life satisfaction, using two-wave panel survey data. Specifically, this study examined the mediating mechanism by which adolescents’ social media use is associated with their life satisfaction through social support and social capital. The results demonstrated that social support and social capital mediate the relationship between social media use and life satisfaction. Social media use is positively related to social support, and social support has a positive relationship with a higher level of social capital which, in turn, is related to a higher level of life satisfaction. This study improves our understanding of the relationship between social media use and adolescents’ life satisfaction and presents significant implications for those attempting to help such individuals promote their life satisfaction and mental health.
Turkish Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Relationship Mindfulness Measure in an Emerging Adult Sample
Authors: Taşkesen Nureda , Yıldırım Funda Barutçu
Published: April 2024

While latest research has accepted the importance of mindfulness in mental health, its role in interpersonal well-being receives less attention, including the necessary measurement tools. This study aimed to translate the Relationship Mindfulness Measure (RMM) into Turkish and explore its psychometric properties with unmarried Turkish emerging adults. A total of 191 university students (age range 18–29, M = 22.90, SD = 2.78) in committed romantic relationships participated in this study. The convergent validity analysis revealed a positive relation of RMM with trait mindfulness ( r = .47, p < .001) and a negative relation with negative affect ( r = −.21, p = .05). Internal and test-retest reliability of RMM was acceptable ( α = .78, r = .67). The unidimensional factor structure of 5-item RMM was supported, and no common method variance was observed. Overall, findings indicated that Turkish RMM is a valid and reliable measure to assess emerging adults’ relationship mindfulness.
Progress of Trade Facilitation in India: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Chauhan Vijay Singh , Singla Nikita
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the authors present a long-term quantitative assessment of the trade facilitative environment in India. This pioneering exercise uses average cargo release time as a performance indicator, drawing upon secondary data sources based on transaction-level digital timestamps, as distinct from perception-based global surveys. It concludes that the unsegregated average import cargo release time has improved from 14 days in 2010–2011 to 86 hours and 44 hours for marine and air cargo, respectively, in 2023, yet falling short of 48 hours and 24 hours respective target set by the government. Highlighting the trade facilitation measures that have worked, the paper recommends focusing on the quality of regulatory measures, infrastructural improvement and wider adoption for the next generation of reforms.

JEL Classifications: F1, F14, F18, F19